"Gure-kun! Ha'ri! What a surprise!" Scrambling down a crowded row, Ayame waved excitedly to his cousins. Scanning the auditorium, the snake flashed his companions a satisfied grin. "How nice to see you on a glorious night such as this one. The show is nearly sold out! Dearest little Yuki will be so proud."
"Oh! Um, Aaya?" The dog gave him a questioning look. "What are you-?" Watching the silver-haired man's glittering eyes, he backed down. "I mean, what a surprise to see you!"
"Oh yes," Ayame waved his arms majestically, placing an elaborate bouquet of flowers on the floor and sliding into a nearby seat. "Well, I just knew that I couldn't miss an event like this one, so I decided to bring my Ritchan for a wonderful evening, and," turning around, he gasped, his eyes wildly searching the room, "wait, where did he get off to now?"
"You brought Ritchan?" Shigure laughed, his hand flying to his lips. "Yuki is not going to be happy, you know!" Grinning with bittersweet amusement, the dog met the doctor's gaze, wordless concern passing between them.
Ignoring the two men, Ayame retraced his steps, wondering at the dependence of the other man. 'How could he have gotten lost like this?' He sighed dramatically, scanning then audience for some sign of the other boy. 'And here, of all places, where he might bump into a woman and-.'
"I'm so sorry!" A moan echoed through the theater, causing Ayame to whirl around in recognition. "I'm so sorry. I don't deserve to ask you for directions. I really can't infringe on you like that! It's all my fault because I got lost! I'm not worthy of talking to you!"
'Oh, little Ritchan!' The snake smiled, soft pleasure playing on his features as he hurried to retrieve the other Sohma. 'I hope you aren't creating too much excitement.' Strutting quickly up the aisle, he traced the yells to a huddle of student ushers at the back of the large space. "Dearest Ritsu, what are you doing now?" He interrupted the cries, catching the onlookers' gazes with his dramatic entrance.
"I, I," Ritsu looked up at the other man, his face darkening with shame. Shrinking under the students' watchful eyes, his stare dropped to the floor. "I'm sorry, Ayame-san. I shouldn't have gotten lost. I-."
Wagging his finger in an exaggerated motion, the older man stepped forward, grinning at his companion as he let one arm fall easily around his shoulders. "Not to worry, sweet Ritchan," he chuckled as he felt the monkey's body tense beneath his touch, "But come; now we must get to our seats. Yuki-kun is about to become famous, and we are all here to witness it! Yes, my little brother will soon be a star." Winking at the surrounding children, he bowed emphatically. "Thank you all for taking good care of my date! I hope you enjoy the show!"
Spinning around, Ayame chuckled at the flush on the redhead's face. "Oh, Ritchan, you look so cute when you blush like that," the words escaped his mouth automatically as he reached a protective arm around the other man's waist. Beaming at the crowd of gawking students, the snake offered one last bow before leading the other man toward their seats. "And you especially look fabulous this evening," he studied Ritsu's collared shirt and khakis with a satisfied nod, "although you always look amazing in dresses, men's clothes truly do suit you."
"N, n, no," the monkey stumbled with surprise, unable to believe the other man's words as he tried to catch his breath. "I don't-."
"You do," Ayame corrected him. "You absolutely do! And I would know, wouldn't I?" Following the monkey's movements with his eyes, he felt warmth spreading through his chest. 'It's true. He really is beautiful.' Sighing quietly, he shrugged his shoulders. 'What's gotten into me lately? I must have spring fever or something! I'm acting like a high school girl with a crush!'
Directing the other man to a packed row, Ayame helped Ritsu to his seat. "Not to fear, Ha'ri and Gure!" He chuckled with satisfaction at the disbelief on his friends' faces. "It seems that poor Ritchan got lost. But, of course, I found him almost immediately." Clasping his hand on the redhead's shoulders, he patted the other boy affectionately.
"How nice to see you, Ritchan," Shigure attempted a polite nod, still looking both bewildered and entertained by the whole situation.
"Hello Shigure-niisan! Hello Hatori-niisan" Ritsu's head dropped automatically. "I hope I'm not bothering you."
"Not at all," the dog shook his head at the other man's behavior, staring at his silver-haired friend with amused eyes. "I hope Aaya is treating you well."
The cross dresser's gaze flew to the hand resting on his shoulder, and his blush deepened. "Of course!" Ritsu squeaked a bit too loudly. "Ayame-san is so nice to me. I don't deserve it. I really don't-."
"Shh! Shh!" Ayame brought one slender finger to the other man's lips, giggling flamboyantly. "Now, now Monkey-kun. Don't lie to Gure-kun like that." Running his fingers through his silver tresses, he sighed. "If you didn't deserve to be talked to, do you think I would be wasting my time with you right now?" He leaned back in his seat, reveling in the flush on the other man's features. "No, I enjoy being with you, sweet little Ritchan. You know that!"
The dog and the seahorse exchanged tentative glances, both staring at Ayame in astonishment. "Aaya," Hatori's voice came quietly, sounding like a warning as it cut off the other man. But he could not continue, for at that moment the lights dimmed and the curtain opened, leaving the doctor to wonder alone.
Relaxing in his chair, the snake released his hold on the redhead, focusing entirely on the play in front of him. 'I just hope this will prove to Yuki how much I care about him! I'm so proud of him, and I really hope I can show him that!' Gasping delicately, Ayame's hands flew to his face. "Look, Ritchan!" He gestured toward a familiar blonde figure. "It's Momiji-kun! Oh!" He pointed out a boy carrying a long rapier. "And there's Haru-kun! Isn't this exciting?"
The snake listened intently to the dialogue, his hands trembling with excitement as he watched the scene unfold. Suddenly, he saw a tunic-clad boy enter and flash a charming smile at the audience. "Look, there's Yuki-kun!" Ayame's heart skipped with pride as he waited for the audience's reaction. 'That's my brother.'
But, soft! what light through yonder window breaks?
It is the east, and Juliet is the sun.
Arise, fair sun, and kill the envious moon,
Who is already sick and pale with grief,
That thou her maid art far more fair than she:
Be not her maid, since she is envious;
Her vestal livery is but sick and green
And none but fools do wear it; cast it off.
The snake sighed; taking pride in the rat's every word. His gaze wandered to his timid companion, and he felt his heart clench unexpectedly at the striking sight. He watched Ritsu's eyes as they overflowed with empathetic emotion, and caught sight of a smile as it played on the monkey's illuminated features. 'He looks so gentle when he smiles like that,' Ayame realized, studying the other boy's face with rapt fascination, 'and so kind. But he is kind and gentle. I admire him for that.'
It is my lady, O, it is my love!
Heat raced through the silver-haired man's veins as he watched his companion. 'Why does he make me feel this way? This is Ritsu, the boy I used to make fun of when we were children. But things are different now, aren't they? I am finding deep admiration for the people I looked down upon, realizing that I might not be at the center of the universe after all. I'm seeing the beauty in other people.' He bit his lip as he studied the other man's soft features, drinking in the sincere benevolence that danced through the monkey's eyes. 'I love him.'
O, that she knew she were!
She speaks yet she says nothing: what of that?
Her eye discourses; I will answer it.
'I love him,' Ayame considered the thought, clasping his hands together gleefully. 'That's wonderful!' Stirring in his seat, he caught the monkey's attention, beaming at him with excitement.
Giving the snake a concerned look, Ritsu mouthed silently, "Are you OK, Ayame-san?"
"Yes, yes, of course," he whispered in response, turning his attention away in hopes of pulling Ritsu's focus back to the performance. Then, resuming his assessment of the smaller man, Ayame heart pounded with elation. 'Why can't he see how wonderful he is? He's an amazing painter, and stunningly well-dressed, but that doesn't seem to mean anything to him. He's always trying to make the people around him happy. He's looking for acceptance in another person.' Sighing, the snake let one of his hands sneak into the monkey's lap, his fingers tingling as they closed around the other man's palm. 'If only he could see himself through my eyes. Maybe he would realize how amazing he is.'
I am too bold, 'tis not to me she speaks:
Two of the fairest stars in all the heaven,
Having some business, do entreat her eyes
To twinkle in their spheres till they return.
In Ayame's grip, the monkey's hand fell numb and lifeless. The redhead bit his lip, his gaze darting questioningly to the other man as he began to tremble uncontrollably. "Ayame-san?" He whispered, nervousness cutting through each word. "I, I-." His eyes darkened as he felt to other man's fingers caress the back of his hand, tears brimming under his thick lashes. "What?"
Watching the stage lights as they shimmered and sparkled through the monkey's tears, Ayame nodded his head. "It's OK, my Ritchan. It's OK," he attempted a reassuring tone, letting his fingers slide up and down the other man's arm.
Ritsu shivered under the snake's caresses, his chest heaving with panic. Snatching his arm away from the other man, he closed it around his body, shaking his head frantically. "No, please don't, please," his voice grew a bit louder, attracting his cousins' attention as it cracked with shame. "You don't want to, I-."
What if her eyes were there, they in her head?
The brightness of her cheek would shame those stars,
As daylight doth a lamp; her eyes in heaven
Would through the airy region stream so bright
That birds would sing and think it were not night.
The silver-haired man stared at his companion, enchanted by the cross dresser's shining eyes. The glowing tan orbs reflected a sort of compassion, a true love for other people. But they were also lined with sadness, regrets, and the marks of a crushed spirit. 'He looks just like he did that day when we were children,' the snake recalled, embarrassment gripping his heart. 'His eyes. They were crying then, too. They seemed to plead for love, just like they do now. And they looked afraid that day, as well, just like now.' He grimaced, wrenching his stare from the other man's face as remorse seized his thoughts. 'Is he afraid of me?'
See, how she leans her cheek upon her hand!
O, that I were a glove upon that hand,
That I might touch that cheek!
Taking a deep breath, Ritsu attempted to dry the tears from his face, sniffling into his cotton sleeve. "I'm sorry," he gave Ayame a sheepish smile, slumping his shoulders and returning his attention to the play.
"No need to apologize!" Offering a reassuring grin, Ayame inched his fingers closer to the other man's face. Unable to stop himself, the snake brought one finger to the other man's cheek, gently catching a loose tear. 'You must stop being afraid of me,' the silver-haired man enjoyed the silky warmth of the other man's skin, heat racing through his veins at the contact. He dared to catch the monkey's hand in his grasp one more, this time smiling as the other man did not pull away. 'If you give me the chance, I will show you how much I truly regret the past. I will show you how much I love you.'
"Momiji-kun!" Ayame nearly squealed, bouncing toward the blonde boy with intense excitement in his eyes. Squeezing Ritsu's hand and leading the redhead along, he did his best to attract as much attention as possible from the other performers. "It was marvelous! An exquisite performance!"
"Ayame-san!" The smaller Sohma hurried to meet him, wrapping his arms around the snake as he beamed with happiness. "You came! What did you think? Wasn't it the best play ever? Wasn't it so much fun?"
"Oh yes, of course, little Bunny-kuns!" With a dramatic sweep of his wrist, the silver-haired man extracted a long-stem rose from his ornate bouquet. "This is for you!" He offered a dazzling grin, patting the other boy's hair affectionately. Spinning around, he caught Hatsuharu's attention and urged him forward. "And this is for you, Haru-kun! You gave a simply fantastic performance." Placing an identical blossom in the cow's hand, he chuckled. "The way you carried yourself onstage just reflected our deep similarities! Yes, you really are my cousin!"
"Ritchan!" Momiji suddenly took notice of Ayame's companion, smiling broadly. "You came, too? Did you have fun? It was really fun, wasn't it?"
"Y, y, yes," the monkey did his best to hide behind Ayame's dramatic form. "Hello Momiji-san. Hello Hatsuharu-san." He bowed, barely able to take his eyes off of the floor. "You did a good job."
"Thanks," Haru smiled politely, his voice sounding kind but indifferent. "Hey, I think Tohru and the others may still be backstage. I'm sure she'll want to see you."
"Oh yes, of course!" Waving his arms in a fluid motion, the snake's eyes twinkled eagerly. "Now tell me, is my dearest little brother back there with her? I really must go speak to him."
"Yes! Yes! He's there!" Momiji winked, tugging on Haru's arm as he nodded his head vigorously. "But now we have to go see Ha'ri-san and Shigure-san! Maybe we can visit you later. OK, Ayame-san and Ritsu-san?" Smelling his rose, he giggled. "Danke schön!"
Watching the two boys disappear into the crowds of people, Ayame ran his slender fingers down Ritsu's arm. "Won't you accompany me to Yuki-kun and I's emotional reunion?" He invited, grinning brightly at the other man as he headed toward the backstage area.
"Um, yes, Ayame-san, if you don't mind, that is!" The redhead's shoulders slumped forward as his blush deepened. "Thank you, Ayame-san."
"Oh, don't mention it at all!" Sweeping his hand through the air, he laughed. "Your company is always a pleasure for me!" Climbing over prop boxes and in between costume racks, the couple found themselves in a dimly-lit collection of small dressing rooms. "Well, this must be where our aspiring stars are hiding! Tohru-kun? Kyonkichi? Mon frére?" He sang at the top of his lungs, lavishing in the stares he attracted from the other students. "I've come to congratulate you!"
A girl emerged from behind a stack of boxes, her full-skirted costume dragging on the floor as she ran. "Ayame-san! Ritchan-san! I didn't know you were coming!" Her face danced with joy at the sight of the two cousins, and she blushed, laughing half-unexpectedly. "Wow, thank you so much!"
"It was my pleasure, as usual," the silver-haired man took her hand, casually placing a kiss on her fingers before plucking out another pink rose and offering it to her. "You were amazing! I never knew you were such an actress! You performed with such passion, such conviction. Now I see why my brother loves you so very much."
"No, no, I," she flushed, studying the flower in her hand. "I've never really performed before, I just thought it would be fun, and-."
"Well, to me you seemed virtually professional, and I am a connoisseur of the performing arts, of course." Distracted from his flattery by a series of loud noises behind him, he whirled around with a sparkling smile. "Oh, Kyonkichi!" He surveyed the orange-haired boy with an intense stare. "You mustn't sneak up on me that way! And after I went through all the trouble to bring you this present," he teased, chuckling as he forced a rose in the cat's hand.
"I don't want your stupid flower!" Kyo's eyes narrowed as he met the other man's eccentric words with a low growl. "What the hell are you doing here?" His gaze flew to the nervous monkey. "And why did you have to bring him?"
Ritsu clutched his chest, startled by the boy's angry words. "I'm sorry! I'm sorry!" His breathing accelerated as he began to pace around the room. "I shouldn't have come when I knew I was not welcomed! I shouldn't have taken up a seat that could've belonged to someone else just to selfishly watch your performance! I'm sorry!" He ran toward a number of other student actors, pleading to them in his panic. "I'M SO SORRY! I apologize to you! I apologize to the whole world!"
"Ritchan, Ritchan!" The snake caught the other man in his arms, chuckling with a carefree wave. "Ritsu and I even enjoyed your act, Kyonkichi," he turned his attention back to the orange-haired boy. "Yes, it was truly ironic when my little Yuki-kun killed you. It seems that even in plays he is bound to beat you somehow. Splendidly ironic!"
"Take that back, you damn snake!" Kyo yelled, rampaging toward the other man with a look of fury burning in his eyes. Shaking his fist at Ayame, he snarled. "I said, 'take it back'!"
"I'm sorry, I'm sorry," Ritsu clutched onto Ayame's arm with shaking fingers, repeating his apology like a mantra.
"Kyonkichi, you really must calm down. You might tear your fabulous costume if you get in a fight!" The silver-haired man placed a warning hand on the younger boy's shoulder, exhaling emphatically.
"Stop calling me that stupid name!" Kyo insisted, glaring at the other man.
"Kyo-kun, calm down please!" Tohru begged him, her eyes filled with fear at the anger on his face. "Ayame-san and Ritchan-san just wanted to come congratulate you!"
"Yes, it seems Tohru is absolutely right," the snake added, wrapping his arm around Ritsu protectively. "In fact, I was just looking for Yuki-kun when you came and now-."
A voice interrupted Ayame's narrative. "Is something wrong, Miss Honda?" Yuki appeared at the door of a nearby dressing room. As he surveyed the scene, however, his polite tone dropped entirely. "What are you doing here, Ayame?" He sounded suspicious as he approached his brother.
"Oh, sweetest little brother!" Ayame's heart softened immediately at the sight of the younger boy. 'Here's my chance,' he thought hopefully. 'Now I can be the big brother I never was. I just need to prove to him that I want to be a part of his life. I just need to show him how proud of him I am.' The snake sashayed forward, attempting to wrap the other boy in his arms. "Oh, Yuki-kun! You were unspeakably perfect! You fit the role so well! I was simply charmed by your performance. It was moving! It was inspiring! It was-."
The rat remained frigid, tugging away from the snake as hatred flared through his expression. "What are you doing here?" He demanded. "I thought I told you-."
"But, Yuki-kun, you knew I could not bear to miss such a joyous occasion! I wanted to see you!" Trying the salvage the conversation, he presented the remaining bouquet to the smaller boy. "I humbly grant you these stunning flowers as a reward for such a superb drama! Ritchan and I just adored the piece. It was magnificent!"
"Don't you ever think of what I want?" Yuki shoved the flowers back into his brother's arms, losing his composure. "Everything is always about you. I told you I didn't want you to come tonight, but instead you just decided to bring Ritsu and parade around in front of my whole school, embarrassing me. You never cared about me before, why do you care so much now?"
Deep pain stung at Ayame's heart, and he took a forced breath to prevent the tears from spilling over in his eyes. Behind him, he heard Ritsu collapse to the floor with regretful sobs. 'Pretty Ritchan, don't cry,' he mentally reached out to the other man. His vision clouded, and in his chest he felt emptiness move in and darken his mood like a storm cloud on a sunny day. He struggled to regain his flamboyant smile. "But, dearest Yuki, I only thought to come and show you how strong our fraternal bond really is."
Rolling his eyes, the steely-haired boy turned to leave. "I'll be finished in just a moment, Miss Honda," his gentle façade returned as he attempted to console his friend. "And then perhaps we can talk to Shigure about the cast party?" Leaving the group, he brushed past his brother, reaching to open the dressing room door.
"Wait, Yuki-kun!" Ayame dashed forward, loathing the sensation of being ignored. "I really hoped that we might be able to talk some more this evening about our brotherhood. We really have so much catching up to do, and I thought it would be splendid if you might join Ritchan and I for a nice meal or-."
"Leave me alone, you faggot!" Yuki hissed under his breath, slamming the door in the silver-haired man's face.
Unable to believe the rat's words, Ayame sighed shakily. "Yuki?" He whispered, the bouquet slipping from his numb fingers and smashing on the floor.
Francais Avec Ayame #5
mon frere-my brother
and a little German from Momiji...
Danke schon- Thank you!
next chapter...some angst...sorry!