The Years Before…Part (7) Of Love and…
Disclaimer - They are not mine.
WARNING - This chapter does contain certain descriptions of an adult nature -please do not read the chapter if you might get offend by such suggestions or if you are not of age.
To my reviewers - Thank you for all your kind comments.
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The sun rays poured into the room, illuminating the lovers on the couch. Ayame stirred and opened his eyes. He moved and found that a weight was on his lap. He looked down, Tohru was asleep. The sheet that was covering them had fallen mostly to the floor, leaving the both of them topless. His hand was tangled in her hair, and the other was on her waist. Knowing how embarrassed she would be if she wakes up to see them like that, Ayame sat still, watching her.
He could not believe how happy he was. Since Mine's wedding, Tohru and he had been spending a lot of time together. They did not make an issue out of it or made any earth-shattering announcement. So not everyone of their friends knew about it. They were 'caught' a couple of times. Once they bumped into Uo who saw them holding hands and Ayame kissing Tohru. She marched into the store that next day adorned in the Red Butterfly's coat, threatening Ayame with all sorts of physical pain if he ever hurt Tohru.
Another time, Kisa and Hiro caught them sharing a sundae in a ice-cream store. The younger couple joined them and they ended up watching a movie together. None of those who saw them ever discussed it with anyone else. Kisa and Hiro knew the consequences of letting such a relationship known in the Sohma's household. Uo was just too busy with work and she was just happy that Tohru was happy.
Shigure had been complaining to Ayame about him hoarding his flower and abandoning him as a lover. As a consolation, Ayame promised to create a special gown for Shigure, if he ever found himself a girlfriend.
The only cloud in Ayame's happiness was Yuki. He does not seem to have noticed what was going on. Partly because he was always at the University, he had been recruited into a special group experimenting with hybrids of orchids. Ayame never mentioned this to Tohru, partly because she did not seem to know that Yuki could be in love with her and partly Ayame did not want to worry her. She does get so flustered over such things and it could get so complicated. Ayame sighed. Then, he felt a hand on his face.
'Aya..'
He looked down. 'Konbanwa, it's about time you joined me.' He leaned over to kiss her and his hand started to traced her side, moving from her waist to the rise of the hips.
'Hmm, nice but I have to go. I am supposed to make dinner at home today.' Tohru looked at her lover, her eyes were half-closed trying to keep awake. 'And we still have to close the shop.'
'Ughhh, do we have to? We can spend all night like this.'
Tohru blushed when she realized her state of undress she sat up and picked up a large part of the sheet to cover herself. Ayame leaned back to watch her, knowing it would make her more conscious.
'Stop it.'
'Stop what? Can't I look at the love of my life?'
'…'
Ayame threw his head back and laughed. He pulled her closer and kissed her forehead. 'That's what I love about you, you are incorruptible.'
Tohru gave him a little frown and started to dress. Ayame stood up and walked to the windows to close the shutters. Tohru watched him and felt a stirring in her stomach. He was so beautiful. Tohru had never felt so loved since her mother died. Ayame had taught her so much - to accept love as well as to give. He gave her more than anyone in the recent years had given to her.
'Admiring the view?'
Tohru turned beet-red. 'Stop it!' She pouted. Ayame laughed. She ran her fingers through her hair and bunched them up into a pony-tail. 'I am going to get the takings for today and finished up the accounts.'
She walked out into the store, and started to close for the day. She could not believe that they got into such passion and left the store completely opened while they…she blushed at the thought. Then, the doors of the store opened. She turned around and saw Yuki.
'Tohru-kun. Are you closing?'
'Hai, Yuki-kun. Come in. Are you done for the day?'
'Hai. I thought you might want me to walk you home.'
Tohru smiled, 'That will be nice. I still have more work to do. Could you wait?'
'Sure.' Yuki settled down at the table with her and they chatted while Tohru input into the computer the sales for the day. Yuki told her all about his project, which he was really excited about.
Ayame heard the door opened and Yuki's voice. He hurriedly pulled on his robe and brushed his hair. He frowned as he braided his hair. Why was Yuki here? He walked out into the store.
'Konbanwa, Yuki.'
Yuki turned and frowned at his brother. 'Do you have to keep her here so late? She's got schoolwork and she is still helping out around the house. Learn the accounting program and do your own accounts.'
'Yuki-kun, it's alright, really. Here I am done. Shall we all go to Shigure-san's house for dinner? I make something easy, if you don't mind.'
Yuki smiled at Tohru, 'Anything you make will be fine.'
Tohru looked at Ayame, 'Aya, will you be coming?'
Yuki looked at his brother for his answer. He did not want Ayame to come. He had not spent much time with Tohru with him being in that special project and Tohru working extra hours to cover for Mine. Ayame studied his brother.
He smiled, 'Yuki is right, I should be closing. Why don't you go ahead with him.' He saw the disappointment in her eyes. 'I'll see you tomorrow.' His voice held a promise, only Tohru heard. She brightened up. 'Hai, see you tomorrow Aya.'
Ayame watched them walked until they were out of sight. He knew that they need to let everyone know about their relationship soon. Especially Yuki. Right now, he would rather face Akito, than Yuki's wrath if he ever found out about him and Tohru.
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Yuki listened as Tohru talked about her college. She had decided to do accounting, partly to help Ayame but also she thought that it was the most practical thing to do. She could easily look for a job after graduation. She described to Yuki, Ayame's latest creations and the interesting customers that come into the store. He watched her, admiring how her hair moved in the breeze and her enthusiasm in everything that she was involved in.
Somehow in the midst of listening to her chatter, Yuki can't help but feel that something was not right. He mentally played the scene at the store, what was bothering him so much? He studied the girl next to him. What was it about her that seemed so different?
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A/N - I hope you enjoyed this chapter.
