Let's get the disclaimer out of the way. I don't own Fruits Basket and I don't own the characters, they are the property of Natsuki Takaya. However, the plot is mine and the original characters.
I have seven chapters written and probably only one and an epilogue to go. I thought I would try to have this posted completely by midnight Christmas eve. The prologue and first two or three chapters are very short so I'll post this chapter along with the prologue. Never fear, the chapters do get a bit longer as the story progresses. Sorry for the brevity of the first few.
I'm not sure how this story will be received. I hope I live up to my previous reputation though this is a much shorter offering than most of my fics. Please enjoy.
Chapter 1 "I Did Have A Choice"
Hatori Sohma stood at a silent grave under gray skies. The only sound was an occasional clap of thunder as a winter storm slowly moved into his vicinity. Eventually the storm did arrive and raindrops began to fall.
The rain formed small rivulets on his black trench coat as the water, aided by gravity, worked its way downward. He stood there staring at nothing; a slender man with a young looking face but the gray at his temples and the sadness unveiled in his dark green eyes spoke of a life that had been neither easy nor happy. He knelt down by the gravesite heedless of the damage the wet ground was causing his clothing. Raindrops mingled with teardrops and he spoke softly to the spirit he imagined hovering there. "Akito, you never did find your spring. Fly free now and may your next life be a happier one."
Two more slender figures materialized by his side. One of the men wore a black raincoat with the skirt of an elaborate white kimono peeking just below the bottom hem. He had long flowing silver hair and golden eyes that reflected sympathy for the man kneeling there.
The other man was dark. He wore a dark business suit under his black raincoat and his black hair fell in a shaggy cut to just above his collar. His dark gray eyes harbored sympathy, but also a hint of curiosity. Why would Hatori choose to spend so long at the gravesite of a person who had only brought him pain? He was certain he would never understand his best friend completely.
"Hatori-san, it's cold out here, it's time to come home. You'll catch a cold if you remain kneeling on this cold wet ground." The silver haired man's touch on his shoulder jolted Hatori from his reverie.
"Just a little longer, Ayame."
The darker haired companion stepped forward as Ayame was helpless in the face of the gentle refusal. "Ha-san, we'll stay by your side for as long as you wish to remain but it is cold out here and Aya will get sick even if you don't."
"Shigure…" Hatori nodded his head in acquiescence. "You are right of course." He accepted Shigure's hand and rose to his feet. "Let's go home."
Shigure allowed his breath to escape. He'd been afraid Hatori might not listen to reason and Ayame would have been stubborn enough to stay and of course he would have had to stay loyally by his two best friends. That was the nature of their friendship. From the time they were small children until now the three had always been best friends.
They arrived at the car and for the first time in his life Hatori moved to the passenger side with no hint of reluctance. Shigure slid in behind the wheel and glanced toward Ayame. He knew his face held a look of surprise identical to that writ upon Ayame's face. This wasn't the Hatori they knew.
Shigure turned the key and allowed the car to warm up. Hatori buried his face in his hands. "Akito is gone having never accepted the joy of spring and I sent our hope for spring away ten years ago. No one remembers those happier days except the three of us. I destroyed their memories and hers."
"Ha-san, that was no fault of yours; it was ordered by Akito and you had no choice."
"But I did have a choice, I could have refused."