Yes, as you might have guessed, I have moved into college (hence the long period of time it took me to complete this. It's not that I'm busy, it's just that it's hard to focus on stories when people keep popping in and out of my dorm room!) Well, this chapter was fun, but, as I often do when I struggle with a chapter, I got a little long-winded. Sorry about that! Ha ha!

Actually, in my original plan this was supposed to be the story's conclusion, but I changed the entire plot climax and decided to extend it a few chapters...so I'm planning on three more chapters plus an epilogue. I hope you enjoy it! So, I never expected this story to get so many reviews. I actually went into it thinking that I would just have to stay positive even if I didn't get very much reader support, because this isn't exactly a very sought-after pairing. But I am so amazed by everyone's enthusiasm! Thank you for all the reviews and encouragement! I hope I can keep living up to your expectations. :)

'Fabulous!' Winking at the mirror, Ayame tossed his shimmering locks over his shoulder, hurrying to conduct one last evaluation of his home before his brother's arrival. He turned the corner, listening to his boots as they tapped a gleeful rhythm on the slate floor. "Oh Ritchan!" As he approached the kitchen, he sniffed hungrily at the air. "That smells delicious!"

"R, r, really, Ayame-san?" As the redhead watched his boyfriend enter the room, his eyes filled with hopeful adoration. "You aren't just saying that? I mean, um, it probably won't be very good! I'm so sorry!" Bending over a steaming pot, he humbled himself under the other man's intrigued gaze. "I really want to do a good job!"

"And I know you will!" The snake sighed, floating toward the other man as he inhaled deeply. He pressed his body up against the monkey's back, teasingly stroking his thighs as he watched the teriyaki simmer and boil. "Simply divine!" Kissing Ritsu's slender neck, he giggled to himself. "I can't wait."

Unsure of whether the silver-haired man was complimenting the food or the man who prepared it, the cross dresser flushed deeply. "I, um, I, thank you, Ayame-san." He looked down, studying his apron and drab kimono with concern. "But I need to go change! I'm," he whirled around, biting his lip as he looked toward the door, "so sorry! I'm running late! I'll ruin everything!"

Clicking his tongue against his teeth in disapproval, the snake shook his head. "Sweet Ritchan, you know you won't ruin anything at all! You must stop being so self-conscious!"

"I know," the monkey dropped his gaze to the floor, shivering involuntarily, "I'm trying. I'm," tears welled up in his eyes, "I just want everything to go well for you and Yuki-kun. I know how important it is to you."

"Oh, Ritchan! You're so sweet!" Pressing his lips against the other man's cheek, he smiled brightly. "But never fear! I know everything will be wonderful! After all," he waved his arms through the air, swishing his frilly sleeves in a display of well-rehearsed theatrics, "I am an expert at giving parties!"

Agreeing whole-heartedly, Ritsu's face shone with reverence. "I know, Ayame-san! I just," glancing at the clock, he gave a startled jump. "Oh no, I'm so sorry! I need to go get ready! They're going to be here soon!" Scurrying down the hall, he whimpered loudly. "I'm sorry! I'm so sorry, Ayame-san! I'm sorry!"

The dress designer chuckled to himself, slightly amused by his boyfriend's unrest. 'I don't believe I've ever seen him so wound up! Little Ritchan is naturally a bit wired, but today he is positively jumpy!' What would have usually troubled the older man only seemed humorous given the circumstances. During the month they had spent living together, Ayame had developed a sense for the other man's moods and emotions. He could suddenly tell the difference between when the redhead was just edgy, and when he was truly distressed, and therefore could decide to respond accordingly. 'He's so cute when he gets like this! I suppose a jittery Monkey-chan is far better than a depressed Monkey-chan!'

Tapping his well-manicured nails on the table-top, Ayame paused, instantly realizing that his own insides were squirming with suppressed anxiety. 'I suppose that today I'm no better than he is!' He shifted in his seat, unable to get comfortable as he watched the clock with expectant eyes. 'I just want everything to go well for you and Yuki-kun,' His cousin's voice haunted his thoughts, casting light on his own wishes. 'I know, dear Ritsu. I know. I too desire a fabulous evening with my younger brother. Although I pretend to be confident, even I am frightened. I'm scared that Tohru will not be able to convince him to come, and I'm even more fearful that he will show no reception to my attempts at being his brother. I always try so hard! But nothing seems to bring him closer to me! I just hope this works. It must!'

Ring. Ring. Snapping the snake away from his worries, the sound of the doorbell propelled him to his feet. "Monkey-chan! They're here!" He sang, taking one more deep breath of teriyaki aroma before rushing to the door. "Coming, coming!" Checking his reflection on the metallic knob, he grinned contentedly before swinging open the door. "Bonsoir!" His face lit up as he surveyed the cluster of people in front of him. "So nice of you to make it on this fabulous evening!"

"Aaya!" Shigure came forward, flashing the other man a charming smile. "It's been too long! You haven't been cheating on me, now have you?"

Throwing back his head, the silver-haired man smiled devilishly. "Oh, Gure-san, do not ask me such questions when you know I can't tell you the truth!" He winked, offering the writer a 'thumbs up'. He giggled playfully. "All right!"

"Shut up already," groaning, the cat stormed through the door, refusing to offer any signs of politeness as he extracted his shoes and hurried into the kitchen. "You guys are sick."

"But that's what makes us so magnificent, Kyonkichi!" Dancing toward the orange-haired boy, Ayame squealed girlishly. "My my, aren't you anxious to get inside my lovely house!" Twisting his fingers through his hair, he gestured to the table. "Go on, make yourself at home, dear Kyonkichi. If you're really so excited about visiting me!"

"Stop calling me that!" Kyo insisted, slumping into a chair with an enraged glare on his face.

"Oh my!" The silver-haired man met Shigure's gaze with a laughing smile. "Some people never do change, I suppose!" Cackling to himself, the snake returned his attention to the door, remembrance dawning on his face. "Oh, silly me! In all this flutter, I nearly forgot!" Bowing dramatically to the two guests remaining on his doorstep, he rushed forward with exuberance. "My lovely Tohru-kun!" He kissed her hand, pausing for a moment to smile flirtatiously before directing all his attention on her companion. "And my sweet, beautiful little brother!" He caught the steely-haired boy in a hug. "Seventeen and still as perfect as ever! I'm so touched that you decided to spend this important day with your one and only older brother!"

Opening his frustrated lips, Yuki looked as if he would come back with a biting insult, but, glancing at his girl companion, he seemed to change his mind. "Hello, Niisan." He bowed begrudgingly, unspoken irritation apparent in his voice.

Ayame's heart jumped at the younger boy's greeting. Disregarding the annoyance in the rat's tone, he led his brother to the kitchen table with a renewed spring in his step. "Sweet Yuki-kun! I see we're progressing! Every day our bond strengthens, it seems!" He pulled out two chairs, offering them to his guests with a proud smile on his face. "You see, little brother. We are simply made to be together! We must thrive on each other's company to survive!"

"You sound like you're proposing to him, dear Aaya," Shigure smirked, eyeing his friend suspiciously. "And I always thought you were more into the doctor type," he gave a knowing wink, "if you know what I mean."

"Oh, but times do change, Gure!" Spinning on his heels, the snake glanced toward his bedroom door with an expectant smile. "It seems that recently I have been captivated by the shy, artistic sort."

As if on cue, the monkey emerged from the bedroom, inching down the hall and toward the cluster of people. "Ayame-san?" He squeaked, trembling as he studied the crowd in front of him. "Hello everybody." As he bowed, his tiny voice was nearly lost in the group's conversation.

However, Ayame sensed the other man's presence instantly, waving his arms so as to capture the attention of his other cousins. "Beautiful Ritchan!" He offered his guests a melodramatic introduction, acting as if they had never before seen his timid boyfriend. Reaching towards the redhead, he led him out of the shadows and into the brightly-lit kitchen, spinning him around so as to show off his sexy ensemble.

Shigure whistled, studying the cross dresser with intrigued surprise. His eyes roamed over the younger man's body, noting the way the lacy mini dress accentuated his delicate form. "So, it's true, isn't it?" The dog gave a robust laugh, sneaking down the hall and peeking into each of the rooms. "And still only one bed, I see!" Returning to the group, he elbowed the snake, a devilish grin playing on his features. "Aaya, you lucky, lucky man!"

Ritsu's eyes widened, and he gasped, fumbling with his dress as he shook his head vigorously. "No, no, I mean, I, well, I don't think, um, we haven't, I'm not," his words spewed out in a nonsensical string, crumbling under the stress of the situation. He chanced a look at his boyfriend before dropping his stare to the floor. "I'm sorry, Ayame-san! I'm-."

Ignoring the redhead's embarrassed whimpers, the silver-haired man grinned. "Oh yes, I am very, very lucky!" Sashaying pompously toward Ritsu, he draped his arms around his shoulders, offering a dazzling smile to the party guests. Ignoring Shigure's snickers and Kyo's gagging, he planted a gentle kiss on the monkey's cheek, sighing to emphasize the truth in his words. "My Ritchan has just completely changed my life! Having him here with me is simply amazing! You should be jealous, dear Gure-kun!"

A groan echoed from the corner, slicing through the room's playful aura and bringing the conversation to a halt. "This is embarrassing," Yuki hissed under his breath, staring at his brother with a look of impatience on his face.

"I," Ritsu squeaked, looking from one cousin to another with fearful eyes. "I'm sorry. I-."

A dark cloud seemed to swell in the air. "Oh Yuki-kun," the snake tried to giggle, but his throat constricted painfully. 'Dearest little brother,' his lips trembled slightly. 'Surely I don't embarrass you. Surely.' The dress designer shivered slightly, racking his brain for some way to disprove the rat's words. He needed to find something that his brother could be proud of, some way to show him how much he cared. But everything seemed to fail. He was out of ideas. "Don't be such a spoilsport!" He resorted to the only method he knew to ease the awkwardness of any situation. Laughter. "If you would like, I could fit Miss Honda for a similar costume!" Winking, he offered a carefree chuckle. "Would that be more to your liking?"

Shigure laughed madly, gaining momentum from the disturbed looks on the younger boys' faces. "Oh Aaya, you certainly know how to tease." Eyeing the blush on Tohru's face, his smile grew. "Though I think you might be on to something with that one." Before Yuki had a chance to respond, however, he changed the subject, hoping to avoid any punishment that the younger boys might inflict upon him. Sighing, he sniffed hungrily at the air, thoroughly enjoying the strong aroma. "Is that Mabodofu I smell?"

"Oh yes, of course," regaining his focus, Ayame straightened his shoulders, his eyes flashing with vivacity. Glancing at his boyfriend's worried form, he squeezed the other man's shoulder in a gesture of encouragement. "My little Ritchan spent all day preparing the perfect meal for dear Yuki's birthday! And he is truly a fabulous cook!"

"Oh!" The monkey squeaked hurriedly, offering a desperate protest. "No, I'm-."

Cutting off the cross dresser's self-criticism, Ayame clapped his hands, grinning dazzlingly at the group and gesturing toward the kitchen. "Yes, come, come. Let's us celebrate this glorious occasion with an equally glorious party." He draped his arms around Yuki's smaller body, forcing a hug. 'Yes, Yuki,' he sighed internally, enjoying the warm contact with his brother, however fabricated it might be. 'Let's just pretend that everything is all right. Let's just hug, and forgive each other for the past. Please.' Losing himself in his daydreams, the snake barely noticed as the younger boy tugged away.

"Get off of me," Yuki hissed under his breath as he stepped backwards, keeping his voice low in an attempt to hide his dissatisfaction from Tohru. "Let's just eat, and get this over with." Sulking into the kitchen, the rat plopped onto a chair, narrowing his eyes in displeasure.

The redhead watched the exchange warily, wrapping a shy arm around Ayame's waist as soon as the guests had filtered into the other room. "I'm so sorry, Ayame-san," he moaned, choking on impending tears. "I don't want to embarrass you. I'm so sorry. I've only caused problems. I shouldn't have even come! I'll just," he buried his face in his palms, unable to meet his boyfriend's gaze, "I'll just mess up everything!"

"Oh, sweet Monkey-chan," the silver-haired man giggled under his breath, holding the younger Sohma in his arms as he nipped at his neck. "I messed up everything long ago. I'm the one who caused the problems." Snuggling against the other man's figure, Ayame melted into the embrace. His mind swirled with dreamy hopes, but somehow in the redhead's arms he found the strength to relax. "And I swear to you that you don't embarrass me. I truly am proud of you, Mon Cher. I love you."

A chuckle interrupted the couple's exchange. "Oh, Aaya," Shigure leaned against the door frame, clicking his tongue teasingly. "And I thought I was the only one for you." Examining Ritsu with lustful eyes, he sighed emphatically. "Though I will say that I would most definitely watch." He winked, turning back into the kitchen with a playful nod.

"Oh, um!" Ritsu nearly shrieked, blushing as he pulled away from the snake. "I better serve the meal. I, um," dashing away from his boyfriend, the monkey tripped over his own feet in his nervousness. "I'll be right back."

The silver-haired man's spirits lifted slightly as he followed the dog back to the table. He swung open his arms, surveying each face with renewed excitement. "So," he attempted to ignite conversation, leaning backwards in his seat expectantly. "How has your life been going, my dearest brother? Will you be starring in another play any time soon?"

"No," the steely-haired boy replied curtly, cutting off the dress designer. "Right now I'm busy studying for finals."

"Aw, finals!" The snake made a second attempt to connect with the younger boy. "Such a trying time. Of course, not for yours truly." He giggled, offering Shigure an amused glance. "Remember how Ha'ri used to get so riled at the end of the year? He would lock himself in his room for hours studying! Naturally, Shigure and I realized that this was far from healthy for a beautiful man such as himself, so we decided to kidnap him!"

"Really?" Tohru gave a wide-eyed squeak, looking to her friends for some explanation. "But, but, he must have been mad."

The cat rolled his eyes, kicking her softly under the table. "Don't encourage them," he commanded, sinking his head in his hands as he suppressed an angry grunt.

"But Tohru-kun wants to hear the story, Kyonkichi!" The snake nodded emphatically, flashing Kyo a triumphant look. "Would you deny our sweet little flower of anything that she asked for? I thought better of you, Kyonkichi!"

Clenching his fist, the orange-haired boy snarled slightly. "Shut the hell up," he grumbled to himself.

"Anyways!" Disregarding the cat's outburst, Ayame continued with unmatched enthusiasm. "Yes, one day right before our school administered the college entrance exams, Gure-kun and I snuck into Ha'ri's room and tossed all his books into the pond by his house. We just couldn't stand to see him stressed any longer! So we made sure that he could pull himself away from his studies to spend more time having fun with us!" Ayame chuckled, apparently thinking that he had made some brilliant cure for his cousin's stress. "Of course, he was a little bit, um, perturbed by our plan, and we had to loan him our materials until the end of the semester, but it all worked out in the end, of course."

"That it did, Aaya," Shigure joined in on the laughter, oblivious to the annoyed expressions on his younger cousins' faces.

Sitting up straight, the snake brought a finger to Tohru's pale face. "You know what I always say," he grinned proudly. "The key to success is relaxation. Poor Ha'ri could never find the power to relax when faced with such trivialities as college entrance exams, but I, of course, saw no need for such things. I already knew how smart I was! I didn't need a test to tell me that! "

"Which is why Hatori-san is a doctor," Yuki sounded exasperated by the other man's antics, glaring at him with raging eyes. "And you're a dress designer." His last words came out spiteful, and he uttered them as if they were dirty and useless. "Just a dress designer."

Ayame's stomach dropped, causing a sickening thud to reverberate in his veins. 'I'm just a dress designer to you? That's it?' Suddenly feeling humiliation stinging at his face, he avoided the other Sohma's stare. 'If I were a doctor like Ha'ri, would you love me any more than you do now? Would that make me a better brother in your eyes?' The silver-haired man had always glowed with pride at the mention of his career, but he could not muster even a brave protest under the rat's accusations. "Oh, dearest little brother!" He laughed half-heartedly, swinging his hair in front of him so as to hide the tears brimming under his lashes. "Perhaps some day you might understand the beauty of my art!"

"Um, excuse me," Ritsu approached the table, bowing over a tray of teriyaki. "Sorry for interrupting, I-." He offered Ayame a sheepish grin. "I hope everyone likes Mabodofu." Extending a shaking hand, the monkey started to serve the dish, laying a plate in front of each guest with a hopeful look on his face.

"But of course, Ritchan!" Shigure chuckled, eyeing first the sizzling tofu, and then the dress-clad cook. "So, tell me," the dog questioned, unabashedly smiling at the snake. "Exactly what type of tasks does Aaya have you perform for him?"

"I, um," surprised by the question, the redhead trembled slightly, sloshing a few droplets of tea from the kettle in his hand. "I help him sew sometimes, and try on dresses, and organize the fabrics," he seemed oblivious to the suggestive intonation in his older cousin's voice. "But I'm not very good at it!"

"Oh, I'm sure you're very good at it," Shigure laughed madly, more amused by his own joke than anyone else at the table. "Or else, I'm afraid, my dear Aaya wouldn't keep you around."

The redhead glowed crimson, realization dawning in his eyes. "Oh, no! I-."

"Shit!" An exclamation from across the table brought Shigure's teasing to a halt. Spitting at his plate, Kyo caught Ritsu's attention with his complaints. "Miso! What the fuck?"

"You don't like miso?" The color drained from the redhead's face as he fell to his knees. "Oh no!" His eyes darted toward Ayame, offering unspoken pleas for forgiveness. "I'm so sorry! I should have asked if everyone liked Mabodofu before I decided to make it! I'm such a horrible person!"

"Now, now, sweet Ritchan," Ayame cooed, joining his boyfriend on the floor as he attempted to silence the man's outburst. "We can just go into the kitchen and find something else for Kyo to eat. It really won't be any trouble at all." He trailed light kisses down the other man's face, trying to ease the teapot from Ritsu's trembling grasp without upsetting him any further. "Everything will be just fabulous, I promise."

"I, I," Biting his lips, Ritsu crumbled under his cousins' stares. "I'm sorry," he clung to Ayame's chest, spilling nervous tears onto his shoulder. His body quaked and convulsed with fear. "I just ruin everything. I-." Glancing at the cat, the monkey's eyes glittered with nervousness. "I'm so sorry!"

Kyo attempted a hint of politeness. "Hey, it's OK. "I'll just eat this," grumbling to himself, he forced a piece of tofu into his mouth, throwing it down with a big gulp of water. "Just shut up, will ya?"

"See, darling Ritchan," The snake rose to his feet, gracefully supporting the other man as he beamed at his cousins. "Everyone adores your cooking. Now let's just sit down and enjoy the rest of the meal," pulling out a chair and offering it to the redhead, Ayame heaved an internal sigh of relief, percieiving that he had put an end to the other man's hysterics. Grasping his boyfriend's sweaty hand, he massaged each finger as he led him back to the table. "Come on, now, sweet Monkey-chan."

Attempting to take a step, Ritsu instead found himself frozen in place, too wracked by shivers to move. "Ayame-san, I, I-." As if going in slow motion, Ritsu looked down in time to see the teapot sliding from his nervous fist. His eyes shot open as the porcelain piece shattered on the floor. "Oh no!" He shrieked, collapsing to the ground in a frantic to reclaim the scattered shards, whimpering as each sliver sliced into his hand. Splashing in the puddle of scalding tea, he screamed. "I'M SO SORRY, AYAME-SAN! I'M SORRY! I'M SORRY! I RUIN EVERYTHING!"

"Ritchan!" Ayame ran forward, his arms extended to the younger man. He no longer cared about the other people around him. Blocking out Shigure's laughter and Yuki's annoyed sighs from his mind, all he could think of was helping his boyfriend. He caught sight of red liquid gushing from the monkey's palm, causing his own heart to clench. "My sweet Ritchan! Everything is OK. I just don't want you to hurt yourself." His slender fingers closed around the other man's wrist. "Everything is just wonderful, Ritchan. We can clean this up later."

"No," ripping away from Ayame's hold, the redhead burst into heart-wrenching sobs. "No, I only cause you trouble! I'm sorry!" Finding the strength to move once again, he stumbled down the hall and into the bathroom, slamming the door behind him as he fled. "I APPOLOGIZE TO THE WHOLE WORLD!"

The silver-haired man forced a dissmissing laugh, bowing to his guests. "I'm sorry for the disturbance. But," as he approached the door frame, he turned around, winking slightly at his brother, "never fear! I shall return!" As soon as he turned away from the group, his pace quickened, his chest swelling with dread. 'Oh, my lovely Monkey-chan. It's been so long since this happened. I thought that, maybe, your hatred for yourself had subsided. I hoped that everything was better.' He grimaced at the memory of the other man's screams. 'I believed that I had helped you. I just want you to be happy.' He paused before the bathroom door, taking a deep breath in order to push the tears from his voice. "Ritsu," he inquired gently, "may I come in?"

Wordlessly inviting his cousin to join him, Ritsu turned away from the other man's concerned eyes. "I'm so sorry," he croaked. "I, I, I just wanted everything to go well. I wanted Yuki to see how wonderful you are. I just," he trembled, wiping his face on his blood-stained sleeve. "But I ruined it."

Tears prickled at Ayame's eyes as he felt his heart warm with gratitude for his boyfriend. "Oh, sweet Ritchan. You are so kindhearted! I," he took the smaller body in his arms, kissing lightly at the redhead's lips, "I love you so much." Sighing contentedly, he nuzzled his cousin's cheek, bringing tender hands to carress the redhead's wounded fingers. "Here, let me take care of these for you."

"No, no," attempting to protest, Ritsu finally surrendered to the snake's tenderness, allowing his fingers to be cleaned and bandaged. "You're always so nice to me, but I never do anything right!" He giggled nervously, trying to clear the lump from his throat. "I'm just embarrassing, I guess."

"Don't say such negative things!" Giving his boyfriend a firm shake, the silver-haired man's eyes narrowed accusingly. "Don't you know how much happiness you bring me? How Yuki and the others feel about you isn't your fault at all. The only thing that matters is that you know what a beautiful person you are!" His lip trembled slightly, and he surrendered his emotions to his companion, crying as he claimed the other man's lips in a salty kiss. "And I know that you are the most beautiful man in the world."

"I-," bringing a shy finger to the snake's face, Ritsu cleared away each tear drop. His voice dropped dramatically. "I love you, Ayame-san."

"And I love you, my sweet little Monkey-chan," bringing the redhead's fingers to his cheeks, he smiled brightly, "more than anything else in the world." He stood for a moment, focusing on the other man as if he was the only living thing in the world. Memories of their time spent together flashed before his eyes, and each passing vision cast a warm light through his body. 'I love you, and I know that, even if Yuki hates me for the rest of my life, I'll still have you beside me. I love you.' Forcing his mind to return to reality, he glanced at the door. "I suppose that I must return to our guests. I would be honored if you would join me."

Nodding bravely, Ritsu responded with a twinge of confidence in his voice. "OK, Ayame-san. Just let me clean up a little more."

"Of course, of course," flashing a reassuring smile, he twisted the doorknob, stepping back into the hallway while still keeping his focus on his boyfriend. "I will miss you every moment that we are apart!" Giggling playfully, he turned around, nearly falling backwards in surprise as he realized that he was not alone.

"Niisan," Yuki began, smiling lightly as he met the taller man's gaze. Pushing a stray lock of hair from his face, he took a deep breath. "That was very," he sighed, "nice of you."

Ayame's heart jumped in his chest, his stomach glowing with optimism as he scanned his brother's face. The rat's words danced through his mind, bringing all the joy back into his voice in a single moment of surprise. 'That was very nice of you.'

Francais avec Ayame #12 (with a little Japanese cooking knowledge thrown in)

Mabodofu- a tofu teriyaki dish marinated in a miso paste. (I hadto find a dish that Kyo would absolutely despise. lol!)

Bonsoir- Good evening

Mon Cher- my dear

next chapter...something that might force me to change the rating. he he! Yup, I'm finally doing the lime. Shigure put nasty ideas in little Ritchan's head! ;)