Title: Second Chances
Author: Gia
E-Mail: divinechild18(at) h o t m a i l . c o m
Website: www . geocities . com / s underscore b underscore b underscore org
Rating: G
Pairing: None
Time: Present time during the anime. However, taking place during summer vacation.
Summary: What if Ayame had a second chance to make up for Yuki's childhood? Yuki has reverted into a 6yr-old, with no recollection of his older self. How will everyone react? How will Akito react to this?
Disclaimer: I own not a thing. Besides, if I did. You wouldn't be reading this. You'd be watching it. XD
Author Notes: How are you liking the story so far? Don't you just love the long chapters? Now, although that means it'll take longer to update, it allows you to have an achingly long chapter! XD The story actually seems a lot longer, although, it will only be ten chapters. Perhaps an epilogue or not, depending on my mood. My updates haven't exactly been consistent, for both my anime fics and my Harry Potter ones. Countless authors have given school as the reason, and I must say that I am one of them.
Grr..first semester ended...
ALSO, I may have altered the order of events. Specifically, the martial arts training and Hatsuharu's outburst at Yuki. I know, at least in the anime, that Haru yelled at Yuki while he was already taking martial arts lessons. But as you read, in this story, Hatsuharu had already yelled at Yuki… I'm glad no one's gotten on my case about the difference but I'd just like to clear up a few things.
Now where was I? Oh! I just wanted to say that the events are obviously different from the original order. Just accept that little mishap.. Also, if Haru seems a little weird, I think it's because of the recent animes I've been watching… and I keep picture Ibu Shinji's personality on Hatsuharu…. O.o… how weird is that? Anyway, READ THE CHAPTER NOW!
Flashback
…The sun was dipping low behind the clouds, the now quiet Sohma estate bathed in a ruby color. All the current Sohmas present within the estate were already within the confines of their home either finishing their dinner or laying down to sleep. The day had been like all other days, monotonous in its routine. No one complained really, content to just go the day like usual. Now, at night, they were not troubled by any unexpected surprises. No… for why should they? The day was normal, achingly so.
That is to say, it should have been normal. As the sun's rays disappeared and the entire clothed in darkness, a petite figure stepped out from a one of the houses along the East side of the Sohma estate. A nine-year-old Yuki Sohma clutched his robes around his body tighter, trying to ward away the chill that seeped into his bones. He never glanced at the small garden in front of his house, choosing instead to hurriedly make his way along the path.
Only the slight crunching of his footsteps and the trickling of water sounded, that is to say, the water from a small pond that branched off into a little river beside the main house, sounded in the dark. Yuki bit his lip in worry when he a sliding door on the side of the house loomed in front of him. He had never left his house this late at night, though indeed it was only nine. However…
'Akito-sama… I hope he…'
Yuki crept closer and silently slid the door open before walking inside. It took a few moments for his eyes to adjust but the shadowed figure in the corner immediately brought all his senses on alert. Yuki hurriedly walked forward, kneeling respectively in front of Akito. There was a small light lit in the room across but it only increased the shadows on the opposite side of the room where Akito and Yuki were now sitting at.
Yuki cringed and quickly bowed, berating himself for forgetting. He waited for Akito to speak first and frowned when no sound came from the youth. Just as he was about to sneak a peak, a finger appeared under his chin to tilt his head upwards.
"Punctual, hm, Yuki. It befits you." Akito tilted his head to the side, smiling.
Yuki inclined his head in thanks, but also to dislodge the finger from being anywhere near him.
"Akito-sama, about the lessons with Kazuma. You said--"
"--I said?" Akito pushed black strands away from his face as he regarded Yuki in front of him. "What did I say?"
Yuki faltered, wondering if this was some type of trick question. He took a deep breath. "You said I could take lessons with-with the others. Kazuma-sensei will be coming tomorrow. I wanted to see the others," Yuki glanced at Akito's face to see his reaction so far, "like Kagura and Haru… even K-Kyou--"
There was a derisive snort from Akito that made Yuki frown. He tried again, "Akito-sama--"
The other boy stood up fluidly from his seated position, brushing by Yuki so that his own kimono briefly covered him before pulling away. Yuki whipped his head around, wondering where the older boy was going and quickly stood up. Akito was sliding open the door that led into the main hallway of the Main House--
Yuki felt his breath catch. 'No--!!'
"M-MATTE!" W-WAIT!… Yuki cried, "AKI--!"
The other boy had spun around at the exclamation, lunging forward to cover Yuki's mouth with his hand.
"Be quiet!" the other boy hissed, bringing his face close to stare at him with angry eyes. "Someone could hear you!"
"D-demo…" B-but…
"No. You aren't allowed to go. That is my decision."
Yuki's eyes widened. His struggling to remove Akito's hand up to that moment slacked off and he could only stare despairingly at the now calm, and not to mention cruel stare of Akito's eyes. Akito closed his eyes and opened them with a cheerful smile on his face as he brought Yuki forward into an embrace. "Maa, Yuki, no need to look so sad. How about you start next year? Hm… yes, I think that's best."
Yuki felt a burning sensation in his eyes, and inwardly fought with himself to not cry. Needless to say, he wasn't returning the mocking embrace. Akito stepped back, smiling as if to admire his handiwork before turning around and leaving the room without a word.
Yuki stood there, staring ahead him of but not really paying attention to anything. Just like that, Akito had refused.
'Next year… next year…' Yuki turned around, angrily brushing a hand across his eyes to wipe away stray tears.'Kazuma and the others will be here learning… and… and I'll be there too! I'll find a way to watch…' With these thoughts, Yuki quickly made his back to his house. The chilled air no longer bothered Yuki. He eased the doors open and crept through the hallway to his room. On his way there, he passed by his brother's room.
Never quite resisting the urge, Yuki pushed the door open and peaked in to look at his brother. Yuki didn't know why he bothered, not after Ayame always ignored his presence. Yuki's eyes traced Ayame's peaceful face, glancing at the gentle smile his brother carried. 'He never smiles at me…'
Yuki shook his head to get rid of his thoughts and stepped back to close the door. Now wasn't the time to think of his brother. Yuki headed to his own room, and only until he was in bed, did he think about the following morning. No matter what, he would go see Kazuma train the others…
End of flashback
The sun shone through the window, brightening up the entire room to an almost dazzling white. It was around ten in the morning, yet the air remained crisp and breezy. Everyone within Shigure's home was already awake save for one peculiar person. Ignoring the fact that all said occupants transformed into animals, this particular person had more than animal-changing proneness. Something along the lines of aging day by day…
The transition from sleep to wakefulness was so quick for Yuki that it was akin to the blink of an eye. Still, as soon as he realized exactly what day it was, he nearly fell over himself in his haste to get out of bed. A nine year-old Yuki stood in his room, a sight to behold, as the original Yuki was much older. No dramatic changes had taken place, save for an inch grown in height. What, may you ask, would seem different now?
The rare excitement in the young boy's eyes. 'Today is the day..' Yuki thought with a small smile.
The happiness was short-lived, however, when he took notice of the room around him. Frowning, he turned his attention towards his--
'That's… not my bed.'
Yuki backed away from the bed slowly, not quite sure what he was going to do at that moment. Having never been put in this situation, Yuki couldn't help but think of his older brother at this moment. Would anyone notice that he wasn't at the Sohma House? Of course! Akito, if no one else.
Yuki shuddered at the thought but stiffened when he heard footsteps outside the door. He sucked in his breath sharply, fearing that whoever was on the other side would hear him…
"D'you think he's awake?" came a whisper.
"How the hell am I supposed to know?" was the hissed reply.
Yuki blinked. 'Why does that sound… familiar?' he wondered to himself. Fear kept himself still but when he noticed the door knob turning he did the first thing that came to mind. He ran for the door.
He threw all his weight against the door to keep the person trying to get in -- out. There was a loud yell on the other side, followed by colorful cursing. Yuki breathed in a sigh of relief but realized he wasn't out of the danger when there came a banging on his door and shouts from two distinct voices.
"You damn rat! Get out-- NOW!"
"Yuki! Yuki!"
Yuki nearly stepped back in surprise, but kept his position firm against the door. Whoever they were, Yuki knew they were male and… they knew his name. Holding the door shut proved to be too hard for his small frame, and he was quick to step back when the door was finally flung open.
Yuki blinked up at the boys in his room. "H-Hatsuharu?"
Haru smiled in relief upon seeing Yuki. He didn't know what he thought when the door was slammed in both their faces, but he was just glad Yuki didn't appear hurt. Kyou rolled his eyes, not bothering to keep the irritation from showing on his face.
"Bake neko…!"
Twitch.
'Don't get angry. Don't get angry. Don't get angry.' He chanted in his head. It seemed that he should start getting used to that term. Yuki was growing up and Kyou was well aware that Yuki started calling him that around nine or ten.
Voices carried out from the hallway and in walked Shigure and Hatori. Shigure had the characteristic grin on his face when he noticed everyone in the room. "Are we having a little wake-up party for Yuki? How sweet that you two have waited so long for our dear Yuki!"
"Tch." Kyou snapped his head away from the scene and quickly stalked out. He hated mornings, especially if he had to deal with more of Shigure's perverted remarks. He wasn't aware, however, of Yuki's contemplative look that followed him.
Hatori glanced at Yuki before averting his gaze. He was curious at this decidedly odd, though small, action. "You've been asleep later than usual, but breakfast can still be made ready."
Yuki paused. "Eto… why am I not in the Main House?"
Hatori looked down at Yuki's upturned face, his eyes widening a fraction to see a determined expression on Yuki's face. A nervous chuckle escaped Shigure's mouth as all the occupants in the room struggled for an explanation. Fortunately or not, Hatori had no qualms against lying outright.
"Do you not remember Akito's words?"
"A-Akito's… words…?" Yuki bowed his head, his clenched fists shaking. "Omoi dashita…" I remember…
"Sou desu ne.." Is that so.. Shigure spoke wonderingly, sharing a look with Hatori.
"Gomen nasai." Yuki bowed again and silently followed as Hatori led him out.
Hatsuharu, the only one left with Shigure, politely asked what Shigure was thinking.
Shigure merely smiled.
Yuki sighed to himself again, wondering at how odd everyone in this house looked. On the other hand, no matter how old and tall everyone seemed, his excitement had quickly won over. Even though Akito had told him he wasn't allowed to learn martial arts until the next year, he had figured out a way to catch a glimpse of what was going to happen that afternoon. He had spent a good portion of that night to think over his plan on getting out to watch the training but what he didn't remember was how he had left the Sohma Estate.
Although he didn't like staying in the Sohma Estate, this was the one day he actually wanted to be there. Yuki planned on hiding somewhere --anywhere-- to get a glimpse but… Yuki felt the beginnings of disappointment as he sat despondently on the couch. Not only would he miss his chance at getting to see the others train he would also--
Yuki blinked when Kyou suddenly appeared and sat beside him.
Kyou crossed his arms, his own hair shielding his eyes as he ducked his head.
Yuki unashamedly stared at him from his seat.
Silence…
"What the hell are you staring at?"
Yuki barely twitched at the brusque tone. He just realized something. Kazuma wouldn't, no couldn't train the others if they weren't even there. Kyou was here so maybe…
"Kyou?"
Kyou snapped his head in his direction. "What."
"Why are you here?"
Taking the question in the wrong way, Kyou responded heatedly. "I live here."
Yuki's eyes widened. "Honto?" Really.. Yuki tilted his head contemplatively. "What about Kazuma-sama?"
It was Kyou's turn to be baffled and he merely echoed Yuki's question. "K-Kazuma…?"
Yuki pursed his lips and slid off the couch. "Baka-neko."
Kyou opened his mouth to yell but Yuki had swiftly disappeared. Fuming silently, Kyou settled back on the couch. His thoughts were occupied on Yuki's seemingly random question. 'What is that nezumi talking about? Kazuma…?'
Unbeknownst to either boy, Shigure was standing in the shadowed hallway, listening to the peculiar exchange with a knowing smile. He quietly stepped back and soundlessly made his way outside his house. It wasn't too long ago that Shigure remembered it but he needed silence to mull over the events of the past. Shigure found it amusing that Kyou would have forgotten about his first martial arts lesson.
'After all, it was that very lesson which made Kyou the second best under Kazuma's teaching…'
Grinning to himself, he made his way to the back of the house and found Hatori already sitting at the back steps. Guessing from the trail of smoke lingering from Hatori's person, the stoic man was thinking of something quite deeply, no doubt needing silence to mull whatever it was over.
Shigure grinned and tiptoed closer. Just a foot away, Shigure took a deep breath and opened his mouth to yell--
…"HA--"
"No need to yell. I could hear you." Hatori cut in swiftly, barely twitching from his seat on the wooden steps.
"Mou.. Ha-san!" Shigure maintained the grin on his face as he took a seat beside his cousin. He leaned back casually, the grin gradually transforming into something more serious.
"Hatori…"
Hatori turned to him, his cigarette inches away from his mouth. He briefly wondered what his cousin wanted when he noticed Shigure's serious face--
…Shigure smiled.
"Want to hear a story?"
"No."
Shigure waved his hand in a reassuring manner, "It's a good story, Ha-san! And…" Shigure's smile widened. "It involves are very special cousins!"
Hatori flicked an interested eye in his direction.
Shigure took the hint and began his narration. "I just happened to be watching from a window. I could see…"
…A nine-year old Hatsuharu calmly stood on the clearing set aside for their martial arts training. He understood his parents wanted him to find an outlet for 'Black Haru' but what they didn't understand was that he had found that outlet. Yuki had helped him and Haru was grateful for the light feeling he now carried.
If the other Sohmas had noticed Haru's seemingly perpetual calm, and they most certainly had, they would also wonder how it oddly stuck out in this situation.
"KYOOUU! KYOOOUU! COME BACK! IT'S BEEN SO LONG SINCE I'VE SEEN YOU! I LOVE YOU KYOU!"
"AAARGGHH!!"
Hatsuharu smiled as he tilted his head back to enjoy the light breeze. It certainly gave an odd picture to see a serene looking boy standing in the center of two other children running circles around him.
"I - DON'T- WANT - TO - HUG - YOU!"
"But… Kyou…" Kagura suddenly stopped in her sprint to stare across at Kyou. She tilted her head to the side to stare around Haru's immobile, yet serene stance, while tears gathered at the side of her eyes as she sent him an imploring look.
Kyou glared from where he was standing, also looking around Haru's body. His arms were crossed and the lethalness of the glare increased. "You better not move from your spot, Haru." Kyou hissed. "You're the only thing keeping that thing away and you better not--"
Hatsuharu, his serene smile and closed eyes, betrayed nothing as he took a step back.
'No.. He.. ---!?"
"KYOOUU!" Just as Kagura was going to run forward, the sound of footsteps on the clay ground caught their attention.
Kyou's eyes widened fractionally before he narrowed his eyes and unconsciously stood straighter. Kazuma sent a smile to the three children standing in front of him. He was fond of all three and was happy to teach them, if only to spend time with them. Kazuma was well aware of the… certain atmosphere that permeated the Sohma Estate's walls.
"Shall we begin?"
The chorus of agreement, especially from the peculiar Hatsuharu, brought another smile to Kazuma's face…
…"And then--"
"--Gure-san? Ha-san?" Ayame's eyes alighted on the pair and he wasted no time in heading over. "What are you whispering in such a sordid manner, hm?"
Shigure wrapped an arm around Hatori'sneck and rested his head on Hatori's shoulder. "Why, I don't know what you're implying, Ayame. Do you Ha-san?"
"…let go Shigure."
"I'm afraid I don't know what you're talking about--"
"--Mou, Gure-san's cheating on me--"
"--Shigure, let go--"
"--Aa, Ha-san's shampoo smells so nice--"
"--Gure-san! How could you Ha-san--"
Hatori glared at both of his cousins, but found that he still wanted to hear the story. He opened his mouth--
"--Aya, you can join--"
--and promptly shut it. He could ask Shigure to continue it later.
Kyou crossed his arms beside his head as he lay on the couch. There was nothing particularly interesting today, save for the appearance of a nine-year-old Yuki. Kyou didn't want to admit it, but he was curious as to what Yuki meant when he asked about Kazuma. 'What was he talking about? Argh… stupid rat.'
A motion from his right told Kyou that Hatsuharu had sat down on one of the chairs. The white-haired boy remained silent from his perched position on the chair, making no move to start up conversation.
'Fine by me…' Thought Kyou with a satisfied air.
"Ne, Kyou?"
Kyou merely grunted in response.
"…did something happen with Kazuma when Yuki was nine?"
Kyou sat up and stared at Haru. 'What is he talking about? Nine… Kazuma…' Kyou shrugged offhandedly, turning around so he could sit normally on the couch. "I don't know. Why?"
Hatsuharu rested his face on the palm of his hand. "Yuki… seems like he's waiting for something. I thought that if it deals with Kazuma, then you would know."
"Tch! I wouldn't know." Kyou closed his eyes in annoyance, wondering why the entire thing was irritating him so much.
"Do you think…? Hm.. Maybe… Yes, I think so." Haru slumped forward, resting his head on the palm of his hand as he closed his eyes and continued to mumble to himself.
Kyou shot him a look. "What are you going on about now?" Kyou had quickly become aware that while Haru was busy thinking about things that dealt with Yuki, he had the habit of mumbling to himself.
It really bothered Kyou.
"Oi! What are you talking about?"
"…"
Kyou felt his eye twitching when he finally realized that Haru had fallen asleep. Gritting his teeth together, he resisted the urge to stand up and beat Haru up choosing instead to fall back against the couch and think about Haru's words. If it dealt with Kazuma then at the very least he should know something… right?
Cursing to himself, Kyou sat up again. Was there anything important going on when they were nine?
…Strands whipped around a face was currently peeking from behind the bushes--
--Kyou's eyes widened.
Yuki sighed as he paced his room. He couldn't get his mind off the chance to watch the others learn martial arts. He had already asked Kyou and Haru about Kazuma but all he received were confused stares. Yuki got impatient and cut both conversations off quickly. He had come to the conclusion that Kazuma might be teaching Kagura first, or has some type of order to gauge their potential before teaching them. Whatever it was, Yuki would be sure he'd make it to the first time. Even if Hatsuharu and Kyou wouldn't be there.
'I must see! I can't be locked up! I won't be locked up!' Yuki purposefully walked towards the door and slowly opened it. There was a large chance he would be caught by somebody but… 'It's not impossible.' Yuki thought to himself.
He tiptoed his way down the hallway and silently crept down the stairs until he was only several feet from the door. Pausing momentarily, he turned back so he could see the Hatsuharu and Kyou's heads but they weren't turned in his direction. 'Eh? Haru's asleep…' Yuki smiled before letting his eyes rest on the side of Kyou's face.
Yuki hoped to see both boys in action and right now, he found he had the inexplicable urge to bring them along. 'Iie… maybe Akito forbade them from going like me.' Yuki frowned but quickly covered his mouth before he let out a gasp because at that moment Kyou's head was turning around to face him--
Kyou jumped to his feet. "EH?! NEZUMI--!!?"
The yell effectively woke up Hatsuharu from his light doze, who looked up with a dazed expression.
Kyou pointed at Yuki. "NANI O SHITE IRU!?" WHAT ARE YOU DOING!?…
Yuki froze for the briefest moments when he met Kyou's eyes but he turned around and ran for the door. Kyou muttered angrily under his breath ("K'so!") before taking off after the boy. Hatsuharu stood up to follow but stopped himself. He watched as Kyou ran out, managing to shut the door behind himself before pelting after the boy.
Haru was pretty sure about what Yuki was thinking but he found that it would be best for Kyou to take care of the situation. 'Hm… I'll have to cover for them.' Haru sat back down on the chair, staring blankly at the shut door. 'Kyou… better take care of him.'
Yuki didn't know how long they had been running, but it had been quite awhile. Although he managed to hide in several places to catch his breath, Kyou seemed to have limitless energy. Yuki nearly stumbled as he ran, but he kept on going. In hindsight, Yuki realized he had no idea where the Sohma Estate was from this place so technically, he wasn't running anywhere. A bead of sweat trickled down the side of his face as he turned his back to see if Kyou was catching up.
He was. Fast.
Yuki was already panting from the run but he kept on pushing himself to go faster. '…doshite watashi-no…' …why me…
"OI! MATTE!!" Judging by how close the yell came, Kyou was nearly on him.
Yuki sighed, stopping completely to just sit down and lean back. He was exhausted and Yuki had to concede that if he didn't stop soon he might have some serious trouble breathing. He tilted his head up to look up at Kyou.
Said boy had an angry look on his face as he stared down at him. "Why the hell did you run out? Where'd you think you were going? Do you even know? You could've gotten hurt or something. Tch.. baka."
Yuki stared up at the boy in surprise.
Kyou was aware of the stare and averted his face, ignoring the blush that was creeping onto his face. "What? It's not like I cared or anything…" He silently held out his hand.
"Shinjirarenai.." Unbelievable.
Kyou's eye twitched.
"...sankyuu." And Yuki grasped his hand and was gingerly pulled up.
Kyou shrugged impatiently, quickly letting go of Yuki's hand. He turned away from the boy and much to Yuki's surprise, kneeled down.
"Get on."
Yuki blinked. Did Kyou want him to…?
"Well? You're obviously tired. You might have… you know, an attack or something."
"An attack?" Yuki asked in bewilderment, completely thrown off by Kyou's new behavior.
"Oi! Are you going to get on or not?"
Yuki hid a smile at the impatient tone and encircled Kyou's neck with his arms. Yuki found himself laughing in surprise when Kyou stood up, arms holding his legs securely. Yuki rested his head on Kyou's shoulder, ignoring the brief moment Kyou stiffened. Yuki didn't know what to make of this new side to Kyou. It was a far cry from hot-tempered boy Yuki knew.
It was like this that the two arrived back at Shigure's house, Kyou giving a now sleeping Yuki a piggy-back ride.
"--should be bringing him back now." Haru finished, passively staring at the surprised faces of the Mabudachi Trio.
Hatori nodded seriously, eyes checking the clock. Meanwhile--
"Kyon-kichi has gone to rescue my cute, little brother--"
"--oh, Kyou's going to make his move soon--"
"--so romantic, ne Ha-san--"
"Kyou." Haru pointed behind the three of them. Kyou was standing at the foot of the stairs, no Yuki in sight. The apparent twitch in his right eye was proof that he had heard both Ayame and Shigure's comments.
Ayame stood up, the cheerful expression replaced by a concerned one when he noticed the absence of his brother. "Yuki…?"
"He's asleep." Kyou muttered, his eyes closed.
Everyone stared in surprise as Ayame moved forward, seemingly in a confronting manner. Kyou actually took a step back when Ayame didn't show signs of stopping.
"Hey--"
Ayame strode past him and headed up the stairs.
Shigure 'hmmed', tilting his head with a smile as he watched Ayame disappear up the stairs. "He's worried, ne?"
Hatori, and the others, remained silent.
Kyou craned his head back as far as it could go to see what Shigure and Hatori were doing. The two had stepped away from both Kyou and Haru to talk about something before heading up the stairs after Ayame. Kyou had clearly heard Shigure laugh and say something was 'cute'…
"Do you see anything Kyou?" Haru asked politely.
Kyou snapped his back. "No."
"Are you sure?"
"Why don't you go look yourself, you stupid cow." Kyou shot him a challenging glare, his hands flexing in preparation for 'Black Haru's' appearance. The appearance never came leaving a disappointed Kyou who was looking for something to distract him.
A small smile hovered on Haru's lips."Do you remember what Yuki was asking about now?"
Vermilion eyes slidaway fromHaru's form. "Un…"
…The afternoon air rang with the enthused voices of two boys. Their friendly one-on-one duel had been brief at best, though both boys enjoyed it. Kazuma smiled at their glowing faces, nodding at Kagura who was tugging at his sleeve to let her try. Kyou grinned up at Kazuma, nodding hurriedly at the advice Kazuma was telling both he and Haru.
Kyou didn't even complain when Kagura convinced Kazuma to let her try with Haru. He plopped himself down on the ground, idly watching the spar until a motion in the corner of his eye made him turn his head. The large bushes rustled from a slight breeze, but the head peeking from around it was obvious to Kyou's eyes.
'..Yuki..!'
Kyou glared, ready to turn away at the sight of the boy until something in his face made him take a closer look. Yuki had yet to notice that someone had seen him but something expressed in his face made Kyou pause.
Kagura suddenly shrieked with laughter when Haru tackled her prompting an exasperate Kazuma to come over.
Kyou watched Yuki sigh.
"I don't suggest doing that again Haru."
Kyou caught Yuki's eyes.
"Hai!"
Yuki turned his head away and disappeared behind the bushes.
"Kyou, what are you looking at?" Kyou angrily pushed the hand off from atop his head, annoyed at the gesture. Kazuma smiled down at the boy before looking in the direction Kyou was staring at with curiosity. "See anything interesting?"
"…ne, Kazuma-sama? Is Yuki going to be learning with us too?"
Astonishment flashed through Kazuma's face before he smiled. "Soon, I believe."
"…hmph." Kyou noticed the inquisitive gaze directed at him and shrugged. "It's not like I care."
Turning, Kyou walked over to Haru and Kagura, leaving a smiling Kazuma behind him...
Ayame made sure to keep his footsteps light as he walked through the hallway. He knew Hatsuharu and Kyou were downstairs with no Yuki in sight. After hearing Shigure's story, especially after Hatori surprised the two of them with insisting the writer to finish it, Ayame was compelled to visit Yuki. He had been more than worried when he heard from Haru that Yuki had most likely run away to head back to the Sohma Estate. 'If anyone had found about Yuki as he is now…' Ayame shuddered at the thought.
He turned the doorknob with one hand, the other laying on the door to swing it open soundlessly. The sunlight reflecting from the polished floor caused Ayame to blink his eyes at the sudden lighting but he soon got used to it. He looked across the room and found Yuki sleeping on his bed.
There was the softest smiles gracing Yuki's face as he slept, completely unaware of his older brother's gaze. He was turned over on his side, his arms willful cushions as Yuki unconsciously cradled his head on them. Even with the sunlight pouring in, nothing stirred in Yuki's face.
Ayame slowly leaned his head back on the doorway of the room, hesitant in what he wanted to do. After a brief pause,he stepped inside and closed the door behind himself. He silently crept to the other side of the bed and eased himself on. By some stroke of luck, Yuki never budged from his spot when the bed dipped.
Ayame let out a small laugh under his breath as he leaned over and brushed a few strands of hair from Yuki's face. "Yuki, shatei…" Yuki, my little brother…
Yuki frowned in his sleep.
Ayame's fingers hovered above the side of his brother's face, not daring to move for fear of waking him. To his complete and utter surprise, Yuki turned over and immediately sought out the only warmth present.
Ayame.
Before the snake of the zodiac knew it, Yuki had turned over and burrowed himself in his older brother's arms. For a moment, Ayame didn't know how to react. He'd never imagined being close to Yuki, not after their particular childhood.
Hoping that Yuki wouldn't wake up, Ayame settled comfortably on the bed until he too was resting his head on Yuki's pillow. Yuki had apparently settled on using Ayame as his new head cushion because he snuggled in closer, tucking his head under Ayame's chin.
Smiling gently, Ayame wrapped protective arms around him and closed his eyes.
A/N: What do you think? Good? Bad? I noticed a lot of scene changes and I apologize for that but the entire chapter was playing like an episode in my head and the change seemed fine..Anyway, I'll have to do a bit of tricky imagination to keep both of these fruits basket stories going. Filling in the gaps and whatnot. How do you think that is going?
You noticed that capital 'y' in there? I was looking up the proper spelling of little brother and found this: Ototochan - little bro. (this word is also Ototo, with a long o sound. Now, my book doesn't have a suffix to it and I add -chan for the same reason's as I did for Oniichan. But when saying "my little brother" the word becomes "shatei." When saying "your little brother" it is "reitei" or "ototogo.") and I wasn't completely sure so I'm citing my source here.. XD
My favorite scene in writing this has to be that brotherly moment they had… if only that was a real episode… I would love it. XD
I thought it was fun writing the in-betweens with the flashbacks. I'm trying to make it as realistic, in terms of manga and/or anime terms, as I can. I've always thought about what happened when the Sohma's were young and all. Hasn't anyone else thought about it? But really, that's the main cause for the slow updates… it's hard to think up of things that could have happened in Yuki's childhood. Even though I think the past few chapters were easier to write, making up scenes of Yuki when he's twelve or thirteen might be more difficult… oh well, I'm sure we've all wondered about that… right? Is that just me… TT…
If anyone is wondering about the beginning, when Akito told Yuki that someone might hear, I'd like to explain it here. I know it might seem odd to the readers because Akito is head and all. But you have to remember that he's still considered a child here, and he's not immune to any punishments, or I guess in his case, severe reprimanding. Let's assume this is some childish fear of being caught, Akito's human after all.. Eheh.. XD I do hope you enjoyed the chapter and leave a review to tell me what you think!
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