Authors Notes- Before I start this chapter, please read this.
1- For those that may not have realised it, 'Arms of Grace' has been upped to the highest rating. I have had to edit it just to be 16+. The uncut versions can be found at s a k u r y o . d e v i a n t a r t . c o m (remove spaces)
2- I have the hugest case of writers block in 'Welcome to My Banquet' Suggestions are more than welcomed. Hell, they're NEEDED.
3- And a little thing about this chapter. Its allin Ritsu's POV.Why Richan? And why does he arrange flowers? Cause I #$#$$ing can.
Time passes slowly. A month has passed since Isuzu's accident. Not once has she awoken.
Isuzu or Rireki has brought these three families together, for better or worse.
There has been a debate on over where she should go however.
The Aso's think she should go with them.
Kazahaya wants her to choose.
Hatori wants her to come back to the Sohma's, where he can take care of her.
All of this arguing will not do Isuzu any good should she awaken. I would not be surprised if she quickly grows tired of it.
Even though I had never been close to Isuzu in the past, I still visit her every Wednesday. Its the only day when I have no flower arranging classes to teach.
Usually, there is almost always someone here with Isuzu. Today, its just the two of us.
I tell her of the simpler things that are going on in the lives of her families. Never of the strife.
She looks better than she once was. The cuts and bruises are gone, along with most of the wires. She still has a difficult time breathing on her own. They keep an oxygen mask on her face.
I brought her some flowers, and sat next to her bed as always. I was more tired than usual, and found myself drifting off...
"Where...am I...Kaza? Some...one?"
A faint voice awoke me.
Isuzu's eyes were fluttering.
"Isuzu?"
"Rit..su? Why...?"
I froze.
Then I ran to get the nearest doctor, and call the rest of the family.
It took a few minutes for the doctors to let me see her once more.
I will never forget that sight, so long as I live.
Isuzu was laying there in her bed, seemingly oblivious of the tears running down her face.
When she noticed me, she began crying harder.
"Ritsu...I won't. I can't go back to that time...If I do...I'll be betrayed again. Please? Help me?"
There was no other choice for me to make.
"Isuzu, where do you want to go? The main house, another hospital, the Aso's? Tell me, and I will make the arrangements."
She looked at me with those sad eyes.
"Anywhere but home. Any home."
With that, she fell back asleep, exhausted by just a few minutes of conversation.
Fortunately for Isuzu, there was a nurse in the room to verify her wish.
I would have to face the families on my own. This could potentially separate me from most of them. But if they cannont respect her choice, then they have no right to be near her.
I was met by Tohru first. The others hadn't been gotten ahold of yet.
I spoke to Tohru of Isuzu's words. She agreed with me, that if thats what she wants, thats what she's going to get.
After all, its the least that we can do for her.
With Tohru at my side, we awaited the arrival of those who's lives will be most affected by Isuzu.