Chapter Four: Lost Masks

The rest of the evening and night passed smoothly. Ayame only woke once that night. Yuki found it a bit disorienting to wake up in the middle of the night, especially in a futon on the floor rather than his bed, but his mind cleared quickly enough. He helped his brother to the bathroom, a long and embarrassing process that made him grateful that everyone else was sound asleep. Then he got Ayame settled back into bed, made him comfortable, and gave him another dose of painkillers and a sleeping pill with a glass of water. Ayame took the pills and the water without comment, then settled back into the pillows with a sigh and closed eyes. Yuri took that as his cue to return to bed, and within minutes they were both asleep again.

Waking up to the alarm the following morning was no more difficult than usual, and the noise didn't seem to disturb Ayame at all. Yuki dressed as quietly as he could, gathered his text-books together, then slipped out the door.

He found Shigure already awake and sipping tea, he second or third cup by the look of it. Tohru was in the kitchen, fixing rice and eggs and toast for breakfast, along with another pot of tea. Kyo was pouring himself a glass of milk as well, though at least he wasn't drinking out of the cartoon as he frequently did.

Tohru greeted him as he wandered in. "Good morning, Yuki! How's Ayame?"

Yuki smothered a yawn. "He's still asleep. Actually, I gave him a sleeping pill last night, so he'll probably sleep pretty late." He frowned as a thought made it's way into his still-muddled brain. "I should probably tell Shigure, since he isn't likely to wake up before we leave for school."

"Oh. Well, I could tell him. I mean...I wasn't...I thought..." Tohru turned abruptly back to the eggs. "I was thinking I might stay home today, and help take care of him. I mean, I could cook his meals and all, and Shigure-san might need help..."

"That's very kind of you, but you shouldn't be neglecting your schoolwork. You've already missed two days." Yuki just barely restrained his impulse to jump when Shigure appeared in the doorway behind him.

"Oh. Shigure-san. Good morning." Tohru blinked at him. "I was just thinking...Yuki said Ayame-san would sleep late today, and since these eggs won't really keep that well, I was thinking I could wait and make him a fresh batch. Unless he doesn't like eggs, of course, but then I could make him something else. Like maybe breakfast miso or cereal or something..."

Shigure crossed the room and laid one finger across Tohru's lips, stopping the flow of words. "As I said, that's very kind of you. But you really mustn't neglect your schoolwork. You do have your grades to consider, and exams are coming up. I know you want to keep your marks up this term." he smiled kindly. "Don't worry. The rice will keep. And despite my habits, and appearances, I am a pretty decent cook. At the very least, I can do simple things like eggs and toast."

Kyo snorted. "And that's why you needed a maid, of course."

Shigure smirked back. "Of course not. That was just because I'm lazy, as a general rule. Besides, Yuki always complains about my cooking. Still, I'll remind you that I did live as a solitary bachelor for several years, and since I didn't starve, I think we can safely say that I can manage basic food."

Yuki couldn't help grimacing as he remembered some of the rather...creative dishes that Shigure had served over the years, before they'd resorted to endless take-out, and eventually Tohru's employment. "That might be debatable."

Shigure threw him a look. "Says the boy who can't even boil water without burning the pot."

Yuki was still trying to come up with a suitable response when Tohru broke the silence. "It's just...Ayame-san..."

"Ayame will be fine for a few hours. And he'll still be here when you come home. I'll make sure of that. And if it makes you feel better, I'll call Hatori and Kagura and get them to help me. Kagura may be...a little strange at times, but she's actually reasonably capable, once she sets her mind to it."

"Well, I wouldn't want to put them to any trouble..."

"You won't be. Hatori would have to come anyway, since Aya-chan is his patient, and I'd be surprised if Kagura was the only member of the family who dropped by today." Shigure stepped forward and tipped Tohru's chin up with a gentle finger and an expression Yuki hadn't seen since she'd last gotten sick. "I appreciate your willingness to help, Tohru, I truly do, and I know Aya will appreciate it as well, but neither of us would want you to let your grades slip over something like this. Promise me you'll go to school? And make an effort to keep your mind on your studies?"

There was a long moment of silence, then Tohru's shoulders slumped. "Okay. I'll do my best."

"That's the spirit. I assume, since you mentioned miso and eggs and toast, that we have plenty of those on hand?"

"Yes. We have plenty of food and medical supplies. And lots of tea, since Hatori-san said that was what Ayame-san likes to drink."

"Excellent." Shigure gave her a gentle push towards the stove. "Now then, why don't you finish with that, and then you and Yuki and Kyo can get ready to go. School is in less than an hour, you know." Tohru jumped, then dashed back to the stove to stir the eggs.

Ten minutes later, breakfast was ready. Yuki ate quickly, then went to check on Ayame while Tohru was getting ready. His brother was still sleeping soundly. Yuki refilled the water pitcher with cold water, then adjusted a pillow that had gotten moved and tiptoed back out the door. He stopped to report to Shigure, then joined Kyo and Tohru at the door.

Kyo looked irritable as always, but Tohru looked sad and pensive. Even as they started for school, she was quiet and withdrawn, far different from her usual outgoing self.

They made it halfway to school before Kyo huffed and stepped in front of Tohru, bringing all of them to a halt. "Look, he's gonna be fine."

Tohru blinked. "Kyo. I'm sorry, I was just..."

"You were just worrying about that sneaky snake bastard. But trust me, he's gonna be okay. I mean, he's out of the hospital, and Hatori said he'd get better. And Shigure might not be the most reliable guy, but he does know how to take care of someone who's sick. Plus, you heard him. There's probably going to be tons of people stopping by the house today. I'm sure they can help out with anything that guy needs." Kyo sighed again and rubbed the back of his head. "Look, I get why you're worried, but you gotta trust the rest of us, you know? Besides, if you show up at school looking like that, your friends are gonna worry."

"You're right." Tohru looked at the ground. "I'm sorry."

"You don't gotta be sorry. Just...try to relax, think about something else. Like that history test."

"Test?" Tohru's eyes widened as her voice rose. "There's a test? Today?"

Yuki shook his head, both relieved that Kyo had distracted her, and exasperated at his methods. "It's tomorrow I think. But I could quiz you if you want?"

They spent the rest of the trip discussing the history lessons, then the English, which was Tohru's other troublesome area. Yuki had read ahead on the assignments, and he had a general idea of the material they might have missed. He gave Tohru a quick review of the topics he thought had been covered in classes, and pretended not to notice Kyo pretending not to listen in. At least Kyo didn't make any smart remarks.

Tohru's friends descended on them as soon as they crossed into the school grounds. Both of them were predictably worried about Tohru's two-day absence, and Tohru was immediately distracted by her efforts to reassure them. Yuki went to put his things away, but he couldn't help noticing that Tohru was vague about her reason for being absent. She mentioned that she'd been helping Shigure with a cousin who wasn't doing well, but didn't go into the specifics. At least, not within earshot.

Had Tohru always been so vague, talking about the Sohmas? He knew she'd kept the secret of the curse ever since she'd learned it, but he hadn't noticed such reticence in her about other aspects of her life in Shigure's house, not since she'd told her friends she was living there.

That brought his thoughts back to the other matter that had been troubling him. Both Kyo and Shigure had noticed something off about Tohru's behavior. He had too, but he couldn't shake the feeling that Kyo and Shigure were...more aware of it, responding to information that he didn't have or hadn't considered. And while it wasn't rare for Shigure to be more aware of certain things than he was, the fact that Kyo was also more aware was unsettling. And a bit irritating.

He settled into his desk and pulled out his books, still considering the matter. He knew it had to do with Ayame. Something about his brother's condition?

Staying focused on his schoolwork proved difficult, between his speculation over Tohru's odd behavior and concern for his brother. He kept wondering if Ayame had woken, and if he'd gotten food and his medicine on schedule. He couldn't help remembering how unreliable Shigure could be at times. And he had no idea when Hatori or Kagura might be over to help. What if Shigure got distracted? Or what if he wasn't strong enough to help Ayame with things he needed?

Finally, school was over for the day. Yuki collected his books with a sigh of relief, then joined Tohru and Kyo by the lockers to pick up his shoes and bag."Miss Honda, are you working today?"

Tohru flushed. "N-no. I told them I had a family matter to take care of, and that I'd be gone for a few days. It's okay though. They said they understood. And Momiji-san said he'd help me, since his father runs the business where I work."

"Really? I didn't know that." Yuki blinked. "But...is it okay? Your finances..." He trailed off, unsure how to broach such a delicate subject.

"Oh, it's fine. It's really fine." Tohru shook her head. "We should be heading home. There's laundry, and I need to make dinner, and we need to check on Ayame-san..." She took off at a fast walk down the street, Kyo right behind her. Yuki hurried to catch up.

Hatori was already at the house when they arrived. Tohru went straight up to her room, but Yuki paused in the doorway of the sitting room. "How is he?"

"Awake, and much more coherent. He's still a little slow, because of his pain medication, so don't expect too much, but he is aware enough to hold a conversation." Hatori sighed. "He asked me to cut back his pain medication slightly, so I have. Instructions are by the bed, but if you think he's having too much trouble, go back to the original dosage. And call me."

"Okay. Are you staying for dinner?"

"I am. I want to make sure he's eating properly, and outline the sort of diet he needs to be on while he recovers. I know he was told, but I want to make sure he understands. Ayame can be...very stubborn at times." Hatori sighed again.

"I understand." Yuki turned and headed for the stairs.

Tohru had apparently finished her visit and gone to her room, because his room was empty when he arrived. Ayame was sitting up in bed, propped on mounds of pillows. His head had fresh bandages, and he was wearing a new robe. His arm was also out of it's sling, resting across his lap. He blinked as Yuki entered the room. "Yuki."

"Hi." Yuki swallowed hard, then set his pack down and approached the bed. "How are you feeling?"

"Well enough, I suppose." Ayame's voice was low, and a little bit slurred. "Hatori's keeping me fairly heavily medicated, so nothing feels too bad." He shifted his shoulders slightly, then winced. Then he blinked, studying Yuki. "What about you? I know you fell..."

"Oh. That. It really wasn't anything to worry about. Just a few scrapes. They're already mostly healed." He always had healed quickly.

"That's good. Well, I was trying to keep you from getting hurt at all, but..."

"You shouldn't worry about it. It would have been worse if I'd been hit by that car." Yuki turned to his closet and selected a new outfit to wear, so his uniform could be cleaned. "I'm going to go change, but I'll be right back." He ducked out before Ayame could respond.

A quick rinse and a change of clothes made him feel more relaxed. He put his uniform in the laundry for Tohru, then returned to his room. Ayame was exactly as he'd left him. "Do you need anything? Something to drink? Medication?"

"Some water would be nice. And if you could hand me that book of Shigure's, I would appreciate it." Ayame seemed hesitant to voice the words.

"Sure." Yuki checked the temperature of the water to make sure it wasn't too warm, then poured a glass. Ayame took it with his good hand, sipping it until it was empty. Then he handed it back, and Yuki handed him the book he'd requested. "Is there anything else?"

"No. I'm fine."

"All right. I'm going to start on my schoolwork. Dinner should be in a little while, but tell me if you need anything." Yuki turned to his desk and pulled out his books. With the days he'd missed, he had a substantial amount of reading and homework to finish.

He finished his English and his Modern Japanese work quickly. He'd always been good with languages, having learned them early in hopes of overcoming his natural shyness enough to interact with people. After that, he moved on to History, which wasn't much harder. He worked steadily, and was startled into jumping slightly when a knock sounded on his door. "Yes?"

The door opened to admit Shigure, Hatori and Tohru. Shigure and Tohru were carrying trays loaded with soup, rice, baked fish and tea. Shigure smiled. "Sorry to disturb you, but we brought you some supper."

Tohru came to him. "I made you a tray. I thought...you might want to eat here."

Yuki smiled. "Thank you, Miss Honda." He inhaled appreciatively. "It smells wonderful."

"I'm glad." He moved his books, and she set the tray on his desk. "Well, I should go set the table for the rest of us, but I'll be back later for your trays." She turned and darted out the door before he could say anything.

Hatori, in the meantime, was checking Ayame over. He checked his temperature, his pulse and blood pressure and a few other things. "You have a slight fever. Be sure you take your medication. And take a full dose of painkillers. I don't think you're quite ready to maintain the half dosage." He put away his instruments. "You should try to eat some solid food. It will help build your energy and speed the healing process." He took the tray from Shigure. "I want you to eat as much as you can."

"All right." Ayame nodded. His voice was oddly subdued. "Hatori..."

"Whatever it is you're worrying about, don't." The doctor shook his head. "All you should be concerned with is recovering your strength." Hatori laid a hand gently on Ayame's shoulder for a moment, then turned and left the room.

Shigure watched his friend for a moment longer. "You know he's right. Just rest and recover. We have everything under control for now." He followed Hatori's action, putting a gentle hand on Ayame's shoulder and squeezing lightly before he let go. "I'll bring some more tea up in a little while, if you want."

"Thank you." Ayame nodded, then reached out to grasp his chopsticks. He fumbled them a little, but managed.

"Nothing to it." Shigure smiled, then left as well.

Yuki considered starting a conversation, but he wasn't sure what to say. Instead, he applied himself to his food. It was as good as it smelled, and just what he wanted. Filling, warm and savory. The rice was cooked just right, and the fish and soup were seasoned perfectly, counterbalancing each other and blending well with the flavor of the tea.

Ayame ate in silence as well, all his attention focused on eating. Yuki watched him covertly. His brother seemed to have some trouble with the chopsticks, but he didn't ask for help, and Yuki wasn't sure he should offer. He didn't want to offend his older brother by implying he couldn't do something.

That thought lasted until Ayame reached for the soup. He managed to grip the spoon well enough, but had trouble drinking from it, and the soup spilled. Most of it landed on the tray, but some of it splashed onto the blanket folded across his lap.

Yuki set aside his own food at once. "Here. Let me help you clean that up." He moved to his brother's side, unfolding a napkin and pressing it into the blanket.

"I'm sorry." Ayame's voice was quiet.

"It's all right. I can see how awkward it must be, trying to eat like this. And it's really no trouble. I'll just take the blanket to the wash after dinner. I'm sure Miss Honda will have it clean and dry in no time at all." He dabbed up as much of the soup as he could, then sat back. "And it really isn't that bad."

"But it isn't just that." Ayame set the soup spoon aside, looking him in the eyes. "I know I'm imposing on you dreadfully. And I...I never wanted that. I am sorry I've taken over your room this way. I know it must be such an inconvenience to you. But then..." He looked away. "I suppose I always have been."

Yuki winced from the words as well as the look in his brother's eyes. Ayame's eyes were so...unguarded. And so ashamed. So hurt and downcast. He swallowed hard and forced himself to speak. "That's not true. I know I've been a bit...frustrated at times, but you aren't an inconvenience. I wouldn't have asked Shigure to put you in here if you were."

"That's very kind of you to say." Ayame turned back to him briefly, a look of heart-wrenching sadness on his face, then turned back to his food and began spooning the soup carefully into his mouth.

Yuki returned to his own meal, but his heart was heavy.

He remembered the first time he'd visited Ayame's shop, when his brother had apologized and asked for his forgiveness. Ayame had hidden his face then. He had a feeling he knew now why.

How had he never realized that a man so bright and passionate, so full of vibrancy, might feel other emotions just as deeply? How had he never guessed what Ayame's hand and his smiles might hide? The thought disturbed him for a moment, only to be replaced by a far more worrisome one.

Now that he did know, what was he supposed to do?

Author's Note: The ice is breaking...