Nothing Personal
(author note-Wow 3 reviews? I viewed the viewers and I had 57 visitors. If those people review then I would update EVERYDAY, but oh well. Anyways I would like to thank beautiful-liar360! See, she likes it and reviewed, just for her I updated, plus I've been sick so yeah. Review Please?)
Disclaimer: I do not own fruits basket nor do I own any of the characters. The series and all the characters belong to Natsuki Takaya. The story plot is my.
Summary: Toharu has her own little bookstore. When Yuki, the famous playboy, loses everything after one little fight, so he needs a job. What happens when Toharu hires Yuki and her world is turn upside down. AH, OOC, and lots of LEMONS!
Yuki Point of View
"Yuki, chill man. You act like you're going to your execution."
I glared at my brother as he turned down that all too familiar road that lead to my parents home, my childhood home.
"Don't give me that look. You haven't stopped fidgeting since we passed through town."
I grimaced, turning to look out the window again. I couldn't argue with him when he was right. Ever since that welcome sign I've had this feeling of being trapped. I could feel the air getting thicker, making it harder for me to breathe. I thought the air here was supposed to be refreshing, instead I felt like choking. All too soon my eyes fell upon the giant brick house that had been my home in what seemed like another life. Shigure slowed the car to a stop.
"Do you want me to come in?" he asked, all hints of joking were gone.
I nervously ran my fingers through my hair. Wait…nervous? Why should I be nervous? This wasn't my choice, this wasn't what I wanted. I had nothing to say to either of them. I felt my face harden as I turned to face Shigure.
"No, thank you," I saw his eyes widen slightly as he assessed the abrupt change in my demeanor. He didn't respond as I climbed out of his car and grabbed my bags from the backseat, just watched me in silence. Taking a deep breath he turned back to face the front. I slammed the car door and started walking up towards the large mahogany door that suddenly seemed like they were taunting me. Somewhere in the background I heard Shigure's Escalade slowly pull away. I paused, reaching inside to grab my anger and wrap it around me until I was almost seeing red. This was my life, damn it, and it was about time they realized it. No matter what my father said to me, I wasn't staying in this god forsaken town any longer than tonight. No, by this time tomorrow I would be on a plane back to Chicago, back to my life. It was with these thoughts that I grabbed the handle and stepped into the war.
I found myself staring into the empty foyer, so far so good. Glancing at the staircase in front of me I briefly considered sprinting up to my old room but then I remembered that I wasn't hiding, I had nothing to be ashamed of. I would not hide from my father. Murmured voice floated towards me from my right. I set my bags at the foot of the spiraling staircase and turned towards the double doors that lead to the living room. I considered knocking, but that would be alerting them to my presence. I didn't want them to have time to present themselves. My eyes narrowed and I pushed the doors open.
I quickly took in the scene before me. My mother was sitting on the pearl white couch that sat in the center of the room. She was leaning forward, her elbows on her knees. I couldn't see her face; she was looking down, her caramel colored hair hiding her face from me. Standing to her left, directly across the room from me, was my father. He was shaking his head, staring out the window. I took a step into the room never taking my eyes off my father. I heard my mother gasp and I turned to look at her. Her green eyes stared at me with surprise, I don't know why, she knew I was coming. I watched as she stood up slowly, smoothing the wrinkles out of her brown slacks and timidly made her way towards me. I didn't move. She stopped in front of me and carefully placed her hand on my cheek.
"Yuki," she breathed, a smile spreading across her lips. She drew me into a hug and as much as I wanted to I couldn't bring myself to return it. I just stood there until I felt her arms fall in defeat. I stared at her forehead, not wanting to see the hurt in her eyes. She stepped back and turned to my father. I finally looked up. He was facing me, his face a mask that probably matched my own.
"Son."
"Father."
The Shomas, men of many words.
"Maybe we should sit," my mother spoke softly, gesturing to the couch. I saw her reach for my hand. I crossed my arms over my chest.
"No thanks, I'll stand."
A small sigh escaped her lips as she took her place back on the sofa. My father had yet to move. We stared at each other for what seemed like hours but were most likely minutes. He was the first to look away and I felt a surge of triumph that he turned away first.
"How was your flight?" he asked in a calm tone.
I scowled, "My flight? You want to know about my fucking flight? I haven't seen you in two years. You force me to come back to this damned place against my will and all you can ask about it my flight." I was walking towards him without realizing it, my hands clenching into fists.
His head snapped up, "There is no reason to use that sort of language here."
"The flight was fucking perfect. The flight attendants were very accommodating," I smirked.
My mother closed her eyes and leaned against the back of the couch. My father glanced at her then turned his glare to me.
"That's quite enough of the attitude, son."
"Attitude? You want attitude? What the hell am I doing here?"
"What are you doing here?" my father asked, anger creeping into his words. He reached behind him to grab something off the desk. Turning around he flung whatever it was on the coffee table. Looking closer I realized it was the Chicago Tribune, my face stared up at me from the paper. Fucking Daichic strikes again.
I stared down at the paper not saying anything.
"What were you thinking? Were you even thinking? I knew we should have never sent you out there. I knew your cousin was trouble and now this. I should have listened to my instincts and sent you to college out here."
"Hatori…," my mother whispered.
I shook my head, cutting her off, "You couldn't have made me stay here if you wanted to."
My mother spoke then, "Yuki, you always loved it here, I don't understand all this hatred now."
I looked at her and said blankly, "I finally realized there's more out there than this."
I watched as her face fell.
"Well, you definitely found more," my father stated, gesturing to the paper.
I shrugged, "It was blown out of proportion."
"Oh really? Blown out of proportion?" he picked up the paper "' For a complete list of the Shomas Cousins run-ins with the law turn to A6,'" he read. "Were all of these blown out of proportion, too?" He asked flipping to the back of the paper.
Hmmm…this can't be good.
"Public drunkenness, fighting, illegal gambling…I didn't even know about half of these," he paused. "Arrested with only a bottle of Jack, a lighter, and a lasso." He looked up at me then. "A lasso? What-no, never mind, I don't want to know."
At least they left out the part where we were only in our boxers. I chuckled to myself.
He shut the paper, obviously not happy with my nonchalant attitude. "Well, you have successfully managed to embarrass not just yourself but your entire family. Do you have anything to say?"
I bit the inside of my cheek. I had many things to say, not all of them pleasant. I chose to remain silent, conveying with my eyes my hatred of being here, of being in this situation. I once again stared down my father. Once again, he turned away first.
"Do you have anything to say?" he asked.
"We were just having some fun," I replied casually.
"Fun? You call getting arrested fun?" he pinched the bridge of his nose. "This has got to stop, Yuki. You're 26 years old. It's time you stopped acting like a spoiled brat."
A spoiled brat? What was I? 6? I could feel my anger coming through. I wasn't going to listen to this.
"Don't fucking think for a minute you can tell me what to do. You may have gotten me to come back, but I sure as hell am not staying here. I've had enough of this. Tomorrow I'm gone. Nothing you can say can stop me."
I turned sharply on my heels and started walking to the door.
"I talked to your grandfather."
Except that.
I froze not turning back around.
"We had a very interesting chat. He's not too happy with you or Akito either. He's starting to question whether or not you boys deserve your inheritance. He agreed with me bringing you back here. We also agreed that some things needed to change and we both came to the same solution." My hands balled into fists again, tighter this time.
"And what solution is that?" I asked through gritted teeth.
"Your mother and I raised you kids to be aware that this family had money, but not to hold yourself higher than anyone else. That our status did not define us. Somehow during these last four years, you've lost that. The wealth of this family has consumed you."
I flung myself around, "What does that mean?" I spat.
My father stepped around the table coming closer to me. His face set in hard lines. "It means that all the money you have now, you did not earn. It came from me or your mother or your grandfather. So we're taking it back."
"What?" my voice started to rise. Panic arising within me.
"As of right now, all of your accounts are frozen. Your checking, savings, credit cards, even your trust fund is frozen. Everything. So you see, Yuki, you can't go back to Chicago, at least not right now. You're stuck here."
"THAT'S FUCKING NOT FAIR!" I roared. I stormed towards my father stopping inches from him. "It's MY money! You can't just take it away."
He didn't flinch. "I can and I did. That money was never yours; you did nothing to warrant it. You have never worked a day in your life. Well son, that's about to change."
"What the hell am I supposed to do here?" I could feel my nails digging into my skin, but I couldn't unclench my fists. My entire body was shaking in fury.
He stared intently at me, his voice strong. "Well, you've been sitting on that degree of yours for too long. I've made some arrangements at the hospital and you will carry out the remainder of your residency there in the ER."
My body was paralyzed. My mind couldn't comprehend what he was saying. I could do nothing but stare. My breath coming in short, rapid gasps as he continued.
"You will stay here since you have no money for a place of your own. You can keep your cell phone on; we have no problem paying for that since as a doctor you will need it. You may also retain us of your car as this was a graduation gift from your mother and I. However, you are responsible for your own insurance and gas. We have taken care of the first installment of your premium; you will take over in six months. As for the gas, well, good thing you have a full tank." He smiled, grimly.
Something inside me snapped when I saw his smile.
"IS THIS A JOKE?" I screamed. "YOU CAN'T FUCKING DO THIS! I AM A GROWN MAN!"
"THEN START ACTING LIKE ONE!" my father shouted. My mouth snapped shut. Hatori Shoma never raised his voice. Not once when we were children did we ever hear him shout. Truthfully I didn't know he had it in him. If I wasn't so pissed off I might have been in awe.
"Yuki," he sighed. "Son, I love you, but this" his arms gestured towards me "this is not the son I raised. The things you've done with Akito…"
"And what of Akito? Is his life being taken away from him as well?" I asked, suddenly thinking of my cousin. Wondering if he was in as much shit as I was.
My parents exchanged a look, neither looking happy. "How Jacob and Irina handle Akito is up to them. He is of no concern to me. My concern is only for you." He reached his hand out to place on my arm, but I jerked away. I stared at both of them.
"So I'm confined to hell," I stated.
Out of the corner of my eye I saw my mother rise. "Yuki, sweetie, this isn't a punishment-"
The rage came roaring to life again as I turned towards her, "NOT A PUNISHMENT?" I realized I was screaming again. It felt good, I welcomed it. It was the only feeling I've felt since being told of my return. I watched my mother cower away from me, her eyes wide, glistening with tears. I had never spoken to her like that, but at this point I didn't care.
My father stepped between us, "Don't you raise your voice at your mother."
I started laughing uncontrollably. Confusion then worry passed through my parents' eyes. I had to get out of here. I stopped abruptly and gathered myself together. I took a step towards my father.
"Fuck you both."
Then I turned and walked out.
Behind me I heard my father whisper to my mother, "He'll be back. He has nowhere to go."
!~!~!~
I stormed into the garage.
Please let it be here. For the love of God, please let it be here.
I let out a breath I didn't know I was holding when my eyes found it. My silver Volvo. My graduation gift from those people I called parents. Akito constantly teased me.
I had wanted to drive here from Chicago, clear my head a little, but apparently I was a 'flight risk' as Akito had so lovingly put it. Instead my most prized possession was shipped out here while I was stuck without a car for two days.
I slid into the driver's seat, pinching the bridge of my nose. I could feel the stirrings of a headache. I had to get out of here. I shoved the key in the ignition and revved the engine. Within minutes I was sailing down the back roads of Forks not really caring where I was going, just needing the release.
What the fuck were they thinking? Taking my money. MY money.
The car accelerated. My fingers gripped the steering wheel, my knuckles turning white, eyes narrowing. My vision started to become distorted and I clenched my jaw taking long, deep breaths through my nose. Great, all I needed was to crash my car. I came to a stop on the side of the road.
Fuck, fuck, fuck!
My hands pounded against the steering wheel with each outburst. My breathing started coming in short gasps. I couldn't get enough air. My chest constricted in pain. The weight of what they told me was slowly setting in. I would not stay here. I couldn't. I needed a plan and fast. I closed my eyes and leaned back against the head rest trying to slow my breathing.
A shrill ring broke through the silence. I opened my eyes. If that was them I was throwing the damn cell phone out the window. I reached in my pocket and pulled out my phone, sighing when I saw the caller ID.
"Rin."
"Yuki!" my sister shrieked, her voice hitting octaves that even dogs wouldn't recognize. "Are you okay? Did you land? Have you talked to them yet? What happened? Where are you?"
"Rin!" I shouted. God, I swear she's adopted.
She stopped her line of questioning. "What?" she asked.
"What do you want?"
She took a deep breath. Oh boy. "Well, I was in a meeting with a client when I suddenly got this overwhelming feeling that I had to talk to you. And when I say overwhelming, I mean overwhelming. It was so strong that I almost dropped the portfolio on her head. And you know me and my feelings." Oh yes, everyone knew about Rin's feelings. "So I quickly ran out of there and called you. I just felt like you needed me, really needed me. You do need me right? Yuki?"
"What I need is to get back to Chicago," I said bluntly.
She paused, "Well, I can't help you with that," she said sadly. "But I can give you a place to escape to for awhile. You should come over. I'm sure Hatsuharu would love to see you." Her voice was questioning.
I was quiet for a moment. I didn't really want to deal with Rin and her hyperness, but she was right, I did need a place to go. And seeing Haru wouldn't be that bad. He always had a way of calming me.
"Fine," I agreed.
I could literally hear her jumping up and down.
"Yay! Oh my God, Haru will be so happy to see you. And me too, of course. I've missed you. Oh, have you eaten? I could make food."
"Rin."
"Of course I would have to go to the store first. I can do that on my way home from Port Angeles," she said mostly to herself.
"Rin," I tried again.
"I'll just call Haru and he can pick something up along the way," she continued.
"Rin!" I shouted.
"What, Yuki? I'm not deaf."
I shook my head, "I'm not hungry. I had a late lunch with Shigure and truthfully, I think I've lost my appetite for awhile."
"Oh Yuki, stop being so dramatic," she patronized.
"You weren't there, Rin. You have no idea what he did," I spat out.
"I have an idea," she said quietly. There was a long silence before she spoke again. "Anyway, just come on over. You can stay as long as you like. Do you remember how to get here?"
"Yeah, I remember. I'll be there soon," I paused. "And thanks Rin."
She smiled, yes I could tell she was smiling, "Of course Yuki."
I went to hang up the phone when I heard her yell.
I brought the phone back up to my ear, "Rin?"
"Yuki, can you do me a huge favor before you get here?" Rin asked sweetly.
"What Rin?" I asked in a bored tone. Only Rin would ask for a favor when I'm pissed off.
"Can you go by the bookstore for me? A book that I ordered came in and I was supposed to pick it up today, but there's no way I'm going to make back into town before they close and I really need it to further my plans for the wedding. So, if you could just run by there and grab it for me…it's already paid for and it's under the name Rin Shoma."
I let out a frustrated sigh, "I know your fucking name, Rin."
She let out a humph, "There's no need to swear Yuki. Now, can you do it or not? Please? Please, Yuki?" she begged.
"Fine," I grumbled.
"Thank you, thank you, thank you," she gushed. "Now, it's the bookstore right next to the pharmacy..."
"Rin, I know where it is. There's only one god damn street in this town," I was already beginning to put my car back into drive.
"Good. So I'm going to go the store and pick up food, cause even if you don't want to eat Haru and I haven't. You'll probably get to the house before me but Haru should already be there. I'll call him and let him know to expect you."
I pulled back onto the road, "Sounds good, Rin. I'll see you soon."
I hung up the phone without waiting for a goodbye from her otherwise I might have been on the phone for another hour. I pushed down on the gas anxious to get this day over with.
!~!~!~!
I walked into the book store determined to get this over with quickly. I had yet to see anybody that I knew and wanted to avoid that as long as I could. The only people that I still talked to in this town were my family and I wanted to keep it that way, even though now, I was thinking that might change. I didn't need the gossip mill swirling with rumors as to why I was back.
I stopped in the doorway looking around. I hadn't been in here in years and not to my surprise, it hadn't changed at all. It was tiny and cluttered, almost claustrophobic. There were tiny aisles with shelves spaced throughout that came up to my shoulders, each shelf crammed with books. To my left sat a pair of worn arm chairs, one facing the door and the other facing the back of the store. There was a girl sitting in the chair facing the door, no, not sitting, lounging. Her legs were thrown over the side, feet dangling mid-air. Her nose was shoved so far in the book in front of her that all I could make out of her face was the top rim of her glasses and her brown hair which was piled on top of her head in a messy bun held up with what looked like a pen. She didn't glance up when I walked in.
I walked up to the little counter on the right. There was no one there. I looked around. The only people that seemed to be in the store were me and the lounge girl.
"Hello?" I called.
Nothing.
I drummed my fingers on the counter.
"Hello?" I called, louder this time.
Where the fuck were the employees? Who runs a business like this? I turned back to the girl, she hadn't moved.
"Excuse me, miss? Do you know who works here?" I asked.
She shrugged not looking up from her book. Nice. This was just fucking perfect.
The door to the store opened up and a boy walked in. Boy? Child? Manchild? I don't fucking know. This kid was tall and he had a huge grin on his face. Well, at least someone's having a good day.
"Yo Toharu, my dad said you got his book in," this manchild spoke as he trotted up to the counter, stopping next to me.
I looked around. Who the fuck was he talking to?
"Yeah, Kyo. I got it in today," a woman's voice answered from behind me.
I don't fucking believe it. I watched with my mouth hanging open as the girl from the arm chair stood up and walked towards us. She didn't even look at me as she went behind the counter and began digging through a pile of books.
"Ahhh…here it is!" She turned back around with a book in her hand and placed it on the counter. "I also have this one for Seth, did you want to get that one too?" she asked holding up another book.
"Sure, sure. You're going to make his day with that one. Ever since dad started telling all those legend stories about wolves, Seth's become obsessed with werewolves," this Kyo guy shook his head, chuckling.
The girl smiled. I glared. "Well, he is 13."
I stood there glaring while she slipped the books into a bag and handed them to the manchild.
"Hey, we're having a bonfire down on the rez this Saturday, you should come. It's been forever since you've been down there."
Her shoulders fell slightly as she answered, "I know, I've been busy. But I'll try to make it."
Manchild nodded his head, "Sweet. Well, I gotta run. Gotta go pick up Quil. Thanks, T." He turned to leave, glancing over at me, giving me a "'Sup?" before walking out.
I turned back to the counter. The girl was looking down shuffling through paperwork, her lower lip between her teeth. I cleared my throat.
She sighed and looked up. I was briefly taken back by her eyes. They were a deep blueberry blue and I couldn't seem to stop staring, that is until I noticed a flicker of annoyance flash through them.
She's annoyed? Oh that's rich.
"You work here?" I asked relatively calm.
She didn't answer, she just tilted her head to one side, giving me a pointed look.
I leaned on the counter. "Then why when I asked if you knew who worked here, you just ignored me?" I hissed.
Her eyebrows raised slightly, a smirk playing on her full lips and then her eyes flicked to the side and back up to mine. I followed her line of vision and noticed her finger was pointing to a sign on the counter.
Ring the bell for service.
Well, fuck me.
(Author Note- There you have it, when I was writing this chapter I was listening to The Cab; Bounce so yes. Review! Tell other people!)