Disclaimer: I do not own Fruits Basket.
Easily Amused: A Cajun On The Edge
I had been carrying the book to my chest the entire for two reasons. One : I particulary interested in the fact the a LaFayette was in a Japanese family's book. Two: it was the only the thing keeping up this damn kimono!! It wasn't that I hadn't worn one before because my father brought one back from his travels to the country, but I honestly think this particular kimono was placed on me for the pure entertainment, whether it be perverted intentions or not, of me pulling at the shoulders every five seconds. It could be said that I felt like a piece of meat in this household. However, it was only person whose eyes I constantly felt upon me. Now what he thought as he stared at me, I don't even want to know. I think I could live the rest of my life at ease without knowing what goes on through Shigure's head. But as I sit across from him now, watching him read is newspaper, I can't help but wonder what lies behind that smile.
"I've been thinking....." No movement behind the paper. "About your offer of staying here..." Well that obviously grabbed his attention for he slowly lowered the paper and quirked an inquiring eyebrow at me.
"Oh?" I rested my head on my palm. I can't say I was tired. Maybe incredibly interested. In the time I had spent in the Sohma household, I had come to learn three things : Hatori despised me for some unknown reason that I would figure out later, I could hug a single male in this house because they would turn into an animal and then come back naked, which is something I would like to keep away from as long as possible, and Shigure thought I was attractive. The feelings were mutual. The man knew just what to do to make a girl's heart melt. But why did he think of me as attractive? That was something I wasn't able to figure out. I was practically the Steve Urkle of the female species and he, like the Johnny Depp.
"Yeah....I mean, don't you think it's odd that i'm in this book? And under the origin of your curse for that matter? I don't know, but maybe if it was my ancestor who started the curse, maybe I can end it.."
"You'd do that for the Sohma family?" I stared down at the book, memorizing every line of the portrait of myself. The resemblence was uncanny almost to the point where it would freak a sane woman out. But I asure all of you : I am far from sane. I just saw a man turn into a dog for God's sake.
"Well....yeah, sure I guess. What harm can be done? I'm obviously not going anywhere anytime soon. Besides, you have shown me nothing but hospitality." I stood up from the table and fidgeted with my kimono so that I would as little cleavage as possible. Even being in the same room with Shigure was making me think that an amateur video of....stop that Dusty!! I hastily moved across the dining room to go back to my own reserved bedroom, pausing at the doorway when a very interesting thought popped into my head. "Shigure....who undressed me and put me into this thing?"
"Why Dusty, it was me, of course." I cringed, having to physically stop myself from going into a pure act of rage. I gritted my teeth and turned back towards the pervert I chose to help out. His smirk quickly disappeared as he retreated back to his newspaper. "It was only fair." More than anything at this point, I wanted to strangle the man. So immature! I pulled the kimono back over my shoulder, which had chosen that moment to fall down, and stomped back to my room. I made sure he heard every step and every slide of a door.
I'm one of those people who likes to sing, even at the cost of everyone's hearing. I'm horrible and I know it, which makes the act so much more fun. Nothing else can bring a tear of joy to my eyes then seeing a choir girl cringe at my rendition of Shania Twain's "Man! I Feel Like A Woman". I was never partial to country or pop but I would automatically make it my favorite genre at the chance to see those snooty girls plug their ears from my flat low notes and sharp high notes. I didn't hate the girls, I just hated how they thought they were better than us outcasts because we couldn't get out of class for some stupid charity thingy or because we couldn't hit that one octave. I didn't really care if they got out of second period for a concert. It wouldn't take much for me to skip up to the teacher and ask to use the bathroom and return thirty minutes later at the end of period. What did I do for those thirty minutes? I basically roamed the halls and made goofy faces at my friends in the door's windows. Oh yeah! I'm SO interesting, aren't I?
This day wasn't any different except that the song actually meant something to me and I wasn't using my voice for the cruelty to choir girls. My mother was one of those soccer moms who listened to Mandy Moore on her way to the school to pick me up or on the way to Grandma's to pick up Meredith. So when one of us were upset, she's use the pop singer as a soothing way to calm us. I know what you're thinking, most moms use a classic song or something. Well, this is my mom. She's an artist so therefore she has different views. Anyway, this was one of those times. I wasn't sad, just lonely. For once in my life, my mother wasn't there to rock me in her arms and pat my hair, telling me everything would be okay. So I began my comfort song in hopes that maybe I could just pretend for a moment that she was there with me.
"There's a song that's inside of my soul, It's the one i've tried to write over and over again, I'm awake in the infinite cold, But you sing to me over and over again." I wrapped my long auburn hair up into a loose bun, not even noticing the few tendrils that hung over my neck. I then proceeded to uncover my shoulder from the kimono and examine the peeling skin as a result in touring Japan. If I had been looking at myself, I would have to honestly say I wasn't bad looking in that position. I sat down in front of the window, letting the soft rays warm me up. Ah, this was the life, except for the peeling shoulder skin. "So I lay my head back down, And I lift my hands and pray, to be only yours, I know now, you're my only hope." A soft rustle startled me from peaceful session of skin picking and my silver orbs darted to the now open door. I poked my head out just in time to see another door slide closed. I tiptoed down the hallway only to be interrupted by the chirping of a small bird. I didn't know they had any pets here. I instantly forgot of my spy and wandered in the opposite direction before coming upon the main house. I had never ventured this far away from Shigure before. In front of me was a room, quite like my own, and it sat a boy. Well he was frail enough to be called a boy. He could have very well been older. I stared for only a moment before I was swung from the doorway and slammed silently against the wall with a hot palm covering my mouth to silence any screams I might have. I let the shock wear off and finally notice that it was Shigure who had just attacked me! He seemed to be listening for something before peeking inside the room and sighing in relief.
I was growing tired of his little game by the second. My kimono was sliding off my shoulder by the second and there was NO way he was going to cop a peek at me like this. I bit his hand and opened my mouth to say something only to have it covered it again. I couldn't be that loud could I? I lightly pushed away from the room, careful of any loud noises. Apparently, the guy I spied on must've been a light sleeper and couldn't take being woken up by a nosey American very well. When we were finally out of hearing distance from the weird guy, I shoved Shigure's hand off my mouth.
"Just who the hell do you think you are bus-"
"Don't ever do that again." My features softened as I witnessed a hint of worry his dark eyes. This man was growing on me like a bad foot fungus.
"Okay...I won't." Liar. Of course I would. This was just too intriguing to pass by. I felt like I was in a really good Disney movie and this was either the Hunchback or that rose that they kept hidden. Now, I know my Disney movies, and finding out the mystery always leads you to some kind of prize. Either love or...well, love. It was a win-win situation, right? Shigure had already left the room I was standing in, which I guessed was a living room. Hey, it was equipped with a couch and that counts as a living room in my book. I plopped down on the couch, dozing off into a light sleep. I told you before, I can sleep anywhere at anytime. A gift. Truly.
I was rudely awakened by the smell of cigarette smoke. Normally this wouldn't bother me but I was without my allergy medicine, and low and behold, I found myself sneezing. Yes, of all things, i'm allergic to cigarette smoke.
"ATOOT! ATOOT!" I hated my damn sneeze. I sounded like a mouse having an asthma attack. I searched the room for the origin of the smoke but to no avail. I climbed from the couch and followed the scent. I would damned if i'd die in this house because of something like a cigarette. My nose did a quick twitch like that chick from Bewitched as I surveyed the halls and every room in my path for the nicotine craver. It was then that I bumped into something, or someone rather. He had the brightest reddish hair I had ever laid eyes upon and was rather cute.
"Watch where you're goin'." His hands were stuffed into his pockets and I found myself irritated with him immediatly. Who couldn't see my half naked form coming from mile away? "Stupid American." I SO take back the cute comment. I opened my mouth to protest, to perhaps show him I wasn't entirely stupid, when I spotted a thick cloud of cancer smoke. I glared into the room to hear the continuous typing and prayed that I had not stumbled upon Hatori. Maybe it was intentional. Maybe it was intentional. Maybe he WANTED my lungs to collapse into a pile of pink ash. Thankfully, it was just Shigure. He had pulled a table up behind him and set a cup, possibly liquor, for I heard all great writers were alcoholics at one time. I carefully pulled myself atop the table and cleared my throat with much difficulty. He turned around so quickly that it had almost knocked me off the sturdy piece of wood. He looked me up and down, a bit startled by my presence and the death glare I was sending upon him. But it wasn't exactly him I was glaring at. It was the nicotine hanging from his bottom lip. Most girls would use this opportunity to flirt and snatch the the cigarette from his lips. But most girls are not allergic to cigarette smoke.
"Is there something wrong Dusty?" I knew that perhaps my cleavage pouring from my kimono wasn't helping my situat-
"ATOOT! ATOOT! ATOOT!" He jumped back at my explosion of sneezes and I quickly yanked the cigarette from his mouth and ground it underneath my bare foot. I would feel the pain later, for sure.
"Hey! You didn't have to put it out!"
"Would you rather me die from sneezing?"
"A person can't die from sneezing!" There was some truth to that, I suppose. But I haven't read any tabloids lately so there was always that possiblity.
"Not true! Don't you know why people close their eyes when they sneeze? So their eyeballs won't pop out."
"That's ridiculous." Ridiculous? Sure. But it makes sense.
"Fine.....would you rather have my lungs collapse on me?"
"Point taken." I swear, some people...
"Um Dusty? Perhaps you would to wear something....a little more comfortable?" I follwed his gaze to my chest. Those things had such a mind of their own!! Uncontrollable! I nodded nervously.
"I know of a place. You can wear one of Tohru's uniforms until you find something that suits you better!" I could help but wonder why he was smiling so broadly.
Japanese school uniforms were NOT formed for tall American girls with a D-cup. I could feel my hands restlessly tug at the hem of the shorter than life skirt every second or so. The shirt covered enough but was extremely tight around my chest. Curse my genes, curse them! Judging by Shigure's smirk, however, one would think that the uniform was a gift from heaven. He obviously thought it was. I tugged once more at the hem following his suit clad body out of the front door.
We had stopped in front of a store branding the name 'Ayame'. I was still tugging at the skirt as Shigure held the door open for my entrance. We were greeted by a bubbly brunette and lead into the back room where a silver haired man tinkered with a wedding dress....that...he was ....wearing. I can handle this! I've seen 'Too Wong Fu' millions of times. What made this guy different from Patrick Swayze in a dress. Nothing. Absolutely nothing. He snapped from his work and ran over to Shigure and I.
"Shigure!!" So he was close to Shigure. No big deal. "Oh! Who is this? You haven't replaced me, have you?"
"No, Ayame. You're always number one on my list." Really...close. My heart plummeted about six hundred feet. Wow, I REALLY knew how to pick em. I suddenly felt sick. I didn't even realize that Shigure had introduced me and I was now being pulled towards a rack of clothing. I took this as a signal to start my shopping spree. I eagerly dived in. Hey, i've been deprived of malls for quite some time. I dug through the numerous maid and nurse costumes before suddenly catching the sound of a familiar voice. Was that...Nat King Cole?
"She was under the origin chapter.."
"Oh? You don't say...?" I snapped a couple of fingers to shush them in hopes of finding my long lost King. Ayame peered over my shoulder. "Are you looking...for something."
"I know this song! 'L is for the way you look at me, O is for the only one I see, V is very very extraordinay, E is even more than anyone that you adore can..." Ayame was quickly in front of me, gleaming with a sense of pride. Together, we sang the final verse. "Love is all that I can give to you, Love is more than just a game for two, Two in love can make, Take my heart but please don't break it, Love was made for me and you!!!"
"That one was for you Shigure!", Ayame said with a wink. There was that sick feeling again. I managed to find a couple pairs of decent jeans and a few shirts. Ayame's assisstant was more than thrilled to loan me a pair flip flops to wear outside. Usually, new outfits make my day, but this time, I felt sick to the very bone. Was my knight in a business suit....gay? We walked side by side in silence for a few moments before Shigure rested his arms on the back of his head.
"I'm hungry. What do you say to some takoyaki?" I glanced up at him. Food sounded nice but if it was anything like sushi, he was in for quite a show of regurgitation.
"Takoyaki? What's that?"
"A snack made from octopus." My stomach gurgled before the familiar feeling rose up to my throat. I ran for the nearest bush and well....you get the picture. Shigure was close behind me, not sure if he wanted to come any closer.
"Dusty? Was it something I said?"
This is getting somewhere. Next chapter will contain some waff. And Dusty will forgive Hatori's death attempts.
Easily Amused: A Cajun On The Edge
I had been carrying the book to my chest the entire for two reasons. One : I particulary interested in the fact the a LaFayette was in a Japanese family's book. Two: it was the only the thing keeping up this damn kimono!! It wasn't that I hadn't worn one before because my father brought one back from his travels to the country, but I honestly think this particular kimono was placed on me for the pure entertainment, whether it be perverted intentions or not, of me pulling at the shoulders every five seconds. It could be said that I felt like a piece of meat in this household. However, it was only person whose eyes I constantly felt upon me. Now what he thought as he stared at me, I don't even want to know. I think I could live the rest of my life at ease without knowing what goes on through Shigure's head. But as I sit across from him now, watching him read is newspaper, I can't help but wonder what lies behind that smile.
"I've been thinking....." No movement behind the paper. "About your offer of staying here..." Well that obviously grabbed his attention for he slowly lowered the paper and quirked an inquiring eyebrow at me.
"Oh?" I rested my head on my palm. I can't say I was tired. Maybe incredibly interested. In the time I had spent in the Sohma household, I had come to learn three things : Hatori despised me for some unknown reason that I would figure out later, I could hug a single male in this house because they would turn into an animal and then come back naked, which is something I would like to keep away from as long as possible, and Shigure thought I was attractive. The feelings were mutual. The man knew just what to do to make a girl's heart melt. But why did he think of me as attractive? That was something I wasn't able to figure out. I was practically the Steve Urkle of the female species and he, like the Johnny Depp.
"Yeah....I mean, don't you think it's odd that i'm in this book? And under the origin of your curse for that matter? I don't know, but maybe if it was my ancestor who started the curse, maybe I can end it.."
"You'd do that for the Sohma family?" I stared down at the book, memorizing every line of the portrait of myself. The resemblence was uncanny almost to the point where it would freak a sane woman out. But I asure all of you : I am far from sane. I just saw a man turn into a dog for God's sake.
"Well....yeah, sure I guess. What harm can be done? I'm obviously not going anywhere anytime soon. Besides, you have shown me nothing but hospitality." I stood up from the table and fidgeted with my kimono so that I would as little cleavage as possible. Even being in the same room with Shigure was making me think that an amateur video of....stop that Dusty!! I hastily moved across the dining room to go back to my own reserved bedroom, pausing at the doorway when a very interesting thought popped into my head. "Shigure....who undressed me and put me into this thing?"
"Why Dusty, it was me, of course." I cringed, having to physically stop myself from going into a pure act of rage. I gritted my teeth and turned back towards the pervert I chose to help out. His smirk quickly disappeared as he retreated back to his newspaper. "It was only fair." More than anything at this point, I wanted to strangle the man. So immature! I pulled the kimono back over my shoulder, which had chosen that moment to fall down, and stomped back to my room. I made sure he heard every step and every slide of a door.
I'm one of those people who likes to sing, even at the cost of everyone's hearing. I'm horrible and I know it, which makes the act so much more fun. Nothing else can bring a tear of joy to my eyes then seeing a choir girl cringe at my rendition of Shania Twain's "Man! I Feel Like A Woman". I was never partial to country or pop but I would automatically make it my favorite genre at the chance to see those snooty girls plug their ears from my flat low notes and sharp high notes. I didn't hate the girls, I just hated how they thought they were better than us outcasts because we couldn't get out of class for some stupid charity thingy or because we couldn't hit that one octave. I didn't really care if they got out of second period for a concert. It wouldn't take much for me to skip up to the teacher and ask to use the bathroom and return thirty minutes later at the end of period. What did I do for those thirty minutes? I basically roamed the halls and made goofy faces at my friends in the door's windows. Oh yeah! I'm SO interesting, aren't I?
This day wasn't any different except that the song actually meant something to me and I wasn't using my voice for the cruelty to choir girls. My mother was one of those soccer moms who listened to Mandy Moore on her way to the school to pick me up or on the way to Grandma's to pick up Meredith. So when one of us were upset, she's use the pop singer as a soothing way to calm us. I know what you're thinking, most moms use a classic song or something. Well, this is my mom. She's an artist so therefore she has different views. Anyway, this was one of those times. I wasn't sad, just lonely. For once in my life, my mother wasn't there to rock me in her arms and pat my hair, telling me everything would be okay. So I began my comfort song in hopes that maybe I could just pretend for a moment that she was there with me.
"There's a song that's inside of my soul, It's the one i've tried to write over and over again, I'm awake in the infinite cold, But you sing to me over and over again." I wrapped my long auburn hair up into a loose bun, not even noticing the few tendrils that hung over my neck. I then proceeded to uncover my shoulder from the kimono and examine the peeling skin as a result in touring Japan. If I had been looking at myself, I would have to honestly say I wasn't bad looking in that position. I sat down in front of the window, letting the soft rays warm me up. Ah, this was the life, except for the peeling shoulder skin. "So I lay my head back down, And I lift my hands and pray, to be only yours, I know now, you're my only hope." A soft rustle startled me from peaceful session of skin picking and my silver orbs darted to the now open door. I poked my head out just in time to see another door slide closed. I tiptoed down the hallway only to be interrupted by the chirping of a small bird. I didn't know they had any pets here. I instantly forgot of my spy and wandered in the opposite direction before coming upon the main house. I had never ventured this far away from Shigure before. In front of me was a room, quite like my own, and it sat a boy. Well he was frail enough to be called a boy. He could have very well been older. I stared for only a moment before I was swung from the doorway and slammed silently against the wall with a hot palm covering my mouth to silence any screams I might have. I let the shock wear off and finally notice that it was Shigure who had just attacked me! He seemed to be listening for something before peeking inside the room and sighing in relief.
I was growing tired of his little game by the second. My kimono was sliding off my shoulder by the second and there was NO way he was going to cop a peek at me like this. I bit his hand and opened my mouth to say something only to have it covered it again. I couldn't be that loud could I? I lightly pushed away from the room, careful of any loud noises. Apparently, the guy I spied on must've been a light sleeper and couldn't take being woken up by a nosey American very well. When we were finally out of hearing distance from the weird guy, I shoved Shigure's hand off my mouth.
"Just who the hell do you think you are bus-"
"Don't ever do that again." My features softened as I witnessed a hint of worry his dark eyes. This man was growing on me like a bad foot fungus.
"Okay...I won't." Liar. Of course I would. This was just too intriguing to pass by. I felt like I was in a really good Disney movie and this was either the Hunchback or that rose that they kept hidden. Now, I know my Disney movies, and finding out the mystery always leads you to some kind of prize. Either love or...well, love. It was a win-win situation, right? Shigure had already left the room I was standing in, which I guessed was a living room. Hey, it was equipped with a couch and that counts as a living room in my book. I plopped down on the couch, dozing off into a light sleep. I told you before, I can sleep anywhere at anytime. A gift. Truly.
I was rudely awakened by the smell of cigarette smoke. Normally this wouldn't bother me but I was without my allergy medicine, and low and behold, I found myself sneezing. Yes, of all things, i'm allergic to cigarette smoke.
"ATOOT! ATOOT!" I hated my damn sneeze. I sounded like a mouse having an asthma attack. I searched the room for the origin of the smoke but to no avail. I climbed from the couch and followed the scent. I would damned if i'd die in this house because of something like a cigarette. My nose did a quick twitch like that chick from Bewitched as I surveyed the halls and every room in my path for the nicotine craver. It was then that I bumped into something, or someone rather. He had the brightest reddish hair I had ever laid eyes upon and was rather cute.
"Watch where you're goin'." His hands were stuffed into his pockets and I found myself irritated with him immediatly. Who couldn't see my half naked form coming from mile away? "Stupid American." I SO take back the cute comment. I opened my mouth to protest, to perhaps show him I wasn't entirely stupid, when I spotted a thick cloud of cancer smoke. I glared into the room to hear the continuous typing and prayed that I had not stumbled upon Hatori. Maybe it was intentional. Maybe it was intentional. Maybe he WANTED my lungs to collapse into a pile of pink ash. Thankfully, it was just Shigure. He had pulled a table up behind him and set a cup, possibly liquor, for I heard all great writers were alcoholics at one time. I carefully pulled myself atop the table and cleared my throat with much difficulty. He turned around so quickly that it had almost knocked me off the sturdy piece of wood. He looked me up and down, a bit startled by my presence and the death glare I was sending upon him. But it wasn't exactly him I was glaring at. It was the nicotine hanging from his bottom lip. Most girls would use this opportunity to flirt and snatch the the cigarette from his lips. But most girls are not allergic to cigarette smoke.
"Is there something wrong Dusty?" I knew that perhaps my cleavage pouring from my kimono wasn't helping my situat-
"ATOOT! ATOOT! ATOOT!" He jumped back at my explosion of sneezes and I quickly yanked the cigarette from his mouth and ground it underneath my bare foot. I would feel the pain later, for sure.
"Hey! You didn't have to put it out!"
"Would you rather me die from sneezing?"
"A person can't die from sneezing!" There was some truth to that, I suppose. But I haven't read any tabloids lately so there was always that possiblity.
"Not true! Don't you know why people close their eyes when they sneeze? So their eyeballs won't pop out."
"That's ridiculous." Ridiculous? Sure. But it makes sense.
"Fine.....would you rather have my lungs collapse on me?"
"Point taken." I swear, some people...
"Um Dusty? Perhaps you would to wear something....a little more comfortable?" I follwed his gaze to my chest. Those things had such a mind of their own!! Uncontrollable! I nodded nervously.
"I know of a place. You can wear one of Tohru's uniforms until you find something that suits you better!" I could help but wonder why he was smiling so broadly.
Japanese school uniforms were NOT formed for tall American girls with a D-cup. I could feel my hands restlessly tug at the hem of the shorter than life skirt every second or so. The shirt covered enough but was extremely tight around my chest. Curse my genes, curse them! Judging by Shigure's smirk, however, one would think that the uniform was a gift from heaven. He obviously thought it was. I tugged once more at the hem following his suit clad body out of the front door.
We had stopped in front of a store branding the name 'Ayame'. I was still tugging at the skirt as Shigure held the door open for my entrance. We were greeted by a bubbly brunette and lead into the back room where a silver haired man tinkered with a wedding dress....that...he was ....wearing. I can handle this! I've seen 'Too Wong Fu' millions of times. What made this guy different from Patrick Swayze in a dress. Nothing. Absolutely nothing. He snapped from his work and ran over to Shigure and I.
"Shigure!!" So he was close to Shigure. No big deal. "Oh! Who is this? You haven't replaced me, have you?"
"No, Ayame. You're always number one on my list." Really...close. My heart plummeted about six hundred feet. Wow, I REALLY knew how to pick em. I suddenly felt sick. I didn't even realize that Shigure had introduced me and I was now being pulled towards a rack of clothing. I took this as a signal to start my shopping spree. I eagerly dived in. Hey, i've been deprived of malls for quite some time. I dug through the numerous maid and nurse costumes before suddenly catching the sound of a familiar voice. Was that...Nat King Cole?
"She was under the origin chapter.."
"Oh? You don't say...?" I snapped a couple of fingers to shush them in hopes of finding my long lost King. Ayame peered over my shoulder. "Are you looking...for something."
"I know this song! 'L is for the way you look at me, O is for the only one I see, V is very very extraordinay, E is even more than anyone that you adore can..." Ayame was quickly in front of me, gleaming with a sense of pride. Together, we sang the final verse. "Love is all that I can give to you, Love is more than just a game for two, Two in love can make, Take my heart but please don't break it, Love was made for me and you!!!"
"That one was for you Shigure!", Ayame said with a wink. There was that sick feeling again. I managed to find a couple pairs of decent jeans and a few shirts. Ayame's assisstant was more than thrilled to loan me a pair flip flops to wear outside. Usually, new outfits make my day, but this time, I felt sick to the very bone. Was my knight in a business suit....gay? We walked side by side in silence for a few moments before Shigure rested his arms on the back of his head.
"I'm hungry. What do you say to some takoyaki?" I glanced up at him. Food sounded nice but if it was anything like sushi, he was in for quite a show of regurgitation.
"Takoyaki? What's that?"
"A snack made from octopus." My stomach gurgled before the familiar feeling rose up to my throat. I ran for the nearest bush and well....you get the picture. Shigure was close behind me, not sure if he wanted to come any closer.
"Dusty? Was it something I said?"
This is getting somewhere. Next chapter will contain some waff. And Dusty will forgive Hatori's death attempts.