Pandemonium

Disclaimer: I do not own Fruits Basket.

Chapter Posted: June 12, 2006
Brief Summary: Mitsu gets her manuscript
Warnings: I tried to keep Mitsu in character, I REALLY did
Story Notes: a short chapter-- posted it to meet my deadline

A/N: A big THANK YOU to everyone who reviewed chapter two. Enjoy this; R&R!

-Recap:

I never intended to get involved with the Sohma family; I really didn't. Shigure was the author I worked with, and Ritsu was my newest acquaintance– I had no idea that I was about to be thrust into something that would change the course of my life forever.

-Chapter Three: Mayhem
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The day after my lunch with Ritsu was the day I had to face sensei once again. Needless to say, I was certainly not looking forward to it. He knew that he had to have the manuscript ready– I had called and told him about fifty times and left at least two messages for him with each of the kids. There was no way he could worm his way out of it; I had covered all my bases and I was going to get his manuscript from him if I had to pry it out of his fingers. Oh how I prayed it would never come to that...

I had worn my most comfortable suit and my good luck charm– a locket my father had given me for my birthday when I was just a little girl. I could only hope that the familiarity of such precious items would keep me from going completely insane when that idiot novelist did not– just like always– have his manuscript ready for me. I was starting to suspect that he did actually write them, but to frustrate and fluster me he intentionally withheld them!

At any rate, I rushed over to his home.

Once I arrived, I tried to compose myself. Deep breaths, a few mental reassurances– and I was sure I was ready to face him.

I had raised my fist to rap on the door, but was suddenly interrupted when the door burst open seemingly on its own and I saw two boys in a rough and tumble fight.

"Excuse me," I said loudly, trying to get their attention through the scuffle. "I-is Shigure here? I'm his editor and..."

"Get off me you damn rat!" the orange-haired one yelled, pushing the other boy away. "You think you're so great... But you're not, damn it! You're not." He scowled fiercely and pushed past me, out the door.

"Um..." I was a little taken aback, and not quite sure what to say. I glanced at the other boy pleadingly. He just ignored me.

"At least I'm not a stupid cat like you. At least I have half a brain!" The boy frowned then, and I watched with gaping mouth as he walked off back into the house.

I didn't know what to do. All I had wanted was to speak to Shigure! Why was I always thwarted? Why was I always so tormented? I sank to my knees, sobbing dryly, all hopes for a peaceful day crushed.

I was like that, the tears dangerously close to becoming real, when the girl Shigure's taking care of found me. Why someone appointed him as a guardian or thought him responsible enough to take care of another human being I'll never know. She kneeled down beside me.

"A-are you alright?" she asked kindly, her eyes full of concern.

"I need to speak to Shigure!" I said wildly, attempting to stand. After a few wobbles I was firmly upright. "Gah! Where is he? Stupid sensei... I have to get the manuscript!"

The girl smiled. "He's in his office." She pointed down a hallway. "Right there."

"Oh thank you so much!" I said joyfully. And without any delay I scurried off to find my tormentor.

I heard him before I saw him, that grating voice carrying through the thin wall. "No!" he said mockingly. "Me, be mean to my editor? I wouldn't dream of it!" Then he laughed. "Yes, she's coming by today. Actually, I'm expecting her any minute. I already have a feeling this will be fun." I glared at a spot on the wall, already seething at his cruel games. "I'll let you go, Haa-san. But remember what I said– changes are coming. And I plan to be at the head. What? Of course I'm not going to tell you what I mean! Ha'ri's so funny... " He laughed again and I heard him hang up the phone.

Unable to stop myself, I barreled into his office. "Shigure!" I yelled wildly. "I know you're here! You can't hide from me!" I stopped myself by grabbing his desk, breathing hard and staring at him with wide eyes. "Give me... the manuscript."

"Oh..." he said, quickly hiding any surprise he might have felt, "but I can't possibly give it to you now! I only have three chapters written!"

"Three... chapters..." I sobbed, clutching my head in horror. "Wh-wh... WHY!"

He put a hand on my back, in what I assume was supposed to be a gesture of comfort. "Don't worry, Mit-chan! You can come back tomorrow."

"T-tomorrow! Stupid sensei... I need it TODAY!"

He smirked. "But it's not ready."

I sobbed dryly. "You... you wicked, wicked man." I couldn't help but wonder how he could such enjoyment from causing me such pain. "I need it– the deadline was today." With a trembling lip, I rashly decided to give him an ultimatum. "Shigure," I said with a shaky voice, "I'll stay here all night if I have to, but I am not leaving until you give me that manuscript!"

He looked at me in shock. "Well."

I stared up at him with wide eyes, praying that he'd just surrender the manuscript without anymore fuss.

'Please just give it to me, please just give it to me, please just give it to me...'

He opened a desk drawer and to my immense surprise and relief, took out the manuscript that I had been begging him for. I took it in trembling hands and with wet eyes I blinked slowly at his mischievous smile. "Well there you are, Mii," he said kindly. "You can go scurry on home now. But don't think you've seen the last of me." He grinned for a moment, sat back down at his desk, put on a pair of glasses and got back to work.

Meanwhile, I was absolutely elated. I felt lighter than air. Finally– for once!– he hadn't put up a fight. The event was definitely worth celebrating.

I didn't have the spare money, however, so I settled with dropping the manuscript off and work and heading back to my house for a comfortable evening at home. It was probably one of the few quiet evenings I would have for awhile. My parents were coming to visit, and I knew they'd want every day to be chock full of entertainment. They were nice, if a bit over-protective and strict. Sometimes, though, I felt like I needed it.

So I put on a movie and lay down on my couch. Within an hour, I was fast asleep.

End A/N: Once again... I'm REALLY sorry it's so short. The plot still hasn't been properly cemented yet, so I'm having to do little bits of almost-nothing before we get to the big stuff. Bear with me, and it will all come out right in the end. Thanks for reading, and please review. Reviews really make my day.