CHAPTER TEN

A/N: I apologize for not updating recently… school had me bogged down with stuff and the creative juices just were flowing. I just started work and that is making it harder.

Standard Disclaimer.

Kyo watched in irritation as Yuki disappeared into the house once more and the Cat turned to slam an uneasy fist into the closest tree, leaving an indent a little bit bigger around than his fist in the wood. He needed to train, badly. Skirting the house he started towards Shishou's with serious fighting on the mind, still knowing that Shishou would pound him into the dirt.

Yuki rounded the stairs and stopped to watch Tohru gently embracing Ayame in his Zodiac form, and the Snake merely resting against her, He couldn't hear what the girl was saying, he waited until the snake slithered down to rest on Tohru's lap to enter the room. He surprised them both as he lifted the snake from Tohru and held it close to himself.

"Nii-san." Yuki whispered and the snake lifted its head with a flick of its tongue, "Let me take you home so you can rest."

The snake nodded slowly and Yuki gathered up the torrent of clothing that Ayame had shed when he transformed, the snake made a soft hiss and seated itself atop Yuki's head carefully as the gray haired boy folded each garment carefully and stacked them one by one. It took Yuki a moment to get all the clothing in his care but when he did he removed the white snake from his head and let it coil around his wrist.

"Too sad to change back?" Yuki asked and the snake's head bobbed a yes, "I though so."

Ayame curled up into Yuki's hand and rested laced between his brothers fingers with his tongue flicking lightly at his thumb. Yuki gathered up the plethora of clothing and went out to the Mitsubishi with keys and Snake in hand. As Ayame was lowered onto the leather seat a poof resounded and Yuki turned away at the explosion of silver hair in his car.

Akito lifted her head from her knees and shifted to her feet, to stare at the blond girl who had just entered the room.

"Who the hell are you?" Akito heard herself demand sharply.

"My name… is Arisa Uotani."

"You are one of Tohru Honda's friends." Akito acknowledged.

"I was sent here to tell you that Kureno Sohma almost died today." Arisa whispered, bowing her head slightly, "And that he was awake for a few minutes after he was brought back… he told the nurse to tell you 'suzume'… isn't that Japanese for…"

"Sparrow." Akito cut Arisa off sharply, "Yes. It is."

"Do you know why he would tell you that?"

"I don't know." Akito whispered, racking her brain for some reason as to the significance.

"Alright… I'm sorry for the intrusion. I'll be leaving now." Arisa whispered.

"Wait." Akito said suddenly and the girl stopped in her tracks, "How do you know Kureno?"

"I met him when he was out shopping at my store…" Arisa explained

Akito nodded and leaned back against the wall with a slight sigh, "I see."

"I apologize for intruding." Arisa whispered, gritting back her wild nature for the sake of the Sohma across the room from her. Without another word she turned and hurried from the room and the estate, not stopping once until she was blocks away from that melancholy place.

Now that Ayame was dressed and buckled into the car Yuki drove away from Shigure's house, towards the infamous dress shop. The whole way was awkward for the zodiac brothers, mostly because the usual bouncy Ayame was quiet. It was a moment before Ayame looked gently to his brother.

"I am sorry… for being such a drama king." Ayame whispered, tipping his head back on the headrest and closing his eyes. Yuki pressed the brake to slow and stop at a red light and gave his brother a firm look before resting his hand on the thin shoulder and squeezing in reassurance.

"Not at all." Yuki whispered, suddenly wanting fearsome murder to befall Shigure.

The yellow-green orbs opened to examine the younger of the two brothers and the Snake smiled weakly, making something else move in Yuki. The Rat would destroy the Dog. And he would do it slowly.

The light changed green and he pressed on the accelerator, carefully holding back the urge to speed and drive recklessly to ease his growing anger. He flicked on the turn signal and sharply turned into the back lot of his brother's dress shop then killed the ignition. "Lets get you inside." He suggested, his voice coming out thin and clearly held back by emotion.

"Yuki." Ayame whispered, giving a soft squeeze of his brother's shoulder and searching his eyes. The Rat paused, hand on the door latch and he returned the scrutinizing stare with ease. For a moment they sat staring before Ayame wrapped his arms about Yuki and held him in a tight hug that most would think the slightly frail man wouldn't be able to hold, "Thank you."

Yuki merely waited until the grip was released before getting out and helping his brother into the back of the shop, his creative place. Mine wasn't home yet, Yuki observed as he let Ayame wander to his chair and sit quietly.

"I'll get you some tea." Yuki suggested, setting a hand on his brother's shoulder.

"Yuki." Ayame murmured, the Rat turned his head and sat back on the nearby chair to watch his brother, "Stop… being so nice to me."

"Nii-san…" Yuki started and the Snake shook his head.

"You don't need to stay."

"I want to!" Yuki protested, rising to his feet and walking the short distance to his brother's side, "Don't tell me to leave."

"I don't want you to feel forced to stay on my account."

"You need the company."

Ayame shook his head, silver hair cascading down his chest and he closed his large eyes so that he didn't have to show the sadness the would reflect in them. Yuki reached out and clasped his hand on Ayame's shoulder.

"Nii-san."