A/N: Welcome back! So we've arrived to the minute when our two budding lovebirds finally get to have some alone time together without their ghosts (unfortunately this isn't that kind of story- although that would be fun to write as well) We find out that Chris can transform as well, but not into a fox (although technically this was that kind of story at one point). And lemony goodness ensues

As always, I don't own Fruits Basket or the Characters Therein.


Steam Heat (Lemon)

We lay in each other's armed for a while enjoying the feeling of being with each other. But then Chris put his glasses on, straightened them on his nose, propped himself up on his elbow and looked so serious

"Ok, here we go," I said, "Here comes the talk. You're about to tell me that this has been fun, but things are complicated. I know that look. I've given that look. I've given that talk. It generally ends in tears."

Chris said,

"No, my life is boring. I didn't lie when I said it's been a while. I've been married to my job and It's blissfully unproblematic of late. Well it was. And on that note, I do have to talk to you. It's about tomorrow."

"Oh yeah, tomorrow. I had conveniently put that out of my head."
"Well I don't have that luxury as at least one of us has to remain in control."
"I'm listening."

All I did was prop myself up on an elbow and mimic his serious expression. But as my serious face did little to mask the twinkle of mischief in my eyes he burst out laughing saying,

"I can't do this while you're laying naked next to me. You're too distracting. And I need to focus."

He ran his hands through his hair, grabbed his robe from the closet, handed it to me and wrapped himself in a yukata. I looked at him, transfixed. He was beautiful. Something about the way the fabric fell around his body just appealed to me. I didn't exactly know how to explain it other to say, the body knows what it likes. In a flash of inspiration, I saw him transformed into the fox character for my sequel. I needed to draw him in his yukata. Turning around, he faced my waves of rapture and asked with mock aggravation,

"What part of focus did you not understand?"

"The part that applies to me when you're wearing that yukata."

He threw a pillow at me and said,

"You are not helping."

He put on a pair of jeans and a turtleneck sweater instead. And looked stunning.

I asked, hopefully,

"Do you have the kimono you wore to the club in there as well?"
"I rented it. The only reason I have the yukata is because it was a gift."

He looked sad for a minute but decided it was time for business and suddenly Chris transformed into Christian. There was nothing to do but to follow him into the living room. Gesturing for me to sit on the couch, he offered me a drink and sat down in a side chair next to the couch.
I said, "Now I know it's serious. You're separating us."
"Please Shigure!"
"Sorry, sorry. I'm just nervous about what you're going to say."

"Ok, here goes. tomorrow there can be no evidence that anything exists between us. The president of Hinode's daughter will be there so there will be many photographers of all stripes running around. That means the trashy ones as well."
"Alright, we've been through that."
"She requested a private meeting with you."
I felt my heart speed.
"Can I request that you be there? As my bodyguard?"
"I'll see. I understand not wanting to be alone with her."

I leaned back into the couch and said,

"It figures that once things seemed to be going well the universe throws a curve ball."

He came and sat beside me and interlaced his hands in mine.
"Things will be fine. I'll figure something out. Well, that's really what I had to say, so why don't you call Aya, we can get a bite to eat before we go out."

I called Aya and asked if he was ready to go out.

He replied,

"Almost, I have one more appointment and then I'll be ready to go out with you and Chris. You should bring him here. He was a fashion photographer; he may appreciate my oeuvre. Plus, we can show him the family album from New Year's. Everyone loves cute baby pictures!"

I wish I had asked what that appointment was, or that Aya was Haa-san and thus would have seen a possible issue when I said,

"Great!"

But that was not the case, so events played out rather more interestingly than they could have.

Aya was excited and said,

"I've been doing some research on your photographer, and he is talented! Very talented. And sexy. I'd love to design for him. You two make a striking couple!"

I heard Chris laugh and I said,
"Um Aya, he can hear you through the phone."
"Oh sorry, sorry. I'm just excited for you! I felt that tremor earlier, things are moving apace, aren't they? Yes, please bring him to me! I will show him things, wonderful things! And we will do wonderful things together!"

Chris looked worried. I put a reassuring hand on his shoulder, saying,
"Aya!"

"Oh, I meant of course he would be a perfect model for my oeuvre. And he could take such beautiful photos that would help me show my creations in all their splendor!"
"Of course that's what you meant."
"Well, I have to go, my appointment is here, see you soon!"
I turned to Chris, who was looking decidedly concerned, and said,
"Aya has a flair for the dramatics."
"Undoubtedly. He reminds me of some of the designers I've met. What a trip!"
I got dressed and followed Chris to his car and directed him to Aya's store. And then I promptly stiffened when we pulled into the parking lot.
Chris, seeing the change in my demeanor asked,

"What?"
"Things just got even more complicated. That's the head of our family's car. And we were just discussing keeping things on the down low."
"Do you want me to turn around?"
"His driver has already seen me. If we leave now there will be no easy explanation. Plus, I have an idea."
"Care to elaborate?"
"How set in stone is the club venue?"
"Not very, we've been struggling to figure out what to about you in a possibility volatile situation. He looked at me tenderly, "I need to keep you safe. I suppose you could put the dog head back on. Although I decidedly prefer you without the dog's head."

I thought to myself, "You and me both." But rather said,

"Actually, that's along the lines I was thinking, how about a fashion show instead. One that's based on the art of my books."

He smiled at me and said,

"That could work. And it might cool the jets of whoever's stewing down at my old magazine if they get exclusive publishing rights."

He called his boss, who said,
"Well the security would be less hellish. Can you deliver a show this late in the game?"
"I think I might know someone."

As we walked into Aya's shop, we were met by his assistant Mine.
"Good afternoon! Ayame is with a client, but he told me that he's expecting you and I should give you the album from New Year's."

She handed me the thick volume, led Chris and I to comfortable chairs and told us to relax. I was far from relaxed knowing the head of the family was right on the other side of that door and I was sitting with my Gay American love interest. And Aya knew about us. I might be ok if Kureno was traveling alone, as he was a very kind soul but depending on who else was there it could be disastrous. I conjured up images of my parents, although I couldn't logically explain why as they cared about Aya about as much as they cared for me.

Chris however was cool as a cucumber. He intently went through the family photos. Flipping to the more recent pages he saw myself, Aya and Haa-San grow up in the photos. While our kimonos changed from less formal to extremely elaborate depending upon if it were our years to dance, we were always together. Chris turned, seeing I was nervous said,

"You've always had that slightly lopsided grin, haven't you?"

I flashed him one just as the door opened and out stepped Aya. He was followed by Kureno, the family lawyer, and one of the elders.

"Gure! You made it! Kureno-sama, May I present….."
He looked a bit nonplussed as he didn't know Chris's full name but Chris, who was well versed in meets and greets and wasn't afraid of lawyers, rose, shook their hands, and said,

"Christian Girard, Deputy Director of Client relations for the Hinode Publishing Company."
"Ah yes, you're from Shigure's publisher. What brings you here? I thought you were on tour?"
"Christian admired my kimono, and he told me he just had to meet the designer."
"That's me!" Aya crowed!

Christian took over and said,

"We're still finalizing events for Shigure's last venue in Okinawa, and we thought that a fashion show showcasing Ayame's kimonos would be just the thing. We love the melding of print and material culture. It would really make Shigure's drawings come to life."

Aya glowed, Kureno looked at the lawyer, who looked at Christian.

He said, "We've done business with Hinode before. That would be great exposure for the family. Do you have a card so we can iron out details? It sounds like time is of the essence."
"Yes, we don't have much time. Ayame, is it possible to get a show together that quickly?"
Looking at Mine he said, "Anything is possible!"
She smiled and said,

"Hai!"
"Well this is a fortunate meeting. I'm glad I chose this moment to discuss purchasing new retail space for Aya's collections". Kureno said. "Keep us updated

."
They shook hands all around.
He then turned to me and said,

"I hope you might stop in when you get back into town. It's been a while since we chatted and so much has happened."
I wasn't sure what the tenor of the situation was, but I said that I would be glad to.
They left, and Chris turned to me and said,
"That went well."

Aya ran and hugged us both.

"Oh, this is wonderful! I'm so inspired. There could be a dog headed knight and a dragon wizard and a koi princess. Do you think we could get them to walk? Of course, you will! Won't you?"

"Well of course I will."

"Wonderful! I must prepare!"

I turned to Chris as Ayame rushed around the room and said,

"it's best to let him wind down."

We sat back down in the comfy chairs while Aya grabbed fabric swatches, drafting paper, measuring tape, muslin and a pincushion shaped like a dog. I winced. This gave Chris an opportunity to look around the shop; He looked intrigued.

"I thought you said he designed kimonos?"
"He does. He also designs maid outfits and frilly dresses."
Mine, who brought us tea, modeled the maid's outfit she was wearing.

"Well, that's cute."

I could tell that he was thinking that he'd love to see me in it. I cocked an eyebrow.

Aya and Mine finally came to rest in front of us and swept Chris into a flurry of muslin, tape measures and paper.

"Wait!" Chris said, "I wouldn't be walking!"
"Oh no this would be for my own entertainment."

The mocked up kimono flattered him, as was usual for Aya's design.
Complimenting him on his artistry, I suggested,

"If you used fabric with foxes on it that would be great. Consider it a gift from a thankful client."
Aya said, "Client, hah!"
"Shush you."
"So," Chris said, "Now that you've seen me in a suit and a kimono, which do you prefer?"

I considered the question. Both styles flattered him. I could tell that he felt the most himself in his suit as I felt most at home in my kimono. At a deeper level it served as his armor. It was a sign of authority and respect and helped deflect the hurtful statements he likely received in the past. It also helped him blend in and go unseen at will. The kimono also suited him as Aya was a master of emphasizing the assets of his models. As he stood on the podium in the middle of Aya's studio, my mind walked back in time to when I stood with Mayu in that very place. And then it hit me why seeing Chris in his yukata had had such a visceral effect on me. It was because of that night, that night when Mayu sat for me. She wore my yukata when I took her to my bed, I had watched her drop it to the floor and stand in front of me fully exposed, letting herself be seen. I hadn't realized I had established such an emotional link to that garment.
I said huskily,

"I like you in your yukata best."

Aya twirled on his toes and said,

"I'll see what I have for fox fabric in the back. Mine! Have you seen anything like that in the storeroom?"
They left us to ourselves.

Chris saw the look in my eyes and said, "Soon."

He then closed the distance between us and kissed me.

Aya returned with a bolt of fabric, and we parted. Aya quietly said,

"You know, if you two need to be somewhere, Mine and I don't mind taking a raincheck on tonight."

"No," said Chris, "we need to hammer out the details for the show, plus I could use a night out after all of this."

I knew what Aya was going to say, and I shot him a look. He smiled, and, after showing us the beautiful fabric that had foxes woven into it, walked to his desk, and slipped a condom into my pocket.

He whispered,

"Someone has to play Tori-san's role in absentia."

"Thank you Aya."

Before we left, Aya gave Chris a tour of his shop and showed him his kimonos. As he had kept many of those we wore on New Year's, there were many different sizes so there was little left to do than to choose them, hire models and create the heads of the animals. Oh, and then there was convincing Haa-san and Mayu-chan to walk. I decided I'd leave that to Aya as he could be quite convincing at times.

Chris, feeling comfortable with Aya and Mine, took my hand and led me to his car. The other two piled into the car and we made our way to De Classe. I was intrigued that Mine seemed to have become our fourth. Questions about that would wait. Mercifully the club was as quiet as Ken promised, and we were ushered into the VIP room. Chris held me close and danced with me to the Beatle's "Here Comes the Sun." The two of us were certainly in agreement that it had been a long, cold, lonely winter. I only hoped that George was right in his assumptions that everything would be alright. I could feel eyes on me, so I turned and saw Aya and Mine looking at us smilingly, I said,

"What?"

"You're being so stinking cute!"

It felt so wonderful to be with Chris in that moment. I knew it would be only a little while before we could be a bit more comfortable going out, but I'd take the stolen moments.

While Chris and Aya took some time out to discuss logistics, Mine turned to me and asked,

"Is Aya single?"

"I'm not sure. He has on again, off again relationships."

"Does...does...does he like girls?"

I really couldn't answer. He seemed to become enraptured by beauty in all forms. I knew for a fact that he appreciated the female form, but I had no idea if he took sexual pleasure in women. I tended to steer away from talking about his love life because of his attachment to Haa-san. So I said,

"Nothing ventured, nothing gained."

Mine took in what I said, and I wondered if she would be joining our rapidly expanding circle. Of course, Chris had no idea what he was getting in to, and I wasn't quite ready to tell him. But I was almost certain that the Fates intended him to be woven into the fabric of our family.

The evening was delightful. Aya and I entertained them with portions of the dances from past New Year's. Aya took on Kureno's role as the Rooster as Kagura's dances representing the Boar were choreographed for someone much shorter than either of us and would have required that I bend my body to accommodate a shorter person, something I had no intention of doing as I was thoroughly enjoying his gaze. Chris was transfixed, especially as he must have thought that some of the movements looked familiar. By that time, it was getting late. Returning Aya and Mine to his shop with promises to return after finishing our venues, we stopped by a pharmacist and went home.

Walking into the apartment, Chris held me from behind. Nibbling my ear, he let one of his hands travel down my body while he drew me in close. I could feel his growing excitement against me. He whispered in a husky voice,

"God I need you, Gure."

Turning in his arms, I met his gaze, which was filled with lust, and perhaps the beginning overtures of love. I was sure my own mirrored his. We began to kiss, first gently, then with more heat. The heat soon rose between us, turned ice into steam, radiated heat throughout our bodies and melted layers of clothing to the floor. Our remaining inhibitions soon followed.

Leading me to his bedroom, he pushed me to his bed began kissing down my body. Reaching my member, he tore a foil packet open, stroked me until I was hard, and helped me put a condom on. Then he took me into his mouth. I was in extasy as he brought me closer and closer. I guided his head in the rhythm I most enjoyed, tangling my hands in his hair. As I climaxed, I yelled "Oh God Chris!" He then held me close while the waves washed over me. We lay in each other's arms as the heat momentarily dampened for a moment.

But whether it was a stray touch, or simply the way of fire which can be fanned into a conflagration by he slightest breeze, I began kissing Chris with growing passion. Remembering not to use my teeth, as we had to be extra careful considering the activities of the next day, I watched him take pleasure in my actions and moved to provide him with the same gratification that he had given me. But he stopped me, saying,

"I think it's time, don't you?"

I nodded. He began to let his hands trail down my body. Pausing to take a bottle from his bedside drawer, I felt a cool substance drip down my nether regions. He massaged me, caressing my body and stroking my member. I felt myself getting close. Draping an arm around me, I felt him enter me and we made love languorously, taking time to savor the moment. There was no reason to rush as his watch and cellphone lay forgotten on the living room floor, far away from earshot. The world seemed to stand still as we took enjoyment in ourselves. As we finished together, Chris held me close, and said,

"Thank you."

I held him close while he said goodbye to his ghosts.

As we both needed to be up early the next morning and had to put on a stellar performance given the growing depth of our emotions, we soon rose, showered, and returned to bed. As I dozed in Chris' arms, I thought I heard him say,

"I could love you."


Hatori interlude

When my phone rang during dinner, I was fully expecting Shigure. But I was happy to hear from Aya. Things were definitely improved between us and I was encouraged when he burst out merrily,

"Tori-san! I have the best idea! Please say you'll be part of it! I know you'll be a part of it!"
"Will I need to wear my kimono from New Year's and a big dragon head?"
"Did the Dog take residence in your mind!"
"No, it's just that a version of this got pitched to me by Shigure"
"Well isn't it fabulous? I'll get such exposure. Mine and I will have to work hard, but it will be worth it!"

The joy in his voice was so evident that how could I not agree to walk in the show as did Mayu.

"Splendid!" He yelled! "Well, I'll see you in Okinawa soon!"


A/N: So, Chris and Gure are falling in love. They have found the words to describe how they feel; the sketchbook lays forgotten. But where? Tune in next time to find out! As always r and r and I remain Acta!