TRANSLATIONS
Ano- um or huh(hesitation)
Iie- no
Hai- Yes
Arigatou- Thank you
Ma- Well
Nezumi- Rat/Mouse
Kimochiwarui- disgusting
Kuso- Damn
Neko- Cat
Hentai- Pervert
Baka- Idiot
Ittekimasu- I'm leaving(said from someone leaving)
Itterasshai- Take care(said to someone leaving)
Kawaii- Cute
Konnichiwa- Hello
Oi- Hey
Onna- woman
Inu- dog
Sumimasen- I'm sorry/excuse me
Gomen/Gomen nasai- I'm sorry
Hime-sama- Princess
Oujii-sama- Prince
Jyuunishi- Zodiac
Mononoke- Monster/Demon
Daijoubu ka- Are you okay?
Usagi- Bunny/Rabbit
Onigiri- Rice ball
Tatsu- Dragon
Nani- What?
Sou ka- I see
Sugoi- Wow
Genkan- a small place where you remove and keep your shoes
Futari tomo- you two
Wilted Flower: Chapter 7 –Isolophobia
"The fear of being alone."
"Ahhh. Dear god, thank you for this meal that I just devoured with great ease by the beautiful, dainty, soft, supple-"
Glares.
"Ahem, hands of Tohru and Kagura," Shigure finished quickly. He placed his hands in his lap and grinned at the two females. "Iie, truly it was delicious. Arigatou."
Tohru beamed and glanced at Kagura who was smiling softly. "Saa, I couldn't have done it without Kagura-chan! She had already done most of the work when I got there, arigatou Kagura-chan!"
"Ah? But Tohru, you're the one that helped me fix my many mistakes!"
Kyo's amber eyes glanced back and forth from the two most important women in his life as they continued to speak. Tohru…I just have to let you go, don't I? That just seems so damn hard, especially giving you up to that pansy rat. I love you, okay!? I love you so much. His eyes diverted to Kagura.
But I think I love you too, I know…so much, that I just didn't realize it was there because it was so natural.
Kyo squeezed his eyes closed. Please wait for me, Kagura. I opened my heart to Tohru…and I want to do the same for you. But first I have to heal, and who knows how long that will take?
Kyo sighed heavily and all eyes diverted to him. "Ano, Kyo-kun?" Kyo looked up to see Tohru looking at him worriedly. "Daijouba ka?" she asked softly, her eyebrows knit, warm brown eyes wide and full of sheer concern.
Kyo's eyes were wide and his gaze looked from her soft moving lips to her large eyes.
Iie, don't look at me like that. Please don't give me that cute innocent gaze. It makes my heart hurt, makes me question what I want. Dammit, Tohru. Is it possible to still love the person you're trying to get over, yet you still love someone else, someone new? And her being sincerely sweet isn't helping…
"Dammit," he muttered through clenched teeth. "I'm going up to my room," he announced, standing up.
"Not so fast, Kyo-kun. I think what I'm about to say you may take interest in," Shigure said suddenly. Any trace of humor was gone from his tone and his face lacked any other expression than grave seriousness.
Immediately, Kyo's jaw dropped. This was odd. Hadn't the inu been cracking perverted jokes only minutes earlier? He stayed silent for a while until he bent to sit again. "Okay…"
Shigure smiled, but it lacked the emotion a smile should have. He observed everyone in the room, a smirk increasing on his face by the second.
Kyo's brow was furrowed even though he looked like he was trying to stay uninterested in what Shigure was about to say. Kagura was just staring at him, not knowing what to expect from the inu. Tohru's head was slightly cocked to the side, her eyebrows also knitted together in worry at his serious tone. She looked very curious and interested, similar to Yuki, who had placed his elbows on the table and was now resting his chin on top of his hands in attention.
Shigure loved having the four teens at his attention. Oh how they would hate him if he broke the tense silence with a joke. He really thought about it to, but decided against it. This was news they needed to know as soon as possible.
"Maa, Hatori stopped by earlier with some…interesting, shocking news about the upcoming New Years banquet," he started out, eyes fixated on Kyo's. Kyo looked away, uncomfortable with the intense gaze Shigure was giving him. Shigure made a 'hmp' noise when Kyo did this and he smirked.
"Akito wants you to come to the banquet, Kyo. You're finally welcomed."
Silence. Then-
"WHAT THE HELL!?"
"Oh my love!"
"Kyo-kun, t-that's so great!"
"Seriously?!"
Four voices exclaimed at once, each either looking at Kyo or Shigure.
By this time, Kyo had jumped up in shock. His eyes were wide, his face flushed. He felt his hand twitch and vaguely wondered if the rest of his body was trembling. "You've got to be shitting me, there's no way Akito would want me to come to the banquet! This is some kind of sick joke, isn't it?" he spat angrily, not knowing what other emotion to use for this unexpected event.
"It's no joke, Hatori delivered that news to me earlier today," Shigure answered calmly, a small smile on his face.
Kyo struggled with words for a few minutes before cursing again. There's no way, I can't let myself think…hope that way. There must be something...
"So then what does this mean? Akito must want to see me for something. Humiliate me…" he mumbled pessimistically.
"I truly don't know Akito's motives behind the want for your visit. All I was told was that you were to come to the banquet," Shigure said.
"So I'm summoned then. Not invited, but ordered?!"
"Kyo let's not analyze this too far or get too brash. There's no loophole, no trick. Whether you want to call it invited or summoned is up to you." Shigure turned towards Yuki. "This does mean, you know, that all the jyuunishi are expected to attend since we will be welcoming the cat. I advise you to show up this year, Yuki."
Yuki gave Shigure a cold look before saying,"Then what happens to Tohru? I'm not leaving her here by herself."
At this, the young girl's eyes widened. "Oh! Please don't worry about me! Maybe I can go over to Hana's or Uo's, and if not I really don't mind staying here. Someone has to watch the house anyway, I'd be happy to be of help!" she proclaimed.
Yuki looked at her warily as she spoke and smiled. "Still, I'd feel better-"
"If you'd accompany us to the banquet also," Shigure finished.
Silence.
"What!?" four voices rang out again.
Shigure suppressed a chuckle. Oh this was all too funny, and predictable. The pieces of the game were playing it out like they were supposed to. How amusing.
"Akito has extended an invitation to you too, Tohru, and she sincerely hopes you will accept."
"Psh, sincerely? Akito?" Kyo spat, eyes narrowed. He took the words right out of Yuki's mouth.
"There's no way Akito sincerely invites anyone! Shigure, you of all people know she shouldn't go for her safety!" Yuki exclaimed.
"I think we'll leave that decision up to Tohru, Yuki. Tohru-chan, what do you think?" Shigure asked kindly.
The flower's face was flushed a bright red and she was visibly trembling, whether in excitement or fear, the others couldn't tell. "I…I'm invited?" she asked quietly. At Shigure's nod, Tohru burst out in a sheepish grin. "A-Akito invited me? That's so kind, I'm flattered, truly. I…I don't want to interfere though, it doesn't seem right to go."
Yuki seemed relieved, yet Shigure spoke for going to the banquet. "Maa, Tohru-chan, Akito did invite you. It would be a tad rude not to go though, ne?"
Kyo slammed his fist down on the table. "Don't you dare tell her what's rude or not rude!! So she is being ordered to go! Kuso nezumi is right, she isn't safe there!" Kyo yelled.
"Why wouldn't I be safe there?"
Both of the teenage boys looked at her like she was crazy. Did she really not know, even after that last encounter with Akito? Wasn't she afraid? Then again…Tohru only saw the good in people, but how could she overlook the evil in Akito?
Tohru blushed at her words. "Maa…I am a little afraid of Akito. Okay, well a lot. But I know she means well, it's just how extreme she goes to things that make her a little…unlikable. But I'll be safe there; I can take care of myself. Plus, you all will be there. And even though I feel like I'm meddling, Shigure is right, it would be rude of me to decline Akito's invitation, after she's allowed me to stay with you," she smiled softly.
"That's a good girl, Tohru," Shigure mumbled inaudibly with an almost malevolent grin.
0000000
"S-Shigure-san?"
The inu turned around and looked at his beautiful flower. She really had matured from when he first met her, emotionally and well he didn't mind saying, physically also.
"Yes, my lovely flower?"
Tohru blushed and she clasped her hands in front of her nervously. "I…I'm not going to lie. I feel like I'll be out of place at the banquet. I never dreamed this happening, it really is such an honor, but I…I don't know any of the customs. What does everyone wear, what's it like? I'm nervous to go. Y-yet, Akito-san was so kind as to invite me-"
"Tohru, Tohru, you're stressing about this a little too much. If it makes you feel any better, I will talk to Akito about what she'd like you to wear or bring, but I'm sure you just need to bring yourself. And most importantly, be yourself."
Tohru blinked. That's what Yuki had told her the first day she arrived here…that's what her mom always told her. And look where it got her…she was pretty content right here…with the Sohmas.
Tohru smiled reassuringly. "O-okay. I feel a bit better, arigatou Shigure-san."
"Tohru?! We're sharing rooms right?" Kagura's voice called.
"Hn? Kagura is spending the night?" Shigure asked, head turning towards the voice.
Tohru's eyes widened. "Ahh!!? Did she forget to ask you? I-I'm sorry, I should have asked you before I offered my room-"
"Tohru, it's always okay, mmkay? Don't worry your pretty little head over it," Shigure smiled, ruffling her hair slightly. She was a sweet kid. Too bad. It was the really kind ones that always got hurt in the end.
"Tohruuu?"
"C-coming!" Tohru yelped. She turned to Shigure and smiled softly. "Arigatou. Goodnight!" With that said, she then scurried off to her room where Kagura was waiting for her.
Shigure stood there for a while after she left. "Oh my flower…" he mumbled, shaking his head as he walked into his room and shut the door.
000000000000
Yuki Sohma lay sprawled out on his bed in his room. His arms were crossed and holding his head, and his intense violet eyes were focused on the various outlines on his ceiling.
It really didn't seem like a good idea at all, for Tohru to come to the banquet. She looked excited, but also nervous. Who knew what Akito would do to her there? To…Kyo?
Yuki shifted uncomfortably, a frown forming on his face. Five days. They only had five days until the banquet. With some amount of annoyance, Yuki realized that he would be dancing this year.
Kuso…I hate dancing at the banquet. It's so embarrassing… And last time Akito…she…
Yuki's brow furrowed as a painful memory re-jogged itself into his mind. He sat up and hugged his knees to his chest, burying his head into his knees. His hair fell around him, covering his face and any emotions he was going through.
Akito will be watching my every move… I want to protect Tohru and make sure I'm beside her to do that, but is that the safe idea? Akito will be watching me and who knows what she will do if she suspects anything. And after the dance…god…
Yuki looked up from his knees and propped his chin up on his knees. His face reflected pain and anguish. The Nezumi sighed heavily. He continued to think deeply until his face flushed.
Iie…Tohru is going to see my dance!! Tohru…and Kyo. Dammit! If the stupid thing wasn't embarrassing enough!
Yuki looked miserable and he made a pitiful moaning noise. At the sound of a loud noise on the roof, however, Yuki lengthened out and stood. Curiously, he walked over to the window and opened it slightly. Kyo's loud colorful cursing met his ears and Yuki repressed a smirk and a laugh.
"Kyo, are you okay?" he called, amused at the fuming Neko's antics as he bit his lip.
"W-who was that!? Was that you, kuso nezumi?! Just leave me the hell alone!"
Yuki's mouth pursed and his eyes narrowed. "I appreciate your gratitude for my worry, baka neko. Next time when I hear you almost fall off the roof, I won't say anything."
At the sound of loud footsteps over his room, Yuki smirked. He had hit the jackpot. Yuki opened his window more and leaned out. Moments later, Kyo's face appeared from over the roof, looking horribly flushed and angry.
"What is it to you?! And how do you even know I almost fell off the roof?! There's no friggin way, and even if I did you wouldn't care. You'd probably throw a damn party or something for my death instead of a funeral."
"Eh true. But I've also heard a little rumor that cats always land on their feet. But seeing as you're a sad excuse for one, I guess you would just fall on your face and die," Yuki smirked.
"And you're not a sad excuse for a rat!? You're in the same boat I'm in. Just you act more like the selfish, manipulative scum your animal is."
"Oh Kyo, don't get us confused. You're the one looking in on the outside not me."
And for that, I envy you…
Amber eyes narrowed. "Stop fucking around with me, baka!"
"Sugoi, what colorful words you're using, Kyo. Did you have to look those up in the dictionary?"
Kyo made a colorful gesture to go along with his words and muttered, "Go to hell." His head disappeared back over the roof and Yuki sighed.
"Hey…Kyo? I'm worried about her going too. But there's nothing we can do about it and irritating each other isn't going to help," Yuki called softly and with a more gentle tone. After not hearing Kyo's voice for a few moments, Yuki decided it was time to go back into his room. Just as he was about to duck in, Kyo's voice was heard.
"Yeah… That's not the only thing I'm pissed about though; it's just damn life in general right now."
Interested, Yuki looked up again. Kyo had decided not to show his face, and Yuki looked at the side of the house thoughtfully. Risk it or not?
"What's this attitude towards me really about, Kyo? Are you mad that Tohru likes me in that way and not you?"
Shit. Shit shit shit. Wrong choice of words. Yuki's face paled and his eyes widened. "Kyo, I didn't mean it like that."
Silence.
So it was that. Yuki had to be so blunt about such a sensitive matter. Yuki exhaled deeply.
"Kyo…sorry, that came out really wrong," he apologized. If Tohru had heard what he just said, she would never forgive him.
How was he going to fix this? Tohru and he were going to talk to him eventually about their relationship, but Tohru would have taken a softer approach. Yuki really wanted to confess to her what he just did. Maybe she could go fix it. But that was wrong, leaving his problems up for Tohru to always fix. He couldn't take advantage of her gentle kindness like that.
Yuki squeezed his eyes shut. "Sorry," he apologized. "But I'm guessing you're pretty pissed off at me about that, huh?"
"And if I answer your question are you going to be happy? The rat happy that he got what he wanted, Kyo's answer? Well you always get every friggin thing you want so I think I will deny you the luxury this time."
Yupp. He was definitely mad at him. But then again, when was he not? This was different though. This was about Tohru.
"Okay then. Well I know you're mad at me now, Mr. Obvious," he mumbled, trying to think of something kind to say. "You know, Kyo, you don't know anything about me getting what I want. This is a first, this is real. Tohru is the first thing I can hold onto, she's a real person and she returns my feelings-"
"I don't want to hear your crap."
"…Just don't try anything funny, Kyo. I want to protect her as much as you do. And…she loves you. She does, so please don't be so standoffish to her, especially if she tries to confront you about this. She did nothing to you, and if you have to be mad at someone then be mad at me, even though you should just get over it," he said, a little less gently than he had intended.
He was about to leave the Neko in peace when he thought of something else.
"I'm not taking her away from you, Kyo. I hope you realize that," he said softly, a weak smile on his face. Yuki heard Kyo sigh heavily and he smiled.
"Don't fall off the roof," the Prince warned lightly before going back into his room and closing the window.
0000000000
Despite his mood, when Kyo heard the window shut he smiled weakly.
Stupid idiot…I hate you.
But yet he came out there and tried to confront him about it…what did that mean?
Kyo sighed. Yuki had hit him hard.
"What's this attitude towards me really about, Kyo? Are you mad that Tohru likes me in that way and not you?"
"Blunt jerk," the Neko mumbled, running a hand through his fiery orange locks. He looked up at the sky. It was late now, the stars were twinkling brightly. How long ago was it that Tohru had sat up here with him, looking at the stars and picking out ones to name randomly? Not too long ago, huh?
Why is it so hard to figure out what I want!? Is it like Yuki said? Am I so worried about letting go of Tohru because I feel like Yuki is stealing her away from me? Is that why it's hard to come at grips with separating my love for Kagura and Tohru? I don't want to be left alone…I hate being a teenager…
Kyo exhaled slowly and leaned back until he was lying down on the roof. It was going to be a long night…
Authors' Note:
Silver-chan: all hugs goes to Threat-chan for writing this chapter… 3 SAY THANK YOU TO HER EVERYONE! Haha! Hope you guys liked!!
Threat-chan: -blush-
Hope you like it and please review! Thanks :