"Kyo, I need to speak with you." Yuki said, coming into Kyo's room
and closing the door behind him. It was late; Tohru and Shigure had already
gone to bed, leaving the two boys free to talk.
Kyo looked up from his book. Gizmo lay in a basket at the foot of his bed. "What?" Kyo asked, closing his book.
"We only have one more week to break the curse." Yuki said, leaning against the wall with his arms crossed.
"You're still worryin' about breaking it?" Kyo asked, surprised. He frowned. "I don't want to." He said.
Yuki sighed. "Truthfully, neither do I." He frowned. "I still don't think she should have been dragged into this unwillingly."
"I've been thinkin' about that too." Kyo said, smirking. "What if we made it her choice?"
"It's already been done, stupid cat, how could it be her choice now?" Yuki asked.
"Easy. We ask her to marry us, you damn rat!" Kyo said, growling.
Yuki froze. "Ask her to what?" He asked incredulously.
"Marry us. Like in a ceremony, not a curse." Kyo said.
"I never even thought about it." Yuki said, sliding down to sit on the floor. "Do you think she would?"
"I don't know. But if we don't try, we'll NEVER know." Kyo said.
"Wouldn't not knowing be better than rejection?" Yuki asked, looking pained.
"I'd rather know for sure then spend my life with someone who didn't want me." Kyo said, his eyes shadowed by his hair.
Yuki sighed. "So would I." He said quietly. "When could we do it?"
"I think we should time it for the New Year's banquet." Kyo said.
"Why then?" Yuki asked curiously.
"'Cause it'll give us time to have her ring made." Kyo said. "Look." he held out a sheet of paper. An elaborate ring was in the center of the paper, surrounded by several scribbled out previous attempts. It was a simple band, with a medium sized oval stone, flanked by four smaller, round stones. "I thought we could make the big one a diamond, and two of each of the smaller stones garnets and amethysts." He said, pointing to the stones. "Only alternating. A garnet on top of an amethyst one one side, amethyst on top of garnet on the other."
"And you want to propose in front of he rest of the Zodiac?" Yuki asked.
"Nah, I thought we'd do it before the banquet, and announce it during." Kyo said. "If she accepts."
"That's the big question, isn't it?" Yuki sighed. "Will she accept?"
"I think so." Kyo said, frowning. "But we gotta find someone to make the ring."
"We can have Skoushi Sohma make it. And we can take the stones out of the Sohma Treasury." Yuki said.
"Are we allowed?" Kyo asked.
"Well, I'm acting clan head, until Mitsue delivers." Yuki said, shrugging.
"Good." Kyo said. He sighed. "Now all we gotta do is plan the perfect proposal."
"And hope she says yes." Yuki said, sighing too.
* * *
"Yuki! Kyo! Get down here! We're going to be late!" Shigure yelled. He and Tohru had been ready for an hour, but for some reason, Yuki and Kyo were taking special care in their grooming, and were therefore holding them all up.
"Shut up!" Kyo snapped. "I can't find my jacket!"
"It's in your closet, behind the uniforms!" Tohru called. "I took it to the cleaners!"
"Thanks!" Kyo said, running back up the stairs and almost colliding with Yuki. Amazingly, it didn't lead to a fight. Instead, they exchanged strange looks, and went their separate ways. Tohru and Shigure were stunned, and a little traumatized. Those two had NEVER passed up an opportunity to fight! They must be sick.
"I just thought of something." Shigure said, looking at Tohru in surprise. "Where are Aya and Gizmo going to be?"
"Uo and Hana have them." Tohru said. "It's only for three days, and I gave them plenty of food." She smiled when Kyo came sliding to a halt beside her, breathing heavily. "Where's Yuki?"
"He's still trying to tie his tie." Kyo said, smirking. "After doing it every day for four years, you'd think he'd know how to do it."
"Shut up!" Yuki said, coming downstairs. He was still fussing with his tie. Tohru laughed and tied it for him.
Shortly after, they were ready, and the four set off down the darkened street for Sohma House. "Yuki, Kyo, I've never seen you so anxious about a Banquet before." Shigure said.
"Well, it's Kyo's first one, of course he's going to be excited!" Tohru said smiling.
"I had forgotten about that." Shigure said. "It's going to be the first banquet in twenty years without Akito."
"And that's bound to make it better than any I've been to." Yuki said darkly.
"Now Yuki, we shouldn't speak ill of the dead." Shigure said, shaking his finger at his cousin.
"Even if it's all you can say about him?" Yuki shot back.
Shigure sighed and refused to comment. Soon, they came to the main compound, where the doors were flung open to welcome family members that were unheard from until this reunion. As the four walked through the compound, greetings flew. Shigure was waving to people right and left, while even Kyo and Yuki managed a greeting or two. A handsome young man and a young woman were standing by the front door of the Main House. The young woman was heavily pregnant.
"That's Mitsue Sohma and her husband." Yuki whispered to Tohru. "She's probably carrying the next clan head."
"Is there any way to tell for sure?" Tohru asked.
"No, but considering the timing, there's no one else it could be." Yuki said.
"Does she know about the curse?" Tohru asked, keeping her voice low so the young couple at the door couldn't hear.
"She knows her child is going to be the next clan head." Yuki said, sighing. "And she and her husband are honored, but she doesn't know about the curse. She thinks it was luck of the birth." Kyo snorted and muttered something about luck.
"But isn't it cruel to keep such a thing from her?" Tohru asked, frowning. "She's the mother, shouldn't she know?"
"In the cases where the mother has no knowledge of the curse, we do not tell them. Think about it Tohru. You've just given birth to your child. You can hold it, cuddle it close, know its your child. But you also know that child is going to die before its twenty fifth birthday." Yuki's eyes darkened. "In some cases, when the mother does know of the curse, she asks the Dragon to wipe their memories of ever being pregnant, or bearing the child."
"Kyo frowned. "The women who bear the cat do it too. If they bear a normal zodiac, then the kids have a chance of being accepted in the family. The cat hasn't got a prayer."
"I couldn't do that." Tohru said, a tear running down her face. "Just forget about my baby like that."
"Yuki smiled and rubbed the tear away with his thumb. "And you'll never have to." He said, cradling her cheek in his palm. "I promise."
Kyo sighed and grabbed her hand. "Me too." He said shortly.
Tohru sniffed loudly and smiled at both of them. She looked at them both, then over to where Shigure was waiting for them up the path. "We should go. Shigure looks impatient." Indeed, Shigure was dancing from foot to foot, either impatient.or he had to go to the bathroom.
"I think he has to go to the bathroom." Kyo said dryly.
"Come on you three! The Banquet is going to start soon!" Shigure whined, still dancing. When they had caught up to him, he started up the path again. "It lasts all night, so if you have to go to the bathroom, you'd better do it now!" He said, turning to look over his shoulder, causing Kyo to smirk.
"Told ya." He whispered to Tohru, causing her to giggle.
"Hello Mitsue!" Shigure said, taking the woman's hand. "How are you?"
"I'm doing well, Shigure." She said, patting her stomach. "I still have a little while to go."
"How far along are you?" Yuki asked casually.
"Oh, I'm about a week off seven months." Mitsue said cheerfully. "But I hear those last two months just CRAWL."
Yuki, Kyo, and Shigure exchanged looks. "Yes." Shigure said, his smile not quite reaching his eyes. "I'm sure it will go quickly." He bowed. "We should get to the banquet."
"Oh yes, I'm sorry to keep you." Mitsue said, bowing as well. "I'll talk to you tomorrow."
"Yes, see you tomorrow." Yuki said, going past the smiling woman and pulling Tohru with him. Kyo nodded at the couple and followed.
"She'll be giving birth sometime after this week." Yuki said. "Cursed children are always premature."
"Will she be ok?" Tohru asked, worriedly.
"She'll be fine." Yuki said. "And the child will live, but it will most definitely be sickly." He frowned. "Like all Clan Heads are."
"It's the way the curse works." Shigure said, smiling sadly.
"I think it's a shame!" Tohru said.
"And we fully agree." Yuki said, throwing the doors to the banquet hall open.
Tohru's mouth fell open in surprise. "It's beautiful." Tohru said, dazzled. It was done in an underwater theme. The drapes, tablecloth and cushions were blue. Dolphins, sea horses, water dragons, fish, merfolk and various other sea creatures painted on the screens that lined the walls. Candles floated in large, ornate bowls of water at various intervals on the long table. A few pots of water lilies were here and there, putting their scent throughout the room. Blue and green silk tassels hung from the chandelier.
Yuki smiled. "Thank you. We worked hard on it." He said, leading her to the long table. As acting clan head, he sat at the head of the table, while he placed Tohru to his left. Kyo sat right next to her. "Here's your seat." He said, pointing to her assigned place. "Now, perhaps you would like to come see the gardens?" He asked. "They're opened only to the Zodiac members on New Year's, so we should have some privacy."
"Sure!" Tohru said, smiling at him. "Kyo, are you coming too?"
"Yeah." He said patting his pocket, reassuring himself the ring was still there. "I guess."
Tohru smiled and picked up his hand, then grabbed Yuki's as well. "Come on!" She said. "We'd better hurry, or we'll miss the Banquet." She said cheerfully.
Yuki smiled and led her to the gardens. Lanterns were lit at intervals, making the path easy to see. They strolled in the gardens, pointing various flowers out to each other. They finally came to a large marble fountain and sat, watching the falling water for a while, before Yuki and Kyo exchanged glances and stood.
"Tohru, can we speak with you a moment?" Yuki asked, clearing his throat.
"Ok." She said, standing as well. Kyo pressed her back to her seat at the edge of the fountain. "Wait. Let us talk for a minute." He said, running his hand through his hair.
"Tohru, over the past few years, you've become very precious to us." Yuki said, kneeling down next to her and clasping her right hand while Kyo kneeled down and grabbed her left. "And I have to say, no matter if we do have to share you, you're the greatest thing that ever happened to us."
"We're more sorry than we can say that you were pulled into the family the way you were, without your consent." Kyo said, completely serious. He pulled the ring box out of his pocket and held it up so Yuki could open the lid.
"But we hope you'll let us make it official." Yuki said. "Will you be ours, Tohru?"
"Will you marry us?" Kyo finished. "For real this time?"
Tohru couldn't speak. She just sat there, staring at them with blank eyes, then tears slowly welled up and started flowing down her cheeks. She pulled her shaky hands from their weak grasp and wiped the tears from her face, then rested her hands on their faces, smiling at them. "Of course." She said, voice shaking. "I wouldn't have it any other way." The boys smiled and slipped the beautiful ring on her hand, then pulled her to her feet.
"May we kiss you, Tohru?" Yuki asked, eyes shining. Tohru nodded shyly, a blush spreading over her cheekbones. Yuki leaned in first, brushing her lips lightly with his, then deepened it, cradling her face in his hands. Their eyes drifted closed, and the kiss lengthened, but remained innocent.
"Alright, rat. It's my turn." Kyo said gruffly, pulling Tohru away from Yuki. She took a gasping breath and smiled at Kyo shyly. He leaned in and fastened his lips to hers, molding them to his. He was slightly braver than Yuki and opened his lips, running his tongue over her bottom lip, causing her to gasp into the kiss. He took the opportunity to dip into her mouth, tasting her for the first time, pulling a moan from both of them.
They kissed a little while longer, then Yuki cleared his throat. "We should get back to the Banquet. It's going to start any minute." He said quietly. He was strangely not jealous of Kyo, despite the fact he had been the first to taste her. Perhaps because he knew he would have a lifetime to experience it for himself. He gave them a moment to compose themselves, then pulled Tohru into his embrace, wrapping an arm around her waist. Kyo sighed and wrapped an arm around her shoulders, then they headed back to the banquet hall.
* * *
"Well well well." Shigure said, looking out the window towards the gardens. "Look what we have here." He said, pulling Ayame over to the window too.
"They certainly look cozy." Ayame said, smirking. "Something's changed between them."
"Oh yes." Shigure said. "But the question is, what?" His mouth fell open. He turned Ayame's head towards the window. Ayame was curious, then when Kyo and Yuki kissed Tohru lightly, then continued into the room, he was seconds from collapsing. Ayame and Shigure ran from the window, pretending they hadn't seen what they had just seen.
"It's about time!" Hiro said, frowning. "We were waiting for you!"
"Be quiet Hiro!" Hatori said. "You just got here yourself."
"Nice costume by the way." Kyo said, smirking.
"Shut up!" Hiro snapped. "It's your turn next year, cat." He said, grinning evilly.
"Yeah, but it's yours this year." Kyo said.
"This is true. And I think we should begin." Yuki said, leading Tohru to her seat and helping her into it. He sat down as well, signaling the rest of the Zodiac to sit, save Hiro. Yuki rang a bell, and a trio of musicians came through the door, bowed to the assembled Zodiac, then started to play. Hiro sighed and began to dance in time to the music. It was actually very graceful, and Tohru was entranced until Hiro finally whirled to a stop when the music ended.
The members of the Zodiac clapped, then clapped again for the musicians as they left. Hiro sighed and sat at his place at the table, still in his robes. Technically, he was guest of honor, since it was the year of the Ram.
"Now, before we begin the meal and entertainment, I have something I wish to announce." Yuki said. He stood and pulled a blushing Tohru to her feet. Kyo stood as well. Yuki smiled at the family. "I would like to announce that Kyo and I have asked Tohru to be our wife, and she has accepted." He said, holding her hand up so the table could see the ring.
Instantly everyone was on their feet and heading towards the trio, Ayame leading the charge. He pulled the three into a hug, beaming. "I knew something was different!" he crowed. "But even I never expected this!" He pouted when Kagura and Kisa pulled Tohru out of his grasp so they could coo over the ring. Kyo and Yuki received slaps on the back from all the men, save Ritsu, who felt it was safer to join the girls.
Momiji ran over and swung Tohru into a hug, laughing happily. "Now you can be a member of the family for real!" He said.
"Congratulations." Hatori said. "But shouldn't we start? I'm sure the musicians are wondering why they haven't been called in yet." He said.
"Oh Hari, you're so dull!" Ayame said. "We have an engagement to celebrate! The silly music can wait!"
"No, Hatori's right." Yuki said. "We should start. We haven't even thought about what's going to happen." He smiled self depreciatingly. "We were too worried if she'd say yes or not."
The group laughed and returned to their seats, waiting for the night's entertainment and feasting to begin. Never had they felt they had more reason to celebrate a New Year.
* * *
"I'm so sleepy!" Tohru said that morning. It was about five o'clock, and the sun had just risen on the first day of the New Year. They had been up all night, listening to the musicians until the fireworks started. Then the musicians called it a night about one. The rest of the night was dedicated to talking about the wedding, how the Zodiac members who were still in school were doing, and various other matters. "What happens now?" Tohru asked.
"Well, now we go to sleep." Yuki said, yawning. "The whole family stays up until dawn, so it's pretty quiet around here until about noon." He looked at Kyo. "Should we stay at your place or mine?"
"I think yours. The Cat house isn't finished being renovated yet." Kyo said.
Yuki nodded and led them to a small house on the edge of the compound, where he unlocked the door. "It should be clean, the housekeepers come in once a week." He said, stepping inside. Tohru gasped at the sheer opulence of the small house. Silk draperies lined the walls, and expensive furniture was scattered throughout. "The bedrooms are up here." Yuki said, heading upstairs. He opened a door. "This is the bathroom." He went across the hall. "And this is my room." He said, opening that door as well. A large, western style bed completely dominated the room.
"Damn, do you like a big bed or what?" Kyo asked, amazed.
Yuki sighed. "That was the previous rat's bed. She seemed to like a lot of space."
"I can tell." Kyo said. "Where's our rooms?"
Yuki blushed. "I'm afraid this is the only bedroom."
"Say what?" Kyo asked, frowning.
"The former owner converted the other two bedrooms into an office and a studio." Yuki sighed.
"Then where are we supposed to sleep?!" Kyo yelled.
"You're not going to like this." Yuki said, frowning.
Kyo looked from the bed to Yuki and back again. "Oh hell no." He said, crossing his arms. "There's no way I'm sleeping with YOU!"
"Unless you want to sleep outside, it's the only alternative!" Yuki snapped. "Besides, I thought Tohru could sleep between us."
"What?" Tohru said, her eyes going white. "But that wouldn't be proper!"
"Tohru, I don't know about you, but I'm tired." Yuki said. "I think I can trust you with my virtue?" Tohru blushed and Yuki smiled. "I thought so."
Kyo growled. "Fine!" He said, stalking into the bedroom. "But I get the window side!"
"Fine with me." Yuki said, he let Kyo climb in first, then Tohru crawled in, blushing heavily and was very careful not to touch Kyo. Yuki was last, and he sighed with relief when he pulled the covers over himself. "Goodnight." He said, lying back on the pillow and closing his eyes. He was asleep in seconds. Tohru fell asleep next. Kyo was last, and he lay there tensely for a while, before he finally relaxed and dozed off as well. Silence reigned in the sleeping house.
* * *
Tohru woke up feeling incredibly warm. Not only was the sun shining on her form, warming the blankets deliciously, but the two bodies on either side of her were throwing off heat like a furnace. Her eyes popped open. Two bodies beside her? Oh yeah. She blushed. She was in bed with Kyo and Yuki. She looked straight ahead, and saw Yuki's peaceful face. He was sleeping silently, his breath puffing across her cheek with the evenness of deep sleep. He had an arm under her head, providing her with a pillow, and one of her arms was wrapped around his torso. Kyo was pressed against her back, or so she thought, she just couldn't see him. But she could feel him breathing, seeing as how his face was buried in her hair. His arms were wrapped around her waist. Tohru didn't know what to do. She was extremely comfortable, and she was sure that if she moved, she would wake them both, but she REALLY had to go to the bathroom!
In the end, nature won out, and she wiggled her way out of the bed and down the hall, desperately trying to make it in time. When she left the room, she had a look of complete relief on her face. She decided to make breakfast, and went down to the kitchen to see if there was any food. There wasn't, considering the lack of regular occupation, but there WAS some tea in the cupboard. She put a kettle on and found some mismatched cups. She heard someone open the creaking front gate and ran to open the door before they rang the bell and woke the boys.
Ayame stood at the front door, finger poised to ring the bell. He looked surprised for a second, then smirked. "Hello Tohru!" he crooned. "How are you this fine morning?"
"I'm fine!" She said, putting a finger to her lips. "Shh! The boys are still asleep."
"I shall do my best to let my little brother sleep." Ayame said. He wandered into the kitchen. "And you are such a good housekeeper!" He said, seeing the tea. "Making tea for your men in the morning." He sighed. "If you weren't engaged to my darling baby brother, I'd be tempted to steal you for myself!" Tohru blushed and poured him a cup of tea. "Did you sleep well?" She asked.
"Oh yes." Ayame said. "And you?"
"I slept well." Tohru said. "I had no idea Yuki had such a comfortable bed."
Ayame spat out the sip of tea he had just taken. "You.you slept in Yuki's bed, did you?" He asked, wiping his mouth delicately with his finger. "And where did he sleep?"
"Oh, he slept there too!" Tohru said, smiling. "There was plenty of room."
Ayame twitched. "And Kyo?" He asked in a strangled voice.
"He's still asleep too." Tohru said.
"Where did he sleep?" Ayame asked, taking a shaking sip of the tea.
"With Yuki and me." Tohru said, smiling.
Ayame twitched again. "And they're still asleep you say?" He asked.
"Uh huh." Tohru said.
Ayame nodded. "I'll be right back." He said, running out of the house like the hounds of Hades were after him. He was back in seconds, his hand behind his back. "May I go wake them?" He asked sweetly. "We have to be at lunch shortly, and it wouldn't do for the Cat and Rat to be late!"
"Oh, sure! Tell them I have some tea ready for them." She said, pouring two more cups.
"Of course." Ayame said, going upstairs. He grinned evilly and brought the camera from behind his back. He snuck down the hall, knowing how sensitive Kyo's hearing was. He didn't have to worry about Yuki, the boy slept like a rock. He made it to the bedroom door without a sound and slipped the door open. He almost ruined it by laughing hysterically. Yuki and Kyo were sound asleep, cuddled in the middle of the bed. Ayame brought the camera up and snapped a picture, then closed the door, knocking on it loudly. "BROTHER!" He sang. "TIME TO WAKE UP!" He grinned evilly, and stuck the camera in his pocket. "Two.one." He said aloud, then plugged his ears. Two ear-piercing screams echoed through the house, followed by thumps, and brought Tohru running, eyes white.
"What's the matter?" She asked, panicked.
"Oh, they're fine!" Ayame said cheerfully. "But I think they weren't prepared for how cold the floor is, that's all!"
"Oh." Tohru said, blinking. "Well, tell them I have their tea ready." She said, going back downstairs.
Ayame waved and leaned against the wall, waiting for the boys to come out. He was surprised he hadn't heard any battle yet. But then again, he heard they couldn't fight physically anymore. He was still there when they came out, blushing and refusing to look at each other. "Good morning you two!" He said cheerfully. "Tohru told me to tell you she has some tea ready for you downstairs."
Yuki looked at his brother suspiciously. "Did you come in my room?" He asked.
Ayame looked as innocent as it was possible for him to look. "Would I do that?" He asked.
"Yes!" They both shouted, looming over him, aura's glowing.
"Kyo? Yuki?" Tohru called, as she came back upstairs. "Are you awake?"
"Yes." Yuki said, backing away from his brother, who was cowering against the wall. "I believe my brother said something about tea?" He said, smiling at her. "Where on earth did you find it?"
"It was in the cabinet." Tohru said. "It was still good, and I thought it would wake us up."
"That was a very good idea, thank you." Yuki said. He looked at Kyo and nodded, then escorted Tohru to the kitchen.
Ayame tried to follow, but Kyo put an arm in front of him. "If I find out you went in that room, so help me I'll cut your hair so short you'll look like you were born WITHOUT hair. Then I'll let your brother have you." He growled into Ayame's pale face, then went downstairs too.
Ayame gulped and followed, patting the camera in his pocket. "Thank goodness he never said anything about pictures." He muttered.
Kyo looked up from his book. Gizmo lay in a basket at the foot of his bed. "What?" Kyo asked, closing his book.
"We only have one more week to break the curse." Yuki said, leaning against the wall with his arms crossed.
"You're still worryin' about breaking it?" Kyo asked, surprised. He frowned. "I don't want to." He said.
Yuki sighed. "Truthfully, neither do I." He frowned. "I still don't think she should have been dragged into this unwillingly."
"I've been thinkin' about that too." Kyo said, smirking. "What if we made it her choice?"
"It's already been done, stupid cat, how could it be her choice now?" Yuki asked.
"Easy. We ask her to marry us, you damn rat!" Kyo said, growling.
Yuki froze. "Ask her to what?" He asked incredulously.
"Marry us. Like in a ceremony, not a curse." Kyo said.
"I never even thought about it." Yuki said, sliding down to sit on the floor. "Do you think she would?"
"I don't know. But if we don't try, we'll NEVER know." Kyo said.
"Wouldn't not knowing be better than rejection?" Yuki asked, looking pained.
"I'd rather know for sure then spend my life with someone who didn't want me." Kyo said, his eyes shadowed by his hair.
Yuki sighed. "So would I." He said quietly. "When could we do it?"
"I think we should time it for the New Year's banquet." Kyo said.
"Why then?" Yuki asked curiously.
"'Cause it'll give us time to have her ring made." Kyo said. "Look." he held out a sheet of paper. An elaborate ring was in the center of the paper, surrounded by several scribbled out previous attempts. It was a simple band, with a medium sized oval stone, flanked by four smaller, round stones. "I thought we could make the big one a diamond, and two of each of the smaller stones garnets and amethysts." He said, pointing to the stones. "Only alternating. A garnet on top of an amethyst one one side, amethyst on top of garnet on the other."
"And you want to propose in front of he rest of the Zodiac?" Yuki asked.
"Nah, I thought we'd do it before the banquet, and announce it during." Kyo said. "If she accepts."
"That's the big question, isn't it?" Yuki sighed. "Will she accept?"
"I think so." Kyo said, frowning. "But we gotta find someone to make the ring."
"We can have Skoushi Sohma make it. And we can take the stones out of the Sohma Treasury." Yuki said.
"Are we allowed?" Kyo asked.
"Well, I'm acting clan head, until Mitsue delivers." Yuki said, shrugging.
"Good." Kyo said. He sighed. "Now all we gotta do is plan the perfect proposal."
"And hope she says yes." Yuki said, sighing too.
* * *
"Yuki! Kyo! Get down here! We're going to be late!" Shigure yelled. He and Tohru had been ready for an hour, but for some reason, Yuki and Kyo were taking special care in their grooming, and were therefore holding them all up.
"Shut up!" Kyo snapped. "I can't find my jacket!"
"It's in your closet, behind the uniforms!" Tohru called. "I took it to the cleaners!"
"Thanks!" Kyo said, running back up the stairs and almost colliding with Yuki. Amazingly, it didn't lead to a fight. Instead, they exchanged strange looks, and went their separate ways. Tohru and Shigure were stunned, and a little traumatized. Those two had NEVER passed up an opportunity to fight! They must be sick.
"I just thought of something." Shigure said, looking at Tohru in surprise. "Where are Aya and Gizmo going to be?"
"Uo and Hana have them." Tohru said. "It's only for three days, and I gave them plenty of food." She smiled when Kyo came sliding to a halt beside her, breathing heavily. "Where's Yuki?"
"He's still trying to tie his tie." Kyo said, smirking. "After doing it every day for four years, you'd think he'd know how to do it."
"Shut up!" Yuki said, coming downstairs. He was still fussing with his tie. Tohru laughed and tied it for him.
Shortly after, they were ready, and the four set off down the darkened street for Sohma House. "Yuki, Kyo, I've never seen you so anxious about a Banquet before." Shigure said.
"Well, it's Kyo's first one, of course he's going to be excited!" Tohru said smiling.
"I had forgotten about that." Shigure said. "It's going to be the first banquet in twenty years without Akito."
"And that's bound to make it better than any I've been to." Yuki said darkly.
"Now Yuki, we shouldn't speak ill of the dead." Shigure said, shaking his finger at his cousin.
"Even if it's all you can say about him?" Yuki shot back.
Shigure sighed and refused to comment. Soon, they came to the main compound, where the doors were flung open to welcome family members that were unheard from until this reunion. As the four walked through the compound, greetings flew. Shigure was waving to people right and left, while even Kyo and Yuki managed a greeting or two. A handsome young man and a young woman were standing by the front door of the Main House. The young woman was heavily pregnant.
"That's Mitsue Sohma and her husband." Yuki whispered to Tohru. "She's probably carrying the next clan head."
"Is there any way to tell for sure?" Tohru asked.
"No, but considering the timing, there's no one else it could be." Yuki said.
"Does she know about the curse?" Tohru asked, keeping her voice low so the young couple at the door couldn't hear.
"She knows her child is going to be the next clan head." Yuki said, sighing. "And she and her husband are honored, but she doesn't know about the curse. She thinks it was luck of the birth." Kyo snorted and muttered something about luck.
"But isn't it cruel to keep such a thing from her?" Tohru asked, frowning. "She's the mother, shouldn't she know?"
"In the cases where the mother has no knowledge of the curse, we do not tell them. Think about it Tohru. You've just given birth to your child. You can hold it, cuddle it close, know its your child. But you also know that child is going to die before its twenty fifth birthday." Yuki's eyes darkened. "In some cases, when the mother does know of the curse, she asks the Dragon to wipe their memories of ever being pregnant, or bearing the child."
"Kyo frowned. "The women who bear the cat do it too. If they bear a normal zodiac, then the kids have a chance of being accepted in the family. The cat hasn't got a prayer."
"I couldn't do that." Tohru said, a tear running down her face. "Just forget about my baby like that."
"Yuki smiled and rubbed the tear away with his thumb. "And you'll never have to." He said, cradling her cheek in his palm. "I promise."
Kyo sighed and grabbed her hand. "Me too." He said shortly.
Tohru sniffed loudly and smiled at both of them. She looked at them both, then over to where Shigure was waiting for them up the path. "We should go. Shigure looks impatient." Indeed, Shigure was dancing from foot to foot, either impatient.or he had to go to the bathroom.
"I think he has to go to the bathroom." Kyo said dryly.
"Come on you three! The Banquet is going to start soon!" Shigure whined, still dancing. When they had caught up to him, he started up the path again. "It lasts all night, so if you have to go to the bathroom, you'd better do it now!" He said, turning to look over his shoulder, causing Kyo to smirk.
"Told ya." He whispered to Tohru, causing her to giggle.
"Hello Mitsue!" Shigure said, taking the woman's hand. "How are you?"
"I'm doing well, Shigure." She said, patting her stomach. "I still have a little while to go."
"How far along are you?" Yuki asked casually.
"Oh, I'm about a week off seven months." Mitsue said cheerfully. "But I hear those last two months just CRAWL."
Yuki, Kyo, and Shigure exchanged looks. "Yes." Shigure said, his smile not quite reaching his eyes. "I'm sure it will go quickly." He bowed. "We should get to the banquet."
"Oh yes, I'm sorry to keep you." Mitsue said, bowing as well. "I'll talk to you tomorrow."
"Yes, see you tomorrow." Yuki said, going past the smiling woman and pulling Tohru with him. Kyo nodded at the couple and followed.
"She'll be giving birth sometime after this week." Yuki said. "Cursed children are always premature."
"Will she be ok?" Tohru asked, worriedly.
"She'll be fine." Yuki said. "And the child will live, but it will most definitely be sickly." He frowned. "Like all Clan Heads are."
"It's the way the curse works." Shigure said, smiling sadly.
"I think it's a shame!" Tohru said.
"And we fully agree." Yuki said, throwing the doors to the banquet hall open.
Tohru's mouth fell open in surprise. "It's beautiful." Tohru said, dazzled. It was done in an underwater theme. The drapes, tablecloth and cushions were blue. Dolphins, sea horses, water dragons, fish, merfolk and various other sea creatures painted on the screens that lined the walls. Candles floated in large, ornate bowls of water at various intervals on the long table. A few pots of water lilies were here and there, putting their scent throughout the room. Blue and green silk tassels hung from the chandelier.
Yuki smiled. "Thank you. We worked hard on it." He said, leading her to the long table. As acting clan head, he sat at the head of the table, while he placed Tohru to his left. Kyo sat right next to her. "Here's your seat." He said, pointing to her assigned place. "Now, perhaps you would like to come see the gardens?" He asked. "They're opened only to the Zodiac members on New Year's, so we should have some privacy."
"Sure!" Tohru said, smiling at him. "Kyo, are you coming too?"
"Yeah." He said patting his pocket, reassuring himself the ring was still there. "I guess."
Tohru smiled and picked up his hand, then grabbed Yuki's as well. "Come on!" She said. "We'd better hurry, or we'll miss the Banquet." She said cheerfully.
Yuki smiled and led her to the gardens. Lanterns were lit at intervals, making the path easy to see. They strolled in the gardens, pointing various flowers out to each other. They finally came to a large marble fountain and sat, watching the falling water for a while, before Yuki and Kyo exchanged glances and stood.
"Tohru, can we speak with you a moment?" Yuki asked, clearing his throat.
"Ok." She said, standing as well. Kyo pressed her back to her seat at the edge of the fountain. "Wait. Let us talk for a minute." He said, running his hand through his hair.
"Tohru, over the past few years, you've become very precious to us." Yuki said, kneeling down next to her and clasping her right hand while Kyo kneeled down and grabbed her left. "And I have to say, no matter if we do have to share you, you're the greatest thing that ever happened to us."
"We're more sorry than we can say that you were pulled into the family the way you were, without your consent." Kyo said, completely serious. He pulled the ring box out of his pocket and held it up so Yuki could open the lid.
"But we hope you'll let us make it official." Yuki said. "Will you be ours, Tohru?"
"Will you marry us?" Kyo finished. "For real this time?"
Tohru couldn't speak. She just sat there, staring at them with blank eyes, then tears slowly welled up and started flowing down her cheeks. She pulled her shaky hands from their weak grasp and wiped the tears from her face, then rested her hands on their faces, smiling at them. "Of course." She said, voice shaking. "I wouldn't have it any other way." The boys smiled and slipped the beautiful ring on her hand, then pulled her to her feet.
"May we kiss you, Tohru?" Yuki asked, eyes shining. Tohru nodded shyly, a blush spreading over her cheekbones. Yuki leaned in first, brushing her lips lightly with his, then deepened it, cradling her face in his hands. Their eyes drifted closed, and the kiss lengthened, but remained innocent.
"Alright, rat. It's my turn." Kyo said gruffly, pulling Tohru away from Yuki. She took a gasping breath and smiled at Kyo shyly. He leaned in and fastened his lips to hers, molding them to his. He was slightly braver than Yuki and opened his lips, running his tongue over her bottom lip, causing her to gasp into the kiss. He took the opportunity to dip into her mouth, tasting her for the first time, pulling a moan from both of them.
They kissed a little while longer, then Yuki cleared his throat. "We should get back to the Banquet. It's going to start any minute." He said quietly. He was strangely not jealous of Kyo, despite the fact he had been the first to taste her. Perhaps because he knew he would have a lifetime to experience it for himself. He gave them a moment to compose themselves, then pulled Tohru into his embrace, wrapping an arm around her waist. Kyo sighed and wrapped an arm around her shoulders, then they headed back to the banquet hall.
* * *
"Well well well." Shigure said, looking out the window towards the gardens. "Look what we have here." He said, pulling Ayame over to the window too.
"They certainly look cozy." Ayame said, smirking. "Something's changed between them."
"Oh yes." Shigure said. "But the question is, what?" His mouth fell open. He turned Ayame's head towards the window. Ayame was curious, then when Kyo and Yuki kissed Tohru lightly, then continued into the room, he was seconds from collapsing. Ayame and Shigure ran from the window, pretending they hadn't seen what they had just seen.
"It's about time!" Hiro said, frowning. "We were waiting for you!"
"Be quiet Hiro!" Hatori said. "You just got here yourself."
"Nice costume by the way." Kyo said, smirking.
"Shut up!" Hiro snapped. "It's your turn next year, cat." He said, grinning evilly.
"Yeah, but it's yours this year." Kyo said.
"This is true. And I think we should begin." Yuki said, leading Tohru to her seat and helping her into it. He sat down as well, signaling the rest of the Zodiac to sit, save Hiro. Yuki rang a bell, and a trio of musicians came through the door, bowed to the assembled Zodiac, then started to play. Hiro sighed and began to dance in time to the music. It was actually very graceful, and Tohru was entranced until Hiro finally whirled to a stop when the music ended.
The members of the Zodiac clapped, then clapped again for the musicians as they left. Hiro sighed and sat at his place at the table, still in his robes. Technically, he was guest of honor, since it was the year of the Ram.
"Now, before we begin the meal and entertainment, I have something I wish to announce." Yuki said. He stood and pulled a blushing Tohru to her feet. Kyo stood as well. Yuki smiled at the family. "I would like to announce that Kyo and I have asked Tohru to be our wife, and she has accepted." He said, holding her hand up so the table could see the ring.
Instantly everyone was on their feet and heading towards the trio, Ayame leading the charge. He pulled the three into a hug, beaming. "I knew something was different!" he crowed. "But even I never expected this!" He pouted when Kagura and Kisa pulled Tohru out of his grasp so they could coo over the ring. Kyo and Yuki received slaps on the back from all the men, save Ritsu, who felt it was safer to join the girls.
Momiji ran over and swung Tohru into a hug, laughing happily. "Now you can be a member of the family for real!" He said.
"Congratulations." Hatori said. "But shouldn't we start? I'm sure the musicians are wondering why they haven't been called in yet." He said.
"Oh Hari, you're so dull!" Ayame said. "We have an engagement to celebrate! The silly music can wait!"
"No, Hatori's right." Yuki said. "We should start. We haven't even thought about what's going to happen." He smiled self depreciatingly. "We were too worried if she'd say yes or not."
The group laughed and returned to their seats, waiting for the night's entertainment and feasting to begin. Never had they felt they had more reason to celebrate a New Year.
* * *
"I'm so sleepy!" Tohru said that morning. It was about five o'clock, and the sun had just risen on the first day of the New Year. They had been up all night, listening to the musicians until the fireworks started. Then the musicians called it a night about one. The rest of the night was dedicated to talking about the wedding, how the Zodiac members who were still in school were doing, and various other matters. "What happens now?" Tohru asked.
"Well, now we go to sleep." Yuki said, yawning. "The whole family stays up until dawn, so it's pretty quiet around here until about noon." He looked at Kyo. "Should we stay at your place or mine?"
"I think yours. The Cat house isn't finished being renovated yet." Kyo said.
Yuki nodded and led them to a small house on the edge of the compound, where he unlocked the door. "It should be clean, the housekeepers come in once a week." He said, stepping inside. Tohru gasped at the sheer opulence of the small house. Silk draperies lined the walls, and expensive furniture was scattered throughout. "The bedrooms are up here." Yuki said, heading upstairs. He opened a door. "This is the bathroom." He went across the hall. "And this is my room." He said, opening that door as well. A large, western style bed completely dominated the room.
"Damn, do you like a big bed or what?" Kyo asked, amazed.
Yuki sighed. "That was the previous rat's bed. She seemed to like a lot of space."
"I can tell." Kyo said. "Where's our rooms?"
Yuki blushed. "I'm afraid this is the only bedroom."
"Say what?" Kyo asked, frowning.
"The former owner converted the other two bedrooms into an office and a studio." Yuki sighed.
"Then where are we supposed to sleep?!" Kyo yelled.
"You're not going to like this." Yuki said, frowning.
Kyo looked from the bed to Yuki and back again. "Oh hell no." He said, crossing his arms. "There's no way I'm sleeping with YOU!"
"Unless you want to sleep outside, it's the only alternative!" Yuki snapped. "Besides, I thought Tohru could sleep between us."
"What?" Tohru said, her eyes going white. "But that wouldn't be proper!"
"Tohru, I don't know about you, but I'm tired." Yuki said. "I think I can trust you with my virtue?" Tohru blushed and Yuki smiled. "I thought so."
Kyo growled. "Fine!" He said, stalking into the bedroom. "But I get the window side!"
"Fine with me." Yuki said, he let Kyo climb in first, then Tohru crawled in, blushing heavily and was very careful not to touch Kyo. Yuki was last, and he sighed with relief when he pulled the covers over himself. "Goodnight." He said, lying back on the pillow and closing his eyes. He was asleep in seconds. Tohru fell asleep next. Kyo was last, and he lay there tensely for a while, before he finally relaxed and dozed off as well. Silence reigned in the sleeping house.
* * *
Tohru woke up feeling incredibly warm. Not only was the sun shining on her form, warming the blankets deliciously, but the two bodies on either side of her were throwing off heat like a furnace. Her eyes popped open. Two bodies beside her? Oh yeah. She blushed. She was in bed with Kyo and Yuki. She looked straight ahead, and saw Yuki's peaceful face. He was sleeping silently, his breath puffing across her cheek with the evenness of deep sleep. He had an arm under her head, providing her with a pillow, and one of her arms was wrapped around his torso. Kyo was pressed against her back, or so she thought, she just couldn't see him. But she could feel him breathing, seeing as how his face was buried in her hair. His arms were wrapped around her waist. Tohru didn't know what to do. She was extremely comfortable, and she was sure that if she moved, she would wake them both, but she REALLY had to go to the bathroom!
In the end, nature won out, and she wiggled her way out of the bed and down the hall, desperately trying to make it in time. When she left the room, she had a look of complete relief on her face. She decided to make breakfast, and went down to the kitchen to see if there was any food. There wasn't, considering the lack of regular occupation, but there WAS some tea in the cupboard. She put a kettle on and found some mismatched cups. She heard someone open the creaking front gate and ran to open the door before they rang the bell and woke the boys.
Ayame stood at the front door, finger poised to ring the bell. He looked surprised for a second, then smirked. "Hello Tohru!" he crooned. "How are you this fine morning?"
"I'm fine!" She said, putting a finger to her lips. "Shh! The boys are still asleep."
"I shall do my best to let my little brother sleep." Ayame said. He wandered into the kitchen. "And you are such a good housekeeper!" He said, seeing the tea. "Making tea for your men in the morning." He sighed. "If you weren't engaged to my darling baby brother, I'd be tempted to steal you for myself!" Tohru blushed and poured him a cup of tea. "Did you sleep well?" She asked.
"Oh yes." Ayame said. "And you?"
"I slept well." Tohru said. "I had no idea Yuki had such a comfortable bed."
Ayame spat out the sip of tea he had just taken. "You.you slept in Yuki's bed, did you?" He asked, wiping his mouth delicately with his finger. "And where did he sleep?"
"Oh, he slept there too!" Tohru said, smiling. "There was plenty of room."
Ayame twitched. "And Kyo?" He asked in a strangled voice.
"He's still asleep too." Tohru said.
"Where did he sleep?" Ayame asked, taking a shaking sip of the tea.
"With Yuki and me." Tohru said, smiling.
Ayame twitched again. "And they're still asleep you say?" He asked.
"Uh huh." Tohru said.
Ayame nodded. "I'll be right back." He said, running out of the house like the hounds of Hades were after him. He was back in seconds, his hand behind his back. "May I go wake them?" He asked sweetly. "We have to be at lunch shortly, and it wouldn't do for the Cat and Rat to be late!"
"Oh, sure! Tell them I have some tea ready for them." She said, pouring two more cups.
"Of course." Ayame said, going upstairs. He grinned evilly and brought the camera from behind his back. He snuck down the hall, knowing how sensitive Kyo's hearing was. He didn't have to worry about Yuki, the boy slept like a rock. He made it to the bedroom door without a sound and slipped the door open. He almost ruined it by laughing hysterically. Yuki and Kyo were sound asleep, cuddled in the middle of the bed. Ayame brought the camera up and snapped a picture, then closed the door, knocking on it loudly. "BROTHER!" He sang. "TIME TO WAKE UP!" He grinned evilly, and stuck the camera in his pocket. "Two.one." He said aloud, then plugged his ears. Two ear-piercing screams echoed through the house, followed by thumps, and brought Tohru running, eyes white.
"What's the matter?" She asked, panicked.
"Oh, they're fine!" Ayame said cheerfully. "But I think they weren't prepared for how cold the floor is, that's all!"
"Oh." Tohru said, blinking. "Well, tell them I have their tea ready." She said, going back downstairs.
Ayame waved and leaned against the wall, waiting for the boys to come out. He was surprised he hadn't heard any battle yet. But then again, he heard they couldn't fight physically anymore. He was still there when they came out, blushing and refusing to look at each other. "Good morning you two!" He said cheerfully. "Tohru told me to tell you she has some tea ready for you downstairs."
Yuki looked at his brother suspiciously. "Did you come in my room?" He asked.
Ayame looked as innocent as it was possible for him to look. "Would I do that?" He asked.
"Yes!" They both shouted, looming over him, aura's glowing.
"Kyo? Yuki?" Tohru called, as she came back upstairs. "Are you awake?"
"Yes." Yuki said, backing away from his brother, who was cowering against the wall. "I believe my brother said something about tea?" He said, smiling at her. "Where on earth did you find it?"
"It was in the cabinet." Tohru said. "It was still good, and I thought it would wake us up."
"That was a very good idea, thank you." Yuki said. He looked at Kyo and nodded, then escorted Tohru to the kitchen.
Ayame tried to follow, but Kyo put an arm in front of him. "If I find out you went in that room, so help me I'll cut your hair so short you'll look like you were born WITHOUT hair. Then I'll let your brother have you." He growled into Ayame's pale face, then went downstairs too.
Ayame gulped and followed, patting the camera in his pocket. "Thank goodness he never said anything about pictures." He muttered.