Chapter 3 – The Years Before…(Part 1)
Yuki knocked on the door softly. Hearing no answer, he opened the door and shut it quietly behind him. He saw his brother's slim body leaning against the support pole. Ayame's back looked frail and lonely. Yuki sighed and run his fingers through his hair.
He walked over to his brother and sat down quietly beside him. He knew his Nii-san loved Tohru beyond any words in the world can describe. He knew Ayame was suffering. Somehow, he needed Ayame to bring himself out of the depression.
'Do you remember the first time, I met her?' Ayame asked breaking the silence. Yuki turned and saw that his brother was still in the same position and had his eyes closed.
'Aa'
'And you thought I was a pervert. You almost roasted me for dinner that day.' Ayame chuckled softly at the memory.
'I still want to roast you for dinner. How long do you intend to carry on like this?'
'…'
'Aoi is out of her mind with worry. You have to come out it, Nii-san.' Yuki winced at his own voice. He sounded firmer than he intended.
'Aoi lost her mother and you are putting her through a lot by being like this.'
Ayame opened his tears-swollen eyes. 'I missed her, I love her and I … .' He could not continue as his sobs overtook him. Yuki placed his arm around his brother's.
'I know Ayame, I know.' Yuki held his brother and gently rocked him, comforting him the best he could.
22 years ago…
In Ayame's Store
'Toooohruuuuu-kun' A voice sang out.
Tohru turned and smiled. 'Yes, Ayame-san. Is there more I can do for you?'
'Ahhhh, my love, there is always more you can do for me. But I am satisfied just to gaze upon your beautiful face.' Ayame winked at her and grinned as she turned beet-red. 'Could you please check through this list against the inventory that just came?'
'Hai.'
Tohru hummed as she worked. Three months ago, Ayame's assistant Mine told him at she would have to leave in 6 months as she is getting married. Ayame convinced her to work part-time after her wedding and hired Tohru to fill in the rest of the hours.
Tohru hesitated at first, but Shigure and Ayame turned on their tears, and she caved. Yuki was furious when he found out, not knowing what his perverted brother was up to. He actually stayed in the shop for a week before grudgingly admitted that Ayame's intentions were unusually noble.
It has been three years since she meet the Sohmas and learned their secret. Throughout it all, she accepted everything they threw her way – Shigure's and Ayame's teasing and innuendos, Kyo's true form and Akito's cruelty. The Junnishi loved her more for it. They are all protective of her and cared for her in their own ways.
She finally graduated high school and helped Kyo escape his imprisonment. Due to Ayame's generosity, Tohru was getting paid so much more than her previous job, she could now work less. With more time and money, she started to enroll herself into a nearby community college. Yuki was in the prestigious Tokyo University, studying agriculture. They still saw each other every day as she is still staying at the Shigure's house. She tried to leave. Shigure turned on his tears like a tap and she got manipulated into staying.
Yuki and Tohru still talk to Kyo weekly. Just as Akito was going to order Kyo's imprisonment, Kyo escaped to the mountains with Shisho. They stayed there for awhile before moving to Kyoto, under different names and started a dojo. The dojo is slowly gaining recognition, so they are doing well. Kagura followed her love after graduating high school. Kyo gradually learned to love and appreciate the little boar.
As time moved on…
Inch by inch, the unassuming Onigiri wormed her way romantically into the heart of an unsuspecting Junnishi.
Author's Notes – This chapter seems a little rush – I apologise. But I do have to establish the timeline and how Tohru started working for Ayame without being long-winded.
I hope you are enjoying this little story as much as I am enjoying writing it. I do appreciate constructive criticism and will appreciate if you can spare a couple of minutes to tell me what you think.
Till Chapter 4 – Sayonara!
