Disclaimer: I don't own Fruits Basket or anything relating to it, besides the fanfics that I write about it. However, as I had promised, we do have some fruity guests with us . Welcome Shigure, Ayame, and Hatori. As they are my favorite characters from Fruits Basket, they will be aiding me in relating this story.
Ayame: How did you like Ki-chan's first installment of Never Forget the Simple Things?
Kitone: Yes, by the way, you can now quickly refer to it as NFtST. It makes my typing go a bit faster, and any help is appreciated.
Shigure: Yours truly really doubts your novelizing skills Ki-chan.
Kitone-.0; So says the man who uses the word "novelizing." Where the hell did that come from?
Ayame: Ki-chan! Watch your language, there are children out there!
Kitone: Argh! That's why I made my fic rated as PG-13. If people have problems with me saying hell, then they should deal with it and work on getting more mature.
Hatori: May I interject? The use of swear words doesn't characterize maturity Kitone-san.
Kitone: Eck! I wasn't saying that it did! I merely meant that if they can't respect the way a person speaks, then they should be more mature instead of saying, "Oh, mommy, the bad lady on the internet swore!" –stops being so tense- Why am I yelling at you guys? I absolutely love you all! Well, until next time, Kitone signing out! Oh, and please do review. Reviews make me write better…or so I hope. I dunno, just review please .-
Never Forget the Simple Things: The Sweet Taste of Spring Cherries
I called Michi-chan remembering that I had no means of transportation to, well, anywhere. "Michi-san speaking." Why was she so informal?
"Hey Michi-ko! Do you think you can come pick me up and take me to my car?"
Apparently she wasn't as concerned as Yumi-chan about the 'why,' but this was what I liked about her. She would listen to me without any doubt in me. I heard a muffled, "Hai," as she undoubtedly searched for her car keys. After quick directions, she was there and ushering me into her own car and asking, "So would it be terribly out of line for me to ask why I have to fetch you and your car like a dog?" I cringed involuntarily ant her choice of words. Do best friends have E.S.P. or did was this just extremely coincidental?
I shrugged and replied, "Trying to get out of Katsuko-chan duties." It was the best reason I could think of. I mean it wouldn't have been the first time. Once when she was really little I gave her a bunch of carnival tickets so she could go on the little kiddie rides. I told her I was going to the bathroom, but I was really going on other rides with my friends. They little kid freaked out as soon as it got remotely dark and I had to buy her a bag of popcorn, a bag of cotton candy, and a stuffed tiger just so she wouldn't tell our parents. Isn't blackmailing a sin? Well I had no choice at that point so I gave her that idiotic tiger. Don't get me wrong though, I love the little runt, but I know that both of us would rather hang out with our own friends. Michi-chan and I parted ways and I drove dazedly to my own dorm and almost didn't realize that I had arrived.
What was I doing? Placing so much trust in people I barely knew and keeping the ones who knew me best in the dark was not what I would call ethical. The unsure void within me ravaged over this self-conflict and reveled in the weariness that kept it going. After I changed into my work uniform, a simple black skirt that fell to my knees and a white t-shirt with the words Sanzo Sushi on the back, I pulled on my tennis shoes. (A/N: Sorry if that really is a restaurant, it was just a name that popped into my head.) When I arrived at work, I was promptly greeted by Yumi-chan, Michi-chan, and Tatsuya-kun. Yumi-chan is a perky girl who's never heard the expression that, in effect, means too much pink. Michi-chan has been my best friend forever. We listen to the same types of music and tell each other everything. Tatsuya-kun is like the annoying, whiny brother that I never had. No, he really isn't that bad and we've known each other since we could talk so he feels like he's a brother. He pretends like he doesn't, but he does look after me which can sometimes be annoying. Eck! He's wearing too much gel again. Grabbing a cup of water, I poured it on his head and wiped the gel away much to his protest. I can't really explain it, but gel-free hair just seems to suit him better.
"Konbanwa. I'm Miyeko," it's funny how it's just as hard for Japanese people to say Sam as it is for Americans to say Miyeko, "and I'll be your server tonight. Tonight's specials can be found on that board located near the bar. I'll be back in a few minutes with water to take your order." The rest of the night followed in pretty much the same patter with the exception of the usual restaurant mishaps.
Enter Yumi-chan: "So, what is it about this mysterious air that you've got about you?" I swear Mich-ko has scarily good hearing. She was across the room and next to me, ready to interrogate, as soon as Yumi-chan's words had left her mouth. Coming over to see what the whole huddling thing was about, Tatsuya gazed at me intent on being filled in on what he had missed. So much pressure, I couldn't help but crack. It wasn't fair to keep them in the shadows of my life even if it were easier not to tell them.
I shrugged after finishing relating the details of my fun-filled adventure, of course minus the curse details. A few pairs of chopsticks dropped miscellaneous pieces of food with dull plops and splatters. Tatsuya-kun seemed as if he couldn't believe that I had spent the whole night in the house of a man I didn't know. Michi-ko was disappointed that I had not brought her with me and Yumi-chan was still digesting the whole of it. I picked up an apple and dipped it into soy sauce; Yumi-ko was the first to say anything, "I swear Sam, how can you eat that?" I shrugged my shoulders and popped the last bit into my mouth with a rather loud crunch in response.
Now that the awkward silence had been lifted, Michi-ko interjected, "So, what's he like? Are you going to see him again? Does he have any cute friends? Will you take me to meet him and said cute friends?"
I couldn't help stifling a laugh and replied, trying to remember the order of all her questions, "I don't know much about him yet. I have to go back to get a check up on my leg, so yes I will go back. He has a few and one's even a doctor. The other one owns a store that I went to once with Keigo-san. If you really want to go, I guess they wouldn't mind."
Then it was Tatsu-kun's turn. He looked at us and sighed, "I'm not going to leave you two alone with a bunch of guys. I guess I'm going as well."
I hugged him and chirped a delighted, "Aw, that's so sweet! You want to protect us Tatsu-kun!"
He flicked me on the nose and said, "Then who will protect them from you?"
I gave him an indignant pout, but ruffled his hair soon later with a smile. Yumi nodded her head and said, "You need someone there to keep you all in line. Perhaps I should tag along as well." I ran to grab all of our jackets and my purse as well as Yumi-ko's and Michi-ko's as well.
Then I tossed each their belongings and said, "We'll take my car. It's got a full tank of gas and well, quite frankly I am the best driver." I laughed at my comment as I received many eye rolls as Michi-chan grabbed my keys out of my hands. The drive was short and was spent talking about the tips we had earned and the normal kinds of gossip. We arrived back at the house and it was just how I had left it, at least on the outside. I knocked on the door and was met by Tohru-chan's smiling face. I bowed and said, "Sumi masen, but my friends decided they wanted to come as well." I pointed at my waving friends and said, "They wanted to make sure I was acceptable."
Tatsuya-kun barged through the door and said, "So where is this Shigure person anyways?"
Shigure looked up from the table and said, "Exactly who would like to know and why? Did my editor send you?"
I ran behind and grabbed Tatsuya's hand and said, "Hey Shigure, this is my friend Higoshi Tatsuya." Michi-chan and Yumi-chan had followed me in to restrain Tatsuya and I continued, "These are my other friends Asano Michi and Kotara Yumi."
As expected, Michi-ko turned to me and whispered, "He isn't that good looking." I promptly nudged her as she continued with an even quieter voice, "Now, that guy with the white and black hair is gorgeous." I looked to where she was pointing and saw her point, but also noticed that he was someone I had not met before. He seemed to be around Tohru, Kyo, and Yuki's age, but he was very cool, calm, and collected.
I blushed a bit and said, "Sorry, it seems we have interrupted your dinner. Nice to meet you all," I said as I hinted in the direction of the white-haired boy, a girl hugging (it looked more like a mix between a hug and a headlock) Kyo, and an awfully cute little boy. I sat down in an empty room with Michi-ko, Yumi-ko, and Tatsuya-kun. Tatsuya-kun was mumbling something under his breath that sounded a great deal like, 'you won't be so lucky next time punk' while the others stayed quiet. As much as I tried to inspire friendship between Yumi and Michi, they didn't really seem to like each other. Yumi-ko was just a little too prissy for Michi-ko's liking and the fact that Michi-ko spent much of her time pointing this out angered Yumi-ko. I usually didn't pay to the two since I just knew that they disliked each other, but my mind often wanders as soon as it has the silence to do so.
However, very little time was spent in this silence. Apparently they had been nearly finished with their dinner and a few early finishers filtered into the room with us. The little blonde haired boy came in and sat on my lap. Then he cried out, "Are you going to marry Shii-chan?" I gasped a little slightly taken aback as he added, "Oh, and my name is Sohma Momiji."
I smiled down at him and said, "No Momiji-kun. He and I are just friends. And besides, Shigure-san doesn't like me in that way. We only met a little while ago."
Tatsuya-kun was mumbling yet again and, from what I could make out, was saying, "Yeah, just friends…only met him a day ago…she really knows how to sugarcoat it."
In my anger I grabbed onto Tatsuya-kun's arm and dug my fingernails into his skin. I smiled sweetly and said, "What was it you were trying to say Tatsu-kun?"
He gritted his teeth, whether in pain or anger with me I don't know, and said with an obviously forced grin, "Nothing Miyeko-san," and resumed mumbling now a clear, 'crazy girl. I swear if that kid weren't here right now…'
Momiji-kun laughed and said, "You're so funny Tatsuya-san."
I laughed as well and said, "You don't know the half of it Momiji-kun." Then I added with a look in Tatsuya's direction, "When we were little, Tatsu-kun, over there, used to play dress up with me and Michi-chan when we were little. He made a cute little girl." Momiji started laughing and fell out of my lap onto the couch. He shot a glare over at me and stood up and balled his fists. I scoffed in his direction, got off of the couch, and said, "What're ya gonna do? Huh Tatsu-chan?" He looked like he was going to punch me, but I knew that he wouldn't. Tatsuya-kun just has this weird thing about not hitting me. I hit him often and he just never hits me. "Can't punch me can you? Come on, I can take it. Just release all of your anger."
I was interrupted as Shigure walked in and cleared his throat. Then he said, "Am I interrupting something?"
I blinked dumbstruck and said, "Gomen nasai. I was just telling Momiji-kun about myself and well, got a little carried away." He laughed and it made me want to comb my fingers through his hair, but I was beaten to the act by Ayame-san.
He ran his longer than average fingernails through Shigure's hair as he slightly whined, "Oh Gure-san, isn't young love so precious? Reminds me of our first little quarrels." This supremely freaked out Tatsuya-kun and his jaw dropped down. I couldn't help but look slightly downcast and Ayame-san noticed this. He looked inquisitively at me and asked, "Do you feel quite well Miye-chan?"
I smiled in his direction as he walked towards me and picked up my chin in his hand. Then he said, "I'm sure it's nothing a little kiss won't help." He gave me a little peck on the lips and licked his own lips and said, "Your lips taste like cherries in the spring."
I stepped back and said, "Ayame-san, you are only too kind." Then I blushed and heard Shigure's bark of a laugh as Tatsuya-kun had grabbed Ayame-san's shirt collar and was gritting his teeth. I punched Tatsuya in the stomach, which made him let go of Ayame-san. Then I said, "At least he knows how to compliment someone. I can't say the same for a certain angry idiot."
Ayame-san laughed and said, "You're right Gure-san. This one sure does know how to tame a fiery spirit. Maybe we should leave her in a room with my dear brother and little Kyonkichi." I laughed as a bickering Yuki and Kyo came into the room. Soon the white and black haired boy came into the room looking rather indifferent. The two girls were missing. Noticing this, I asked, "So where are Tohru-chan and that other little girl? When will Hatori-sama be here to check up on my leg? Do you guys have to go soon Michi-ko, Yumi-ko, Tatsu-kun?"
Ayame answered the first part with a, "Kagura-chan and Tohru-kun are in the kitchen washing the dishes and Tori-san will be here soon. He just called saying that he had just finished up his work in the office and was about to straighten his office up a bit before he left."
All my friends shook their heads no and Michi-ko said, "We'll wait for you Sam."
I laughed and said, "Well, we might as well have some fun while we wait for Hatori-sama. Anyone up for a little game I like to call Blackjack?" Pulling out a deck of cards, I brought out a bag of sugar stars as well. Betting makes the whole game worthwhile. Perhaps encouraging gambling wasn't the most kosher thing for someone like me to do, but hey, I'm still a kid too. After doling out an equal amount of candy to each player-Michi, Yumi, Tatsuya, Shigure, Ayame, Yuki, Kyo, Momiji, and Hatsuharu (yes, I learned his name)-I quickly handed out two cards to each person including myself. Yeah, ever heard of something called beginners luck? Well apparently, it was favoring Momiji. He easily swept us all out. I still say he was bluffing; no one could play that well for their first time. Hatori finally arrived at which point he unwrapped my bandages. I winced a little as he poured some hydrogen peroxide, I can't believe doctors still use that stuff, on the still open cuts.
Ayame looked at Shigure and said, "Gure-san, you really do need to pay more attention to where you are going. The poor girl is still bleeding you klutzy inu." Shigure let out a bark-like laugh as I waited for Hatori to bandage up my afflictions, but there was no way he could do that. I still couldn't quash the little green monster inside that wanted to beat Ayame-san to a pulp. But how could I think of such things? Ayame-san had been nothing but nice to me, and yet the more than friendly vibes emitting from the two were only feeding the once little green monster.
"Aaya, you know that I'm clumsy. Think of last night," retorted Shigure with another laugh.
"How could I forget Gure-san. You had me up all night," was Ayame-san's response.
I watched Tatsuya on the couch squirming uneasily and couldn't help but laugh. Kyo and Yuki were glaring at the two older men and Tohru-chan blushed madly. Hatori-sama shook his head in what seemed to be disapproval and I asked politely, "Is something the matter Hatori-sama? You look like you have a headache or something. Have you been overexposed to loud noises?"
He continued to shake his head as he answered, "It's overexposure to those two. I swear, your little jokes have gone on for too many years. It's a wonder how I can have stood through it all for these oh so long years." They were just friends? Wow, that was a relief. It was just a joke and had always been one from the start.
Shigure and Ayame seemed taken aback, but Ayame was the first to voice his opinions, "Tori-san! You must admit that you have some sort of feelings for us to have stayed our friend for so long. I mean, not to be putting myself or Shigure down, but it is hard to be with one for such a long time when one does not have feelings for the other parties."
I laughed and said, "Well, I wouldn't want to intrude or wear out my welcome, so I think I'll leave now. You guys coming?" Dusting myself off, I stood up and bowed politely. Then I made to grab my bag and coat when Shigure grabbed my arm.
"Hold on Miyeko-san. Tori-san has to go over a few things before we let you go." He winked and I knew he had something else in mind.
Thankfully, Tatsu-kun looked thoroughly peeved. His ill temper made what I was about to do so much more easy. Smiling with a hint of mock forgetfulness, I said, "I almost forgot Shigure-san. Would you guys mind if we stayed a bit longer? You know what? Maybe you should all just go back to your dorms. I'm sure Hatori-sama could drive me back. Don't worry about me. Seriously, it is getting pretty late." That acting in middle school had surely paid off. They fell for the bait hook, line, and sinker. Of course, Tatsuya's frequent mumbling of, "Why did we come here in the first place?" really helped hasten Michi-chan and Yumi-chan as well.
I put my things back down and said, "From that wink you gave me, I can only imagine the reason why you kept me here. I mean, I can't believe that you got them with that obviously phony front. Luckily, my acting skills haven't grown too rusty."
