Part 1
Thank you all so much for reviewing! I'm so happy! I really wish I could update more often, but exams are fast approaching and I've got writers block. I'll try to make the story less confusing from now on...that seems to be everyone's main complaint.
Thanks again for reviewing! Here we go: Shigure's P.O.V.
The season was fast approaching: New Year's eve when the rabbit would hand over the year to the dragon. Hatori was not thrilled at this. This was the second time in his life he had had to put on a dress and dance formally and seriously for a crowd of relatives. In short, I would crack up every time. It was amazing to watch, feeling both overwhelming joy because of his humiliation, and fear because you knew. You knew that if you laughed, or giggled, or coughed, Akito would be on you like Kyo on Yuki. It's sad to think that I'm a novelist and that's my best metaphor.
But that's beside the point. Akito knew about the mind switch of course. I had called him several times since the incident. But the other family members... they had no idea. Neither Akito nor I could think of which of them should attend, if either. Haru couldn't come; he technically wasn't part of the zodiac at the moment. And Tohru couldn't attend, as it was a secret Sohma family gathering.
I was however, able to console Akito for the loss of his cow with the appearance of the rat. A very bold gesture on Yuki's part, as he would have to find an excuse for not attending last year's ceremony. One that everyone would believe. Kyo didn't need to come, he was the cat. Yuki was happy in knowing that Tohru would be safe from her own naivete this year. She had Haru and Yuki to protect her. Plus, she was a guy. Wow that sounds weird. She was a guy. Hmm... Anyway, no one would attack a guy as tall as Haru.
Each New Year's celebration would include the ceremonial dance. Then everyone on the 'inside' would talk for a while and then the zodiac members would sit down to eat a meal prepared by the other insiders. Then there was a speech after dessert. The family member representing the New Year would give the speech, so it was Hatori's turn. His weren't as funny as the others, but they could make you think.
"I believe that one day, very soon, people will set aside their differences and come together as one. Maybe not because we love one another, but because we need each other to survive. Then, together, we will fight out common enemies. Maybe someday the people outside will understand that we carry a great burden, and that we carry it for them. They could have been chosen, but it was us, and we are patient." He said. I chuckled as I thought about Kyo. There was no patience in him. "Perhaps some day they will realize just what they have done wrong, and how much we would like to help them if they would only accept us. As a good friend you all know says frequently: que sera sera. We cannot change them. But we can hope." There was much applause and some people patted me on the back. "Then maybe I can stop erasing memories for you people." He said in conclusion. Some people laughed, but I wasn't sure if he was serious or not.
Now that the speech was over, we went outside to the main building to have a miniature festival with all the members of the Sohma family, and some guests. Kyo never attended any of these celebrations, and Yuki rarely stayed after the speech. I sighed. I would be alone again this year. I saw Ayame wave from across the room. Hatori stood beside him, still in the festival kimono. Maybe I wasn't as alone as I thought.
"I see Yuki has decided to leave early this year." Akito said after the celebrations for the first day of the New Year had come to an end. There had been Chinese fireworks at the stroke of midnight, and the entire world was celebrating. Except Akito. He seemed abnormally angry. "He didn't say goodbye. I am hurt deeply."
"Yes, well, I think he just wanted to go back home and celebrate with everyone. They're probably feeling left out." I said casually. It was true I guess, Haru had never missed the feast. Tohru was probably upset and trying to buy everyone chocolate to compensate for his not being able to go. I sighed. Yup, that was a perfect description of our Tohru kun. Akito smiled.
"I see. But Shigure kun, I would really rather see him more often. Would you try to send him over here more often? I get a strange feeling that he's avoiding me." He said, and with that he walked away. Huh. That went well. There I go, pulling a Kyo and using sarcasm. Can't do that again. I put my hands in the pockets of my coat and fished for a cigarette. Finding one, I lit it and walked home. Remember kids, I don't recommend smoking. Only weird zodiac animals like Hori and me smoke.
As I entered the house, I noticed all the streamers, balloons, confetti, snacks, and various other party items strewn across the floor of our now dark house. No wonder Yuki kun left the banquet early. I would prefer to party with friends any day. I just wish Hori had been there to take pictures. Oh well. Que sera sera, right? A year and a half since Honda kun moved in with us. Just a tiny sliver of time beside an eternal friendship.
AWWW! That was so cute! And slightly confusing. I think that's because Shigure, like Hori chan, daydreams a lot and thinks a lot. That could just be because he's a writer. Please review!