Familiar Stranger: Chapter 2 – Ayame's Humble Abode

Author: Ayame Chatte

Summary: All of his life, Yuki has felt alone. He knew that something was missing; he just didn't know what it was. When the Sohma household receives an invitation from Yuki's brother, Ayame, Yuki's entire world is turned inside-out.

Author's note: I'm so sorry I haven't updated in a while (okay… in a long time…), but I have been suffering from writer's block! I just couldn't decide on a crucial part of the story. But I am happy to report that I have recovered fully and should be able to get the next couple of chapters out quickly. Oh! And I wish to extend a thank you to mistic fox, Liz, ChibiHarika, roguehobbit, and Starhopper for their wonderful reviews and comments! (I have considered your advice, and will, from henceforth, be writing this primarily in story format.) And yes, I know that this chapter is kind of short, but the next one makes up for it because it's pretty long…or at least is when it's hand written! Anyway, I hope that you like it. And now…on with the disclaimer!

Disclaimer: I wish I owned Fruits Basket and all of the great characters in it, but I don't - at least not yet, anyway…check back with me once I take over the world. Until then: On with the story!

Aurthor's note:

:blah blah: - this will refer to basic scene changes when necessary

: At Ayame's humble abode (1) :

"SHIGURE, YUKI, TOHRU, KYO! Come in, come in! It's so nice to see everyone! And to what do I owe the honor of such a wonderful visit!" Ayame started towards Yuki with his arms open, but was intercepted by an embrace from Shigure. The two friends began swaying back-and-forth while babbling incoherent sweet-nothings to each other like little school children.

Rolling his eyes to the sky, Yuki nonchalantly replied to his brother's sudden ignorance, "You invited us, dim-wit."

"Hum?" Ayame looked up with surprise; it was as if in the excitement he had forgotten that they were all still standing there. "Oh, yes", muffling a burst of laughter, he released Shigure, and faced the others. Offering his arm to Tohru, who accepted it with a blush, Ayame asked the group in a rather unusual, butler-like manner, "Please, won't you come in?"

Unfortunately, he was unable to keep a straight face for long.As soon as his eyes fell upon his brother, another fit of laughter overtook him. As would be expected, this severed Kyo's last nerve, "What the HELL is so DAMN funny?"

Ayame struggled to suppress his excitement as he led them into his home. Wiping a tear from his eye, he assured, "Oh…you'll know soon enough! After all, we MUST wait for the others."

"The 'others'? Who else is coming, Ayame," Tohru asked politely to her beautiful escort. Ayame merely smiled at her.

2 b continued...

(1) Since I don't know exactly where Ayame lives, I'm just going to assume he lives within the Sohma compound. If anyone knows otherwise, the information will be greatly appreciated!