Kyo growled as his alarm clock went off. He crushed it to whirring
silence with his fist then lay back down and pulled the covers over his
head. He hadn't been able to sleep a wink all night, and when he DID go to
sleep about an hour ago, he had dreams that he hadn't had to worry about
since freakin' puberty! He sat up, tossed back his blankets and headed for
the bathroom and nice, cold bath. Hopefully that would wake him up enough
to get through the day. But first he stopped and woke Ayame up, asking him
to wake his brother. Ayame didn't see the evil little smirk on Kyo's face
and happily went in to wake his brother.
* * *
"Yuki! Rise and shine, it's time to greet the day with open arms!" Ayame sang, coming into his sleeping brother's room. He threw open the curtains, allowing the early morning sunlight to strike his helpless brother square in the eyes. "And I have to say, I'm surprised at you! To think you didn't spend the night in your new bride's bed! Why, her feelings must be.shattered! To ignore a wife's charms to sleep alone in a cold bed, when you should have your arms wrapped around her shapely-" once again, he was knocked cold by his younger brother. He got his clothes out of the closet and stumbled to the bathroom, still deep in his morning incoherence. It was made worse today by lack of sleep. Three hours total, interspaced by extremely vivid dreams. It was all he could do to go through the preprogrammed actions of getting ready for the day. He opened the bathroom door, eyes still at half-mast.
"HEY! I put the sign up!" Kyo yelled from the tub. His hair was completely covered in lather. He sighed when he saw it was Yuki. The rat never woke up fully in the bathroom anyway. It was actually pretty funny to watch.
Yuki yawned and rubbed his eyes, then squirted shaving cream on his toothbrush and started scrubbing at his teeth. He grimaced and rinsed, using mouthwash this time. Yesterday it had been Shigure's aftershave. He put his clothes on correctly, then bent over the sink and washed his face. He knew better than to try and brush his hair. That would be done after he was conscious. He left the bathroom, shuffling downstairs for a reviving cup of tea.
Kyo sighed. "One of these days, I need to tape that. His fan club would pay through the nose." He finished washing his hair and climbed out of the tub.
* * *
"Good morning Kyo!" Said Tohru. She appeared to have forgotten all about the embarrassment of the night before. She set a large omelet with ham and mushrooms in front of him. Kyo grunted and started his breakfast, still unable to look her in the eye. Those damn dreams.it just wasn't right to think about sweet, innocent Tohru that way!
Shigure glanced from the still comatose rat to the cat across from him. Yuki looked bad, but Kyo looked worse. "My goodness Kyo. You look horrible." He said, licking his chopsticks clean. "Did you sleep at all last night?"
Kyo glared at the genially smiling Shigure. "No."
"Is something wrong, Kyo? You aren't getting sick, are you?" Tohru asked, putting a hand on his forehead. He wordlessly shook his head, not looking at her. "Good! I don't think I've ever seen you sick, Kyo. Don't start now!" she said, giving him a half hug. He tensed like a rubber band.
Shigure grinned. "She's been running up and giving everyone hugs all morning." He said. "She ambushed me when I came downstairs."
"She got me, too. I must say, it was quite a surprise." Said Ayame. He was sporting a large Band-Aid on his chin. He shook his finger at her, while she just grinned. "She didn't tell me I wouldn't transform, the little minx." He smirked. "And I was of course a perfect gentleman."
"You better have been." Said Yuki, waking up and giving his brother the same look he had given him at the lake. A chill went down Ayame's spine, and he sat down quickly next to Shigure. Tohru gave him his breakfast and then sat down herself. They finished breakfast and the two boys helped Tohru carry the dishes into the kitchen. She rewarded them with a hug each, causing them to drop what they were carrying at the moment. They quickly picked up the mess and continued into the kitchen, blushing.
"We're gonna have a lot of fun, aren't we?" Shigure said, leaning on the table, his chin cupped in his hand as he watched the trio disappear into the kitchen.
"Oh yes, Shigure. Lots." Said Ayame, twinkling. "Should we make a trip into town?"
"What for?" Shigure asked.
"Why for our wedding presents, of course! My little brother deserves only the best!"
"That's what I love about you, Aya. Always thinking ahead."
"Oh, thank you, mi amore."
* * *
"So what are you planning to do today, Miss Honda?" Yuki asked, putting away his last dried dish.
"Well, I finished the laundry.oh! I need to go to the grocery. I need to pick up some things for dinner tonight." She said, looking in the cupboards. "I need rice, and some beef, and.vegetables, and.sesame seed oil."
"Would you like me to come with you?" Yuki asked. "I could carry the groceries."
"Thank you, Yuki. That would be nice." She said, smiling her trademark smile. "Would you like to come too, Kyo?" She asked, turning to him. He was putting the pots and pans back in the cabinet.
"Nah. I was gonna go visit my master for the day. I'll probably be back later tonight, so don't keep dinner for me." He said. "I wanted to show him my diploma and talk about plans."
"Plans?" Tohru asked, looking at him in puzzlement.
"Yeah. He wants me to be an instructor at his Dojo." Said Kyo, a blush spreading over his cheekbones.
"Oh Kyo! That's wonderful!" Said Tohru, eyes shining.
"Yeah. Now that I know I'm not gonna be locked up, I've gotta start plannin'." He said, rubbing the back of his neck. "I'd never really thought about it before."
Tohru seemed utterly happy for him, then her face fell. "Does-does that mean you'll be moving out?" She asked.
Kyo frowned. "Well, not really." He said, looking at her face. "I could always commute. It's not that far, after all." He looked evil for a moment. "And this might convince Master it's time to take a wife, like I been tellin' him for the past five years. Now that I'm out of the house for good, he don't have any more excuses." He grinned and rubbed his hands together. "He's been after me, now I can turn the tables on him."
"Would you like to invite him over for dinner? They'll be plenty, it's stew tonight."
Kyo nodded. "I'll ask him, but no guarantees." He grinned. "But if he DOES come, I'm gonna give 'em hell." He put the last pot away and went to get his wallet. He put his shoes on and left the house, calling out a farewell as he went.
"Shall we go to the store?" Yuki asked, after Tohru had finished putting the food away. "It shouldn't be busy at this hour."
"All right." She said, smiling. "Should we tell Shigure and Ayame we're going?"
"They left an hour ago, for town. I'm almost scared to think what they're up to." Said Yuki, sighing. They started off down the path, not talking, just enjoying each other's company and the songs of the birds.
When they got to the store, they found it much more crowded than they thought it would be. Apparently, everyone else had the same idea they did. They managed to find all their groceries, and get out without being trampled. Tohru leaned against the wall outside and sighed. "I can't believe we got out of there alive." She said.
"I can't believe I got out of there without turning into a rat." Said Yuki, smiling. They walked down the road, both of them carrying something. "So, Miss Honda, what are you planning to do now that you have your diploma?"
"You know, I never really thought about it." Said Tohru, blushing. "I don't have any real talents."
"Nonsense." Said Yuki. "You know what I think would be a good career for you? A counselor of some kind."
"A counselor? Like a psychiatrist?" Said Tohru, eyes spinning. "But don't they have to have.doctorates, and PhD's, and.and lots and lots of REALLY EXPENSIVE schooling?"
"Not necessarily. There's a small college just a short train ride out of town that would be perfect. You could commute. As for expense, the Family will cover it, of course."
"Oh no! I couldn't as you to do that! Think of how much money that is! There's no way I could pay it back!"
"And who said you'd have to pay it back?" Yuki asked, looking honestly puzzled.
"Of COURSE I'd pay it back.but that's beside the point! I can't take THOUSANDS of dollars from your family! It just wouldn't be right!"
Yuki sighed and turned her chin so she had to look at him. Her eyes were full of distress. He held up her left hand with his, showing her the rings flashing in the morning sun. "These mean you ARE a member of the family. More importantly, you're.a member of MY family." He said, eyes warm. "What makes you think family can't help family? Or don't you want my help?" he asked, eyes growing sad.
She frizzed. "No! It's not that! I'd be honored, really, but.!" She said, waving her hands. "I just wouldn't feel right about taking your money."
Yuki sighed. "All right. Let's try it this way. Who's acting family head?"
"You are." Said Tohru, looking mystified.
"And you are a member of our family now?"
"Uh huh."
"And you know you can't argue with the head of the family?"
"Yeah."
"Then as my first act as acting head, I hereby make you a loan of how ever much money it takes for you to go to school, and be whatever you want to be." Said Yuki, looking triumphantly smug. Tohru froze, frantically trying to find a way to refute what he said, but couldn't. She sighed, admitting defeat. Yuki smiled victoriously and grabbed her hand. They walked hand in hand down the road, towards home. They didn't see Shigure and Ayame, with identical grins on their faces.
"He's good."
"He IS my brother, after all."
* * *
"We're here!" Said Kyo that night, as he kicked his shoes off. "Master decided to come!"
"Welcome home, Kyo!" said Tohru, coming in and drying her hands on a dishtowel. "I'm glad you could make it, Kazuma. Please, go in and make yourselves comfortable." She turned to Kyo. "We have a few unexpected guests." She said, smiling. "Haru and Momiji came over, and since it was so close to dinner, Shigure invited them to stay."
"Bastard. He shouldn't make extra work for you like that." Kyo growled. "Did he even think to ask you if you PLANNED for extra mouths to feed?"
"Oh, it's not a problem!" she said, smiling. "I just made a pot of rice, and we're having the stew poured on top. That way there's plenty to go around, and it's tasty too." She gestured to the dining room. "Go on in and sit down, I've just got to get the rice, and we'll eat."
"Nah, I'll get it for ya. Go on in and sit down. You've probably been workin' all day." Kyo said, disappearing into the kitchen. He carried the heavy pot of rice into the dining room, to the applause of six people. He growled and plunked the rice pot on the table and plopped down on the mat next to his master at the heavily crowded table. They all sat elbow to elbow, but talk flowed easily among the family.
"So, Kyo, have you agreed to help Kazuma teach at his dojo?" Shigure asked.
"Yeah. I guess. I'm gonna take some business courses on the side, just to help with the books and stuff." Said Kyo. He smirked at Yuki. "And with all the extra trainin' I'll be gettin' I'll be able to stomp your ass, ya damn rat."
"Keep dreaming." Said Yuki, calmly eating his dinner and ignoring Ayame, who was trying to draw his brother into conversation.
"Now now, no fighting at the dinner table. You remember what happened last time." Said Shigure.
"So Tohru, what are you gonna do? Are you gonna keep living here now that you've graduated? Say yes! Say yes!!" Said Momiji, grabbing onto Tohru's arm.
"Well, we hadn't really talked about it." Tohru said. "But I did want to go to school. I just don't know how I'm gonna pay for it."
"Miss Honda, don't make me pull rank again." Said Yuki calmly.
Tohru sweatdropped. "Oh yeah." She said, frizzing.
"I told her since she's a member of the family now, it's only right for us to help pay for her schooling. She tried to refuse, but I pulled rank." Said Yuki.
"Of course we're going to help you go to school! What do you want to study?" Asked Ayame.
"Yuki suggested counselor, but I thought more about pediatrician." Said Tohru, blushing.
"Oh, that's perfect for you!" Said Momiji, clapping his hands. "But are you still gonna stay here with Shigure?"
"Of course Tohru can stay as long as she wants. I imagine they'll all want to stay as long as they're going to school, anyway." Said Shigure. He frowned and tears poured down his face. "And when they decide to go off and have a home of their very own, I'll be left all alone in this big, empty house."
"Then we'll just have to get you married off, like we did Yuki and Kyo." Said Haru. Shigure choked.
"Haru, that's a MARVOLOUS idea!" said Ayame. "What about that lovely girl, the editor he's always talking about? Mii?"
"No, she wouldn't have him. Too much torment." Said Yuki. "How about Miss Hanajima? She's recently graduated, and I'll bet she could keep him in line with her electric waves."
"No, she'd kill him before the honeymoon was over." Said Kyo. "Same for Uotani, so don't even think about it."
"Hey! Don't I get a say in this?" Shigure inquired weakly.
"No!" the table resounded. Several girls were considered and discarded for various reasons, including Mine, an old girlfriend from high school, and Rin.
"That does it." Said Ayame, slapping the table. "We're just going to have to take out a personals add. Let's see, SWM seeks SF for fun and romance. Likes are teasing."
"Eating." Said Haru.
"Talking about things no one else has interest in." Kyo.
"And writing." Said Kazuma.
"You people are so cruel." Said Shigure, a river of tears running down his face. "I feel so unloved!"
"That's why we're taking out the add!" Said Ayame, winking. Shigure fell over.
"Speaking of brides, master, when are you going to leg shackle Achiko?" Haru asked, grinning. It was Kazuma's turn to choke.
"That is none of your business." Said Kazuma, a pink blush on his cheeks.
"It's a little too late, Haru." Said Kyo, grinning evilly. "Master kept me mainly in the dojo and sitting room, but I got a good look at his bedroom when I had to use the toilet. I saw women stuff on his dresser, and a dress over the chair. Unless he has hobbies we don't know about, she's already living with him."
"Kazuma! Shame on you!" Said Shigure, all too glad to get the focus off himself. "What would your mother say?"
"We will never know, because no one is going to tell her." Said Kazuma. He made to stand up. "I think I should be on my way. It's a long trip back to the dojo. Kyo, I expect you bright and early for morning classes in two weeks time." He bowed to Tohru. "Thank you very much, Mrs. Sohma, for the wonderful meal." After dropping that bombshell, he left the room in complete silence.
"I can't believe I never thought of that." Said Ayame wonderingly. "Her name is Tohru Sohma now." Tohru's eyes were spinning. Ayame leaned across the table and caught her up in a huge hug. "WELCOME TO THE FAMILY MRS. SOHMA!"
There really wasn't much more to say after that.
* * *
Kyo sighed as he got ready for bed that night. He was exhausted. After he and Yuki had beaten Ayame into submission, dinner was pretty much over. Especially since Ayame had been wearing most of it. He was still sulking in the bath, picking grains of rice out of his hair. One thing was damn sure; he couldn't take another night like the last. He blushed hard when he glanced at his bed, after he pulled his pajama pants on. What could it hurt? The consequences couldn't be that bad, what was it gonna do, make his dick fall off? And he had to have some sleep! He lay down on the bed and started stroking himself, trying to find some relief from the dreams that night.
* * *
"Kyo, what on EARTH happened to your hands?" Shigure asked the next morning. "It looks like you put them on a stove!" He sat down at the breakfast table where Kyo and Yuki were already seated.
"Shut up." Kyo snapped, blushing.
"Really, you have to be more careful." Shigure said, fanning himself. "It's not like it'll grow back if you burn it off."
"I said shut up!" Said Kyo. He fell silent when Tohru came out, carrying the morning meal. He hid his burned hand under the table.
"Good morning!" Said Tohru, passing bowls of miso soup to everyone, then bowls of pickles and rice, and finally a plate of fish. "Did everyone sleep well?"
"Like a baby." Said Shigure. "Where's Aya?"
"He said he had to take a bath. He was brushing his hair this morning and more rice fell out." Said Tohru. "His breakfast is saved in the kitchen."
"No need, princess! I'm here!" Said Ayame, prancing into the dining room. A towel was wrapped around his shoulders, his hair dripping down his back, creating dark stains on the velvet of his robe. Tohru started to get up and head for the kitchen, presumably to get Ayame's breakfast, but he held her in her seat. "Really, Tohru, I'm perfectly capable of getting my own meal. Sit, eat!" he said, disappearing into the kitchen and reappearing with his bowls and plate. "Now, what are your plans for the day?"
"Well, I was hoping to go to the base today, the strawberries are ripe, and I haven't been able to get out there for a couple of days." Said Yuki. "The birds have probably eaten most of them by now." He sighed. "After that, I have to go to the main house. There's been a dispute and I have to settle it."
The phone rang, startling them all. "Excuse me." Said Shigure, getting up to answer it. He called out from down the hall that it was for Ayame. He handed the phone off and returned to his meal.
Ayame came back, frowning. "That was Mine. She's been called away for the day, and I have to return to the shop."
"Such a pity." Said Yuki. "When do you leave?"
"Right now." Said Ayame. He was totally serious. "This is bad. I was going back today anyway, I had to fill an order for a woman, and I figured Mine and I could get it done quickly, but now that I'm alone, I don't know if I'll finish in time." He sighed. "I could probably get it done today if I had someone watching the shop, but I don't have anyone to help me."
"I'd help if I could, Aya, but I have a meeting with Mii today." Said Shigure.
"And I have to go back to the dojo today. There's a lot of paper work and insurance stuff we have to do."
Ayame sighed. "I guess I'll just have to call the woman and tell her I can't possibly have her garment ready today. Such a pity, this is the first time I've ever been late."
"Ayame, would it help if I came and watched the shop while you did the work on the garment?" Tohru asked quietly.
Ayame's face lit up. "Would you Tohru? It would be such a help!" He gushed.
"I'd be glad to help." Said Tohru, smiling. "I don't have anything to do today, and you need someone to watch the store."
"Tohru, you are an angel." Said Ayame, quickly finishing his soup. He ran upstairs to collect his things, then ran back downstairs, where Tohru had just finished her breakfast and was collecting the dishes. He helped her carry them into the kitchen, then hustled her out the door in a whirl of white hair and pink skirt.
* * *
"Yuki! Rise and shine, it's time to greet the day with open arms!" Ayame sang, coming into his sleeping brother's room. He threw open the curtains, allowing the early morning sunlight to strike his helpless brother square in the eyes. "And I have to say, I'm surprised at you! To think you didn't spend the night in your new bride's bed! Why, her feelings must be.shattered! To ignore a wife's charms to sleep alone in a cold bed, when you should have your arms wrapped around her shapely-" once again, he was knocked cold by his younger brother. He got his clothes out of the closet and stumbled to the bathroom, still deep in his morning incoherence. It was made worse today by lack of sleep. Three hours total, interspaced by extremely vivid dreams. It was all he could do to go through the preprogrammed actions of getting ready for the day. He opened the bathroom door, eyes still at half-mast.
"HEY! I put the sign up!" Kyo yelled from the tub. His hair was completely covered in lather. He sighed when he saw it was Yuki. The rat never woke up fully in the bathroom anyway. It was actually pretty funny to watch.
Yuki yawned and rubbed his eyes, then squirted shaving cream on his toothbrush and started scrubbing at his teeth. He grimaced and rinsed, using mouthwash this time. Yesterday it had been Shigure's aftershave. He put his clothes on correctly, then bent over the sink and washed his face. He knew better than to try and brush his hair. That would be done after he was conscious. He left the bathroom, shuffling downstairs for a reviving cup of tea.
Kyo sighed. "One of these days, I need to tape that. His fan club would pay through the nose." He finished washing his hair and climbed out of the tub.
* * *
"Good morning Kyo!" Said Tohru. She appeared to have forgotten all about the embarrassment of the night before. She set a large omelet with ham and mushrooms in front of him. Kyo grunted and started his breakfast, still unable to look her in the eye. Those damn dreams.it just wasn't right to think about sweet, innocent Tohru that way!
Shigure glanced from the still comatose rat to the cat across from him. Yuki looked bad, but Kyo looked worse. "My goodness Kyo. You look horrible." He said, licking his chopsticks clean. "Did you sleep at all last night?"
Kyo glared at the genially smiling Shigure. "No."
"Is something wrong, Kyo? You aren't getting sick, are you?" Tohru asked, putting a hand on his forehead. He wordlessly shook his head, not looking at her. "Good! I don't think I've ever seen you sick, Kyo. Don't start now!" she said, giving him a half hug. He tensed like a rubber band.
Shigure grinned. "She's been running up and giving everyone hugs all morning." He said. "She ambushed me when I came downstairs."
"She got me, too. I must say, it was quite a surprise." Said Ayame. He was sporting a large Band-Aid on his chin. He shook his finger at her, while she just grinned. "She didn't tell me I wouldn't transform, the little minx." He smirked. "And I was of course a perfect gentleman."
"You better have been." Said Yuki, waking up and giving his brother the same look he had given him at the lake. A chill went down Ayame's spine, and he sat down quickly next to Shigure. Tohru gave him his breakfast and then sat down herself. They finished breakfast and the two boys helped Tohru carry the dishes into the kitchen. She rewarded them with a hug each, causing them to drop what they were carrying at the moment. They quickly picked up the mess and continued into the kitchen, blushing.
"We're gonna have a lot of fun, aren't we?" Shigure said, leaning on the table, his chin cupped in his hand as he watched the trio disappear into the kitchen.
"Oh yes, Shigure. Lots." Said Ayame, twinkling. "Should we make a trip into town?"
"What for?" Shigure asked.
"Why for our wedding presents, of course! My little brother deserves only the best!"
"That's what I love about you, Aya. Always thinking ahead."
"Oh, thank you, mi amore."
* * *
"So what are you planning to do today, Miss Honda?" Yuki asked, putting away his last dried dish.
"Well, I finished the laundry.oh! I need to go to the grocery. I need to pick up some things for dinner tonight." She said, looking in the cupboards. "I need rice, and some beef, and.vegetables, and.sesame seed oil."
"Would you like me to come with you?" Yuki asked. "I could carry the groceries."
"Thank you, Yuki. That would be nice." She said, smiling her trademark smile. "Would you like to come too, Kyo?" She asked, turning to him. He was putting the pots and pans back in the cabinet.
"Nah. I was gonna go visit my master for the day. I'll probably be back later tonight, so don't keep dinner for me." He said. "I wanted to show him my diploma and talk about plans."
"Plans?" Tohru asked, looking at him in puzzlement.
"Yeah. He wants me to be an instructor at his Dojo." Said Kyo, a blush spreading over his cheekbones.
"Oh Kyo! That's wonderful!" Said Tohru, eyes shining.
"Yeah. Now that I know I'm not gonna be locked up, I've gotta start plannin'." He said, rubbing the back of his neck. "I'd never really thought about it before."
Tohru seemed utterly happy for him, then her face fell. "Does-does that mean you'll be moving out?" She asked.
Kyo frowned. "Well, not really." He said, looking at her face. "I could always commute. It's not that far, after all." He looked evil for a moment. "And this might convince Master it's time to take a wife, like I been tellin' him for the past five years. Now that I'm out of the house for good, he don't have any more excuses." He grinned and rubbed his hands together. "He's been after me, now I can turn the tables on him."
"Would you like to invite him over for dinner? They'll be plenty, it's stew tonight."
Kyo nodded. "I'll ask him, but no guarantees." He grinned. "But if he DOES come, I'm gonna give 'em hell." He put the last pot away and went to get his wallet. He put his shoes on and left the house, calling out a farewell as he went.
"Shall we go to the store?" Yuki asked, after Tohru had finished putting the food away. "It shouldn't be busy at this hour."
"All right." She said, smiling. "Should we tell Shigure and Ayame we're going?"
"They left an hour ago, for town. I'm almost scared to think what they're up to." Said Yuki, sighing. They started off down the path, not talking, just enjoying each other's company and the songs of the birds.
When they got to the store, they found it much more crowded than they thought it would be. Apparently, everyone else had the same idea they did. They managed to find all their groceries, and get out without being trampled. Tohru leaned against the wall outside and sighed. "I can't believe we got out of there alive." She said.
"I can't believe I got out of there without turning into a rat." Said Yuki, smiling. They walked down the road, both of them carrying something. "So, Miss Honda, what are you planning to do now that you have your diploma?"
"You know, I never really thought about it." Said Tohru, blushing. "I don't have any real talents."
"Nonsense." Said Yuki. "You know what I think would be a good career for you? A counselor of some kind."
"A counselor? Like a psychiatrist?" Said Tohru, eyes spinning. "But don't they have to have.doctorates, and PhD's, and.and lots and lots of REALLY EXPENSIVE schooling?"
"Not necessarily. There's a small college just a short train ride out of town that would be perfect. You could commute. As for expense, the Family will cover it, of course."
"Oh no! I couldn't as you to do that! Think of how much money that is! There's no way I could pay it back!"
"And who said you'd have to pay it back?" Yuki asked, looking honestly puzzled.
"Of COURSE I'd pay it back.but that's beside the point! I can't take THOUSANDS of dollars from your family! It just wouldn't be right!"
Yuki sighed and turned her chin so she had to look at him. Her eyes were full of distress. He held up her left hand with his, showing her the rings flashing in the morning sun. "These mean you ARE a member of the family. More importantly, you're.a member of MY family." He said, eyes warm. "What makes you think family can't help family? Or don't you want my help?" he asked, eyes growing sad.
She frizzed. "No! It's not that! I'd be honored, really, but.!" She said, waving her hands. "I just wouldn't feel right about taking your money."
Yuki sighed. "All right. Let's try it this way. Who's acting family head?"
"You are." Said Tohru, looking mystified.
"And you are a member of our family now?"
"Uh huh."
"And you know you can't argue with the head of the family?"
"Yeah."
"Then as my first act as acting head, I hereby make you a loan of how ever much money it takes for you to go to school, and be whatever you want to be." Said Yuki, looking triumphantly smug. Tohru froze, frantically trying to find a way to refute what he said, but couldn't. She sighed, admitting defeat. Yuki smiled victoriously and grabbed her hand. They walked hand in hand down the road, towards home. They didn't see Shigure and Ayame, with identical grins on their faces.
"He's good."
"He IS my brother, after all."
* * *
"We're here!" Said Kyo that night, as he kicked his shoes off. "Master decided to come!"
"Welcome home, Kyo!" said Tohru, coming in and drying her hands on a dishtowel. "I'm glad you could make it, Kazuma. Please, go in and make yourselves comfortable." She turned to Kyo. "We have a few unexpected guests." She said, smiling. "Haru and Momiji came over, and since it was so close to dinner, Shigure invited them to stay."
"Bastard. He shouldn't make extra work for you like that." Kyo growled. "Did he even think to ask you if you PLANNED for extra mouths to feed?"
"Oh, it's not a problem!" she said, smiling. "I just made a pot of rice, and we're having the stew poured on top. That way there's plenty to go around, and it's tasty too." She gestured to the dining room. "Go on in and sit down, I've just got to get the rice, and we'll eat."
"Nah, I'll get it for ya. Go on in and sit down. You've probably been workin' all day." Kyo said, disappearing into the kitchen. He carried the heavy pot of rice into the dining room, to the applause of six people. He growled and plunked the rice pot on the table and plopped down on the mat next to his master at the heavily crowded table. They all sat elbow to elbow, but talk flowed easily among the family.
"So, Kyo, have you agreed to help Kazuma teach at his dojo?" Shigure asked.
"Yeah. I guess. I'm gonna take some business courses on the side, just to help with the books and stuff." Said Kyo. He smirked at Yuki. "And with all the extra trainin' I'll be gettin' I'll be able to stomp your ass, ya damn rat."
"Keep dreaming." Said Yuki, calmly eating his dinner and ignoring Ayame, who was trying to draw his brother into conversation.
"Now now, no fighting at the dinner table. You remember what happened last time." Said Shigure.
"So Tohru, what are you gonna do? Are you gonna keep living here now that you've graduated? Say yes! Say yes!!" Said Momiji, grabbing onto Tohru's arm.
"Well, we hadn't really talked about it." Tohru said. "But I did want to go to school. I just don't know how I'm gonna pay for it."
"Miss Honda, don't make me pull rank again." Said Yuki calmly.
Tohru sweatdropped. "Oh yeah." She said, frizzing.
"I told her since she's a member of the family now, it's only right for us to help pay for her schooling. She tried to refuse, but I pulled rank." Said Yuki.
"Of course we're going to help you go to school! What do you want to study?" Asked Ayame.
"Yuki suggested counselor, but I thought more about pediatrician." Said Tohru, blushing.
"Oh, that's perfect for you!" Said Momiji, clapping his hands. "But are you still gonna stay here with Shigure?"
"Of course Tohru can stay as long as she wants. I imagine they'll all want to stay as long as they're going to school, anyway." Said Shigure. He frowned and tears poured down his face. "And when they decide to go off and have a home of their very own, I'll be left all alone in this big, empty house."
"Then we'll just have to get you married off, like we did Yuki and Kyo." Said Haru. Shigure choked.
"Haru, that's a MARVOLOUS idea!" said Ayame. "What about that lovely girl, the editor he's always talking about? Mii?"
"No, she wouldn't have him. Too much torment." Said Yuki. "How about Miss Hanajima? She's recently graduated, and I'll bet she could keep him in line with her electric waves."
"No, she'd kill him before the honeymoon was over." Said Kyo. "Same for Uotani, so don't even think about it."
"Hey! Don't I get a say in this?" Shigure inquired weakly.
"No!" the table resounded. Several girls were considered and discarded for various reasons, including Mine, an old girlfriend from high school, and Rin.
"That does it." Said Ayame, slapping the table. "We're just going to have to take out a personals add. Let's see, SWM seeks SF for fun and romance. Likes are teasing."
"Eating." Said Haru.
"Talking about things no one else has interest in." Kyo.
"And writing." Said Kazuma.
"You people are so cruel." Said Shigure, a river of tears running down his face. "I feel so unloved!"
"That's why we're taking out the add!" Said Ayame, winking. Shigure fell over.
"Speaking of brides, master, when are you going to leg shackle Achiko?" Haru asked, grinning. It was Kazuma's turn to choke.
"That is none of your business." Said Kazuma, a pink blush on his cheeks.
"It's a little too late, Haru." Said Kyo, grinning evilly. "Master kept me mainly in the dojo and sitting room, but I got a good look at his bedroom when I had to use the toilet. I saw women stuff on his dresser, and a dress over the chair. Unless he has hobbies we don't know about, she's already living with him."
"Kazuma! Shame on you!" Said Shigure, all too glad to get the focus off himself. "What would your mother say?"
"We will never know, because no one is going to tell her." Said Kazuma. He made to stand up. "I think I should be on my way. It's a long trip back to the dojo. Kyo, I expect you bright and early for morning classes in two weeks time." He bowed to Tohru. "Thank you very much, Mrs. Sohma, for the wonderful meal." After dropping that bombshell, he left the room in complete silence.
"I can't believe I never thought of that." Said Ayame wonderingly. "Her name is Tohru Sohma now." Tohru's eyes were spinning. Ayame leaned across the table and caught her up in a huge hug. "WELCOME TO THE FAMILY MRS. SOHMA!"
There really wasn't much more to say after that.
* * *
Kyo sighed as he got ready for bed that night. He was exhausted. After he and Yuki had beaten Ayame into submission, dinner was pretty much over. Especially since Ayame had been wearing most of it. He was still sulking in the bath, picking grains of rice out of his hair. One thing was damn sure; he couldn't take another night like the last. He blushed hard when he glanced at his bed, after he pulled his pajama pants on. What could it hurt? The consequences couldn't be that bad, what was it gonna do, make his dick fall off? And he had to have some sleep! He lay down on the bed and started stroking himself, trying to find some relief from the dreams that night.
* * *
"Kyo, what on EARTH happened to your hands?" Shigure asked the next morning. "It looks like you put them on a stove!" He sat down at the breakfast table where Kyo and Yuki were already seated.
"Shut up." Kyo snapped, blushing.
"Really, you have to be more careful." Shigure said, fanning himself. "It's not like it'll grow back if you burn it off."
"I said shut up!" Said Kyo. He fell silent when Tohru came out, carrying the morning meal. He hid his burned hand under the table.
"Good morning!" Said Tohru, passing bowls of miso soup to everyone, then bowls of pickles and rice, and finally a plate of fish. "Did everyone sleep well?"
"Like a baby." Said Shigure. "Where's Aya?"
"He said he had to take a bath. He was brushing his hair this morning and more rice fell out." Said Tohru. "His breakfast is saved in the kitchen."
"No need, princess! I'm here!" Said Ayame, prancing into the dining room. A towel was wrapped around his shoulders, his hair dripping down his back, creating dark stains on the velvet of his robe. Tohru started to get up and head for the kitchen, presumably to get Ayame's breakfast, but he held her in her seat. "Really, Tohru, I'm perfectly capable of getting my own meal. Sit, eat!" he said, disappearing into the kitchen and reappearing with his bowls and plate. "Now, what are your plans for the day?"
"Well, I was hoping to go to the base today, the strawberries are ripe, and I haven't been able to get out there for a couple of days." Said Yuki. "The birds have probably eaten most of them by now." He sighed. "After that, I have to go to the main house. There's been a dispute and I have to settle it."
The phone rang, startling them all. "Excuse me." Said Shigure, getting up to answer it. He called out from down the hall that it was for Ayame. He handed the phone off and returned to his meal.
Ayame came back, frowning. "That was Mine. She's been called away for the day, and I have to return to the shop."
"Such a pity." Said Yuki. "When do you leave?"
"Right now." Said Ayame. He was totally serious. "This is bad. I was going back today anyway, I had to fill an order for a woman, and I figured Mine and I could get it done quickly, but now that I'm alone, I don't know if I'll finish in time." He sighed. "I could probably get it done today if I had someone watching the shop, but I don't have anyone to help me."
"I'd help if I could, Aya, but I have a meeting with Mii today." Said Shigure.
"And I have to go back to the dojo today. There's a lot of paper work and insurance stuff we have to do."
Ayame sighed. "I guess I'll just have to call the woman and tell her I can't possibly have her garment ready today. Such a pity, this is the first time I've ever been late."
"Ayame, would it help if I came and watched the shop while you did the work on the garment?" Tohru asked quietly.
Ayame's face lit up. "Would you Tohru? It would be such a help!" He gushed.
"I'd be glad to help." Said Tohru, smiling. "I don't have anything to do today, and you need someone to watch the store."
"Tohru, you are an angel." Said Ayame, quickly finishing his soup. He ran upstairs to collect his things, then ran back downstairs, where Tohru had just finished her breakfast and was collecting the dishes. He helped her carry them into the kitchen, then hustled her out the door in a whirl of white hair and pink skirt.