Bumps in the Road
Disclaimer: Nope, I still don't own Fruits Basket, as much as I would like too.
A.N. Well, my updates seem to have become monthly, which is a little better than before. Plus I was on vacation for more than two weeks out of the past month. I'm so proud of myself. Thanks again to all of you who reviewed. Without you I wouldn't be writing this.
Chapter 6: Ayame
Shigure had pretty much the same response as Yuki to the bag of rice that was supposed to be Kyo and Tohru's baby.
"Isn't she beautiful?" he cooed to it, tickling the place where its head would be and smiling much too gleefully. "What's its name?"
"Her name," Tohru corrected, inexplicably not catching Shigure's sarcasm, "It's Rika."
"Perfect. Just as I would have expected coming from you," Tohru beamed. She was actually proud of the sack of rice. Kyo had to restrain himself from bashing his head against the desk again. He just didn't get Tohru.
That evening Yuki had gone over to Hana's house so they could figure out the living arrangement for her 'sister', although they got nothing done as neither could stop laughing. The idea of Hana having a Barbie for a sister was just so extremely ludicrous.
Her brother didn't seem happy that she had invited a male to the house, and Hana had told him about the boy's powers, so she had spent the entire evening calling him mouse. It was just another thing they had to laugh about.
When he finally left, Yuki was in an extremely good mood, which was immediately ruined when he saw Ayame sweeping into the house in front of him. For a moment he contemplated leaving, but he immediately pushed aside the idea. He could not leave Tohru alone in the house with that pervert.
When he came in Ayame was proudly holding up the rice sack. "The newest addition to the Souma family," he was saying loudly, "I must call Hatori and have him come have a look."
Tohru was looking around nervously, "No, you don't have to do that," as Kyo growled menacingly.
"I'll beat your face in if you tell one more person about this," he said.
"But, but, Kyo!" Ayame exclaimed, "It's just so exciting." Yuki got the distinct impression that he was serious.
"It's okay Aya," Shigure said, "Let the new father have things his way for awhile. He'll come around eventually."
Kyo growled louder. He knew this was going to happen.
"Okay 'Gure," he sighed, "but only for you. What is my reward?"
Shigure had only just begun to respond when Ayame spotted Yuki.
"Little brother!" he screeched joyfully, "I can tell you have missed me. You're not hiding any nieces or nephews from me are you?" he asked, leaning over to peer behind Yuki's back.
Yuki glared coolly at him, "No," he stated shortly.
"Awww," Ayame cried.
"He did get a wife though," Kyo grinned.
"Oh Yuki," Ayame screeched, throwing his arms around the boy. Yuki glared at Kyo, "How come you didn't tell your beloved older brother. You know how much I would have loved to be there."
Yuki switched his glare to Ayame, "She's not a real wife," he told him, voice as cold as ice, "It's just for a school project."
Ayame kept on smiling, "Of course," he said, "My little brother is much too young to have settled down with just one person. You haven't experienced the joys of life yet," Yuki tried not to think about what he meant. "I still wish you would have told me."
Yuki just sighed and sat down. There was nothing he could do about Ayame now. He might as well just accept it.
The next day Ayame insisted he go to school with them so he could meet Yuki's bride, and nothing they said could persuade him otherwise. Even Shigure failed.
This, to say the least, made the walk interesting. Haru, of course was surprised, but seemed about as upset as Tohru, which was not at all. In fact, he seemed quite amused by the hostility positively emanating from Kyo and Yuki.
Standing outside the door to the classroom they finally found Hana and Uo.
"There she is. The one with the black hair," Yuki said embarrassedly. "Leave now." He was hoping against all hope that he would leave before Hana noticed him.
"But little brother," Ayame whined, "I must meet her before I leave."
Before Yuki could stop him he had strode up to Hana and thrust out his hand.
"Hi," he said cheerily, "I'm Ayame Souma, you must be Hana. Yuki's told me so much about you."
Hana eyed him suspiciously and Uo positively glared. Yuki appeared behind Ayame before Hana had a chance to reply.
"I'm sorry about this idiot," he huffed, having run all the way from the other side of the school. "This is my brother Ayame. When he learned of the project, he was determined to meet you."
"Ah," Hana said, a rather forced smile appearing on her face. She could sense that Yuki did not like this person, and therefore, she decided, she would probably not like him either. "Hello," she held out her hand, "Nice to meet you."
He smiled creepily throughout their handshake, and appeared to not want to let go. She finally had to yank her hand away.
Ayame didn't seem to notice anything strange about her whatsoever, "You take care of my little Yuki now. He needs lots of attention."
Yuki was struck with an almost irresistible urge to beat his brother to a bloody pulp right on school property, but luckily he was able to resist it, although it took almost all of his self control. He settled for giving him the most potent death glare imaginable. Ayame didn't even notice.
Hana didn't even respond to his comment.
"Hi guys," Tohru said, finally catching up. Kyo was standing in the background holding the sack of rice.
"Good morning Tohru," Hana said, visible brightening.
"Hey," Uo said.
"Oh!" Ayame said, sounding even more delighted, "You two know my pretty little Tohru."
Kyo and Yuki both cringed at his use of the word 'my'.
"Yes," Tohru said, "They are my best friends."
"Well isn't this my luck day!" Ayame gushed, "I get to meet Yuki's lovely wife and Tohru's wonderful friends all at the same time."
He suddenly swooped around to face Uo. "And who might you be?" he asked.
"Arisa Uotoni," She said coolly, not even bothering to hold out her hand. Uo had been a little reluctant to give him her name. She felt as though he would use it for some dirty purpose.
"Great to meet you Arisa Uotoni," he bowed.
There was an awkward silence, which Ayame didn't seem to notice, as they tried to think of something to say.
"Well, I must be off," The man said suddenly, "I must run the shop today," he continued making it sound tragic. He carefully lifted and kissed all the girl's hands. Two of the three felt complete and utter disgust, "I will come visit you beautiful maidens again sometime. Don't worry."
With that he was off across the school.
"I can't say I was," Hana said softly, "I can't believe that was your brother," she grumbled, turning to Yuki.
He sighed as he watched Ayame wave to several girls on the way out with them, in turn, swooning. "I know," he growled, "Again, I'm sorry about that."
Hana smiled, "I'm glad you're nothing like him."