Ack. What can I say but "I'm sorry." I'm slow. I will absolutely finish
every single story I start, but it'll take a while. I will update. I know
I take forever. I'm really sorry. But here's more anyway. It's so hard
getting these two together. They won't talk to each other and they won't
talk to me. It's very difficult to take two characters that hate each
other so strongly... and make them fall in love... especially when they
won't cooperate. Still, I'm getting closer.
Still, I have to thank the couple of people who yelled at me. Boy did you yell at me. I know I'm lame for not updating at all. I will honestly try to update much faster now. It's just been crazy you know? Every time I get a minute, there's someone asking me to do something.
So my new year's resolution is to write faster.
~~~~~~~~ ~~~~~~~ ~~~~~~~
EQAB 10
Two figures moved slowly alongside Sohma Shigure's humble residence. The shameless -- but sufficiently cowed -- dog helped Kyou to walk to his favorite spot outside, under the large tree. Shigure glanced over at the fuming kitty to see if there was any change.
"Kyou, I'm sorry."
No response. Kyou continued to stare with great interest at the ground.
"We were sure you were asleep."
Apparently, the thin patches of grass and the occasional stone were far more compelling than Shigure's proffered apology.
"..."
Shigure looked sympathetically down at his younger cousin as he helped him to walk across the yard. The boy had been terribly quiet since he had seen Ayame and Shigure in a somewhat less than proper position in the living room. The lustful mood had been ruined by Kyou's fall and they had rushed to help him, only to be yelled at to "at least get dressed first!" Shigure had never seen quite a shade of red on the young boy when Ayame had, in all his naked and aroused glory, danced up the stairs and attempted to help him up. It would have been quite amusing if Kyou hadn't been hurt. When they had finally dressed and come back to help him, he had fallen into silence and try as he might, Shigure could not budge him from it. When he had offered to take Kyou outside, he had only been met with a silent nod. They limped slowly along, Kyou stifling the occasional whimper of pain. It was good that he was walking though. Now if only he would speak.
"Kyou?"
"S'fine," he finally offered quietly, angrily, eyes closing as he stopped to take a breath. They had only walked twenty feet, but his legs were already shaking a bit. His mind was still playing that lurid scene over and over, no matter how desperately he tried to pretend it didn't happen.
"It's none of my business whether or not you cheat on Hatori, I guess," he put forward.
"Cheating?" Shigure blinked, then giggled. He giggled some more. "Silly kitty."
Kyou's eyes scrunched up as the older man continued to laugh merrily. "What the hell is so funny you stupid dog?"
Shigure's hand covered his mouth as he shook with giggles. Kyou wanted seriously to swat him, but that would compromise the dog's use as a support. The cat sufficed to imagine doing it while he waited for Shigure to say something.
"I'm sorry Kyou," he said, wiping a tear from his eye. "I just never thought of it that way."
The redhead's eyebrows furrowed. "And how the hell do you consider it?" he yelled. "You were doing... that. with someone else? Isn't that called cheating? Last I checked it was."
Shigure shook his head, grinning. "Ayame has always been welcome in mine or Hatori's bed."
Kyou's pink-tinted cheeks seemed to deepen and his red eyes widened in amazement.
"So what are you guys -- some sort of weird threesome or something?"
"Mmm," Shigure thought. "No. Ayame is more interested in pursuing his business and the occasional fling I suppose. But Hatori decided to go home early last night." He pouted, and then giggled. "I guess I was still a bit horny, so Ayame was a welcome visitor today."
Kyou's disbelief at something so annoyingly blatant had deflated most of his anger. He simply couldn't fathom what he was hearing and the vision of Ayame, sweaty and panting, was too much in the forefront of his mind. He just needed to get away.
"Just help me to the tree," he grumbled, but his next step revealed how weak he still was, when his knee gave out and he had to rely solely on Shigure's support.
"Damnit."
Shigure laughed and scooped Kyou up, carrying him the rest of the way.
"PUT ME DOWN YOU STUPID DOG! What do I look like a bride? Let go! Damnit, put me down!"
Shigure ignored his outburst since it was quite expected. He set Kyou down carefully, helping him to adjust until he was comfortably seated against the tree. He looked terribly affronted, but didn't refuse Shigure's help in getting comfortable. Shigure mused that a year ago, Kyou wouldn't have let anyone near him, let alone do something like this for him... Kazuma being the exception.
"I'll get you a blanket and some tea, Kyou-kun."
"Just leave me alone."
The redhead glared up at him and Shigure could see, in the fiery red eyes, that Kyou was very close to snapping again.
Understanding, he sighed dramatically and turned back toward the house. He remembered this... what it was like to be a teenage boy. It was probably very different for Kyou though.
Ayame was waiting eagerly at the door, wearing a bright gold dress coat and black pants with slits in the side and oriental buttons holding them closed. It was his newest design and allowed quite a lot of skin to show on either side of his legs. As usual, he was breathtaking. Shigure regretted not being able to finish their intimate encounter, but too many thoughts were roiling in his mind now to continue.
"Is he all right, Gure-san?"
Shigure nodded and smiled. "Pissy as usual. He just needs some time."
"Of course! After all, even I would be faint of heart at seeing such a magnificent sight!"
Shigure smiled. "No doubt, no doubt, my lovely..." his eyes darkened. "But perhaps Kyou sees it differently... as something not to have."
"It's because he dresses so plainly! If only he would let me make his clothes for him! Such a beautiful boy, wearing such drab, colorless clothes. He should be in a beautiful silk kimono! I bet even Yuki would want him! Then they could get married and I could see my beautiful little brother in the wedding dress I've designed for him! I keep forgetting to set a date when he can come try it on... with Tohru's consent of course!"
Shigure watched indulgently as Ayame went of on a new tangent of fantasy. Somewhere in that flighty head, Ayame felt bad for abandoning his young brother and wanted desperately to regain his favor. Shigure dared not even mention that Yuki had once again returned to Akito, trying to get the bracelet back. Truthfully, he had not even mentioned the missing bracelet to the flamboyant man. It was a thought too dark for the light of Ayame. He wouldn't understand.
Neither would he want to. Just like he didn't want to understand that Kyou would not have the same future as they would. For him to see this scene, this, carnality. as well as love... he would never be allowed any of it. And just as Ayame didn't want to see the darkness of the Sohmas, Kyou would not want to see that which would never be his. To be held, to be loved, to be pleasured. this was forbidden fruit to the cat, more than anyone else.
"Ayame," he interrupted the man's tirade about wedding dresses, commanding a sudden silence, as he rarely called his cousin by that name. "Let's go to your house... leave Kyou alone for a while."
Ayame looked at him soberly and nodded. "Yes."
..........
When Yuki came home, the house was empty. Concerned, though he shouldn't have been, Yuki found his feet taking him up to Kyou's room. It was cold and empty though. The concern heightened. Had something happened?
"Kyou?" he yelled. "Tohru? Shigure?"
He ran downstairs to see if there was a note, but there was none. He was just about to call Hatori to find out if Kyou had suffered an injury or gone to Kazuma's when he saw a familiar figure out the window.
He walked outside, trying not to run, just in case the cat was awake. It wouldn't do to see him worried.
Kyou was downwind and didn't seem to notice Yuki yet. He was lying in the grass by the tree, hands behind his head, staring at the clouds. Once again, Yuki found himself irritated at the fact that Kyou was very attractive when he didn't have that ever-present scowl on his face. He looked confused, and a little bit... lost. It was beautiful in a way. Yuki frowned.
"What are you doing out here? Where's that stupid dog?"
Kyou jerked as he realized someone was there, his face displaying a gambit of emotions from confusion, to surprise, to anger.
"Damnit! You shouldn't sneak up on people like that!"
"It wasn't my fault you weren't paying attention."
"Kuso Nezumi!"
"Baka Neko."
Kyou glared at Yuki. Yuki glared at Kyou. But the energy wasn't there. It wasn't the same. Kyou looked into Yuki's eyes... the same eyes he saw just hours ago... filled with lust. Different color... same eyes. It hurt. It hurt to think of it... especially that way. The cat sighed and turned away. "Perverted damn dog... went with your brother."
"Where."
Kyou looked up at the clouds. "Who cares... as long as they're gone."
Yuki's eyes narrowed. Something had happened. The cat was being damn moody. With Ayame and Shigure together, he could only imagine. He looked up at the clouds. They were big and fluffy today... floating by so calmly.
"I suppose it's second best to being on the roof," he said. "Still, that was stupid of them to leave you alone."
"I can take care of myself."
"You can't even walk, idiot."
Kyou glared, and Yuki had a bad feeling he was going to try and prove that last statement wrong. Kyou was stupid that way.
Surprisingly enough, Kyou managed to push himself up the tree to a standing position, though he was sweating with the effort.
Yuki watched in fascination. Kyou had always had that determination. Yuki didn't understand it. It tired him. Why fight fate? Yet, when Kyou took a shaky step toward the house, Yuki was there to catch him. He looked at the cat darkly.
"Stupid cat."
"Shut up."
Yuki was surprised when Kyou once again turned his head away. Definitely odd behavior... their glaring contests were a normal part of life. Kyou never looked away. He always fought. Even if he could barely stand, it wasn't like him to back down like this. He had a slight blush on his cheeks, and Yuki wondered if he was delirious with fever.
"Damnit!" Using Yuki's arms, Kyou scrabbled up to at least lean against him.
Yuki felt the small laugh bubble up before he could suppress it, and it rolled out of his mouth lightly, causing his rival to look at him in shock, and a little confusion. But Yuki saw it before it died behind those red, red eyes. a slight hint of amusement as well. Both boys quickly recovered, glaring at each other maliciously before turning away. Yuki pulled Kyou's arm around his shoulder and turned them toward the house.
"You're ridiculous," the perplexed mouse grumbled, taking Kyou's arm over his shoulder.
"Shut up! I didn't ask for your help anyway."
"Well I would leave you to fall on your face, but Honda-san would never forgive me."
"Damnit! I could have done it on my own!"
"Yes, I can see, you were doing sooo well."
Although they easily slipped into the comfortable and known territory of rivalry, the dark, blinding hate was not there. So when, ten feet from the house, Kyou could no longer hold his legs under him, Yuki thought nothing of hefting the stupid cat into his arms and carrying him to the living-room where they could continue their fight and watch some television until Tohru got home.
Haru stared at the television blankly, his fingers curled in Momiji's hair. The younger boy was currently curled up on the couch at his house, head in Haru's lap. It was Friday night. Movie night. and as usual, Momiji had picked, since Haru had a horrible time making a decision, unless he went black and then he headed straight for the horror and porn. Given that he was still underage, meant that he spent a lot of time outside the video store, waiting for Momiji, while he cooled off.
Usually, he rather enjoyed these times. It was peaceful and Momiji actually picked some interesting movies. Today, though, his mind was further away than usual, dwelling on his most precious one. He had spent the better part of the afternoon, picking apart every detail of their visit to Akito. It was eating him up inside. Akito was invariably hard to predict. and Yuki was disturbingly ambiguous about the details of the visit. For all he knew, Akito may have simply sat Yuki down for tea. a torture in itself for the mouse. Or he may have done something worse. Haru lamented. Yuki never shared. he never let Haru share his pain. He always kept it inside.
Haru liked to think that he knew Yuki better than anyone else. After all, he spent most of his time obsessing over the quietly lovely boy. He picked up every fragment of emotion in those distant eyes. Every shred of information, rumor or true, Haru held to his heart as if it were gold, because to him, Yuki was treasure, even if he could never have it.
But Yuki had said nothing. He had been brusque, quick to leave, even shaky, but his eyes held nothing. He had smiled at Haru and thanked him for being there, quickly heading home after calling a taxi and Haru could tell, the smile was forced, for him. But Haru didn't know whether to be elated that Yuki didn't want him to worry... or crushed, that Yuki didn't feel he could open up to the younger boy.
But with Kyou's bracelet, Akito had major leverage. Yuki hadn't looked too bad, but Haru knew. He knew that black bastard had done something to him. Sometimes Haru wanted to just take that self-absorbed bastard and kick the ever loving...
"OW! Haru! Cut it out!"
Startled, Haru looked down to see his hand clutched tightly in Momiji's fine hair. The boy was wincing and trying to pull his wrist off.
Haru loosened his hand immediately. "Gomen, Momiji," he apologized immediately, smoothing the bouncy locks down.
Momiji sighed. "Jeeze, I thought you had gone black for a minute."
"Almost I guess." Haru stared out the window. "I'm sorry Momiji."
Momiji beamed. "It's okay. I wasn't really watching anyway."
Haru frowned. Momiji had been very quiet, not only during the movie, but all day. He stared into those soft brown eyes and set a hand on Momiji's chest.
"Is everything okay, Momiji?"
The bunny relaxed into a content smile, but his eyes were stormy.
"It's funny," he said quietly. "Ever since Kyou got hurt, I've been feeling something. There's something different."
Haru 'mmm'd' in agreement. "They've both been very different. It's like they've lost something. The energy is different."
Momiji shook his head. "No, that's not what I mean. You're right, but there's something different. outside."
"What do you mean outside?"
"I'm not sure." Momiji sat up and straddled Haru's lap, excited to talk about this. "Haru, how does it feel when you go black? Do you remember?"
Haru grabbed the remote and flipped the movie off. "Not really. Why do you ask?"
Momiji bit his lip. "Does he talk to you?"
"I don't know what you mean? Momiji, what."
"I've been hearing voices." Momiji looked up, searching Haru's eyes for understanding.
"Voices?"
Momiji's voice was quiet, secretive, worried. "Whispers."
"What do they say?"
"I can't hear clearly."
"Have you told Hatori?"
Momiji shook his head vehemently. "He's too busy. Whenever he's not with Akito, he's checking up on Kyou. He doesn't sleep well." Momiji looked at Haru desperately. "Besides, I wanted to tell you first."
"Why me?" Haru said, perplexed.
"Haru!" Momiji looked absolutely cutely livid. He conked Haru on the head with his small hand. "It's because I like you, dummy!" He looked surprised he had said it. Haru was certainly surprised. Momiji broke into a grin, partly relieved, partly happy that he had finally said something he had wanted to say for a while. He leaned forward. "I really like you, Haru." He closed his eyes and kissed Haru softly.
Haru pushed him away slowly. "Momiji." Momiji opened his eyes and looked back with a little trepidation. "That's nice of you. but."
Momiji's brows furrowed. "But?"
Haru smiled patiently. "You're just a kid."
Momiji's face fell. He looked down, smiling sadly. "I see." He fidgeted with the hem of his shirt. "You're right, I'm sure."
"Momiji."
Momiji got off Haru's lap, turning and banging his shin on the table, crying in pain and surprise. Haru grabbed his shoulders worriedly. "Momiji, are you okay?"
Momiji nodded, tears shining his soft brown eyes as he rubbed his shin roughly. "Ow! I'm okay. It just stings a lot!" He nodded, moving toward the door.
"Momiji."
"I should be going home. I have a lesson early tomorrow."
"I can walk you home." Haru got up but Momiji grabbed his bag, shaking his head.
"It's okay. I can walk alone in the compound. even if I'm just a kid," he added quietly, slinging his bag over his shoulder and slipping out the door before Haru could say anything more.
Haru sighed, running his hands through his hair and dropping back on the couch. He really didn't need this.
Tohru slipped her shoes off tiredly. There had been an emergency at the hospital. She had gotten some extra responsibilities since the other nurses were taken up with extra work. It was just changing some bedpans and administering some medication to some of the patients, but it had made her feel good that the responsibility was handed to her so readily. However, she was so absent minded, she had been scared to death of getting a prescription wrong. She had a headache from checking and double-checking charts.
When she got to the kitchen, the pleasant smell of miso hit her nose, and her stomach rumbled rather loudly. Shigure was sitting at the kitchen table, typing quietly. Behind him, a steaming pot of soup was boiling. Shigure looked up and smiled, pointing at the living room.
She tiptoed in and looked over the couch and saw perhaps the most adorable thing she'd ever seen. Kyou was lying sprawled on the couch, a hand errantly slung over his forehead as he slept. Yuki was there as well. He had fallen asleep on the floor, hands folded on the couch at Kyou's side, his head resting in his crooked arms. The television droned quietly, casting a greenish blue light on the two.
Tohru turned back to Shigure, eyes shining. Shigure smiled.
"I found them like that when I got home," he whispered, producing a camera from the folds of his robes. "I don't suppose I could send you to develop the film?"
Tohru's hands came to her mouth to stifle a giggle. "Sohma-san, you are so bad!"
Shigure giggled as well, taking her hand.
"Come, my little housewife, and have some soup before bed. Though I'm rather afraid that Yuki made it. Even with Kyou-kun's help, it's very likely to taste bad."
They dished out the soup and ate quietly, whispering quietly about their respective days. Shigure was about to launch into the story of Ayame's visit when Tohru dropped her spoon.
"Tohru-chan?" Shigure followed her as she moved toward the TV. The news was on. The reporter on the screen was using her distraught voice as she announced the weather.
"And we have a rather heavy storm moving our way. A typhoon is suspected. Boats are already moving toward the bay seeking shelter from the storm. This could mean some fairly heavy rains, and harsh storms for our area. Please stay tuned for more weather forecasts."
Shigure's eyes darkened, his previous mood quelled.
"Oh!" Tohru exclaimed, looking down. Shigure followed her gaze to see Kyou watching the screen quietly.
"Oh, Kyou."
TBC ~~~~ ~~~~~~~ ~~~~~~~
It's funny. I know exactly where I'm going with this fic. Yet, I already know it won't be a tight story. It's going to meander a bit and that's something I really hate. I hope that I can keep it interesting for you guys.
Thanks for sticking with me. I'll work hard to get the next chapter out soon.
Still, I have to thank the couple of people who yelled at me. Boy did you yell at me. I know I'm lame for not updating at all. I will honestly try to update much faster now. It's just been crazy you know? Every time I get a minute, there's someone asking me to do something.
So my new year's resolution is to write faster.
~~~~~~~~ ~~~~~~~ ~~~~~~~
EQAB 10
Two figures moved slowly alongside Sohma Shigure's humble residence. The shameless -- but sufficiently cowed -- dog helped Kyou to walk to his favorite spot outside, under the large tree. Shigure glanced over at the fuming kitty to see if there was any change.
"Kyou, I'm sorry."
No response. Kyou continued to stare with great interest at the ground.
"We were sure you were asleep."
Apparently, the thin patches of grass and the occasional stone were far more compelling than Shigure's proffered apology.
"..."
Shigure looked sympathetically down at his younger cousin as he helped him to walk across the yard. The boy had been terribly quiet since he had seen Ayame and Shigure in a somewhat less than proper position in the living room. The lustful mood had been ruined by Kyou's fall and they had rushed to help him, only to be yelled at to "at least get dressed first!" Shigure had never seen quite a shade of red on the young boy when Ayame had, in all his naked and aroused glory, danced up the stairs and attempted to help him up. It would have been quite amusing if Kyou hadn't been hurt. When they had finally dressed and come back to help him, he had fallen into silence and try as he might, Shigure could not budge him from it. When he had offered to take Kyou outside, he had only been met with a silent nod. They limped slowly along, Kyou stifling the occasional whimper of pain. It was good that he was walking though. Now if only he would speak.
"Kyou?"
"S'fine," he finally offered quietly, angrily, eyes closing as he stopped to take a breath. They had only walked twenty feet, but his legs were already shaking a bit. His mind was still playing that lurid scene over and over, no matter how desperately he tried to pretend it didn't happen.
"It's none of my business whether or not you cheat on Hatori, I guess," he put forward.
"Cheating?" Shigure blinked, then giggled. He giggled some more. "Silly kitty."
Kyou's eyes scrunched up as the older man continued to laugh merrily. "What the hell is so funny you stupid dog?"
Shigure's hand covered his mouth as he shook with giggles. Kyou wanted seriously to swat him, but that would compromise the dog's use as a support. The cat sufficed to imagine doing it while he waited for Shigure to say something.
"I'm sorry Kyou," he said, wiping a tear from his eye. "I just never thought of it that way."
The redhead's eyebrows furrowed. "And how the hell do you consider it?" he yelled. "You were doing... that. with someone else? Isn't that called cheating? Last I checked it was."
Shigure shook his head, grinning. "Ayame has always been welcome in mine or Hatori's bed."
Kyou's pink-tinted cheeks seemed to deepen and his red eyes widened in amazement.
"So what are you guys -- some sort of weird threesome or something?"
"Mmm," Shigure thought. "No. Ayame is more interested in pursuing his business and the occasional fling I suppose. But Hatori decided to go home early last night." He pouted, and then giggled. "I guess I was still a bit horny, so Ayame was a welcome visitor today."
Kyou's disbelief at something so annoyingly blatant had deflated most of his anger. He simply couldn't fathom what he was hearing and the vision of Ayame, sweaty and panting, was too much in the forefront of his mind. He just needed to get away.
"Just help me to the tree," he grumbled, but his next step revealed how weak he still was, when his knee gave out and he had to rely solely on Shigure's support.
"Damnit."
Shigure laughed and scooped Kyou up, carrying him the rest of the way.
"PUT ME DOWN YOU STUPID DOG! What do I look like a bride? Let go! Damnit, put me down!"
Shigure ignored his outburst since it was quite expected. He set Kyou down carefully, helping him to adjust until he was comfortably seated against the tree. He looked terribly affronted, but didn't refuse Shigure's help in getting comfortable. Shigure mused that a year ago, Kyou wouldn't have let anyone near him, let alone do something like this for him... Kazuma being the exception.
"I'll get you a blanket and some tea, Kyou-kun."
"Just leave me alone."
The redhead glared up at him and Shigure could see, in the fiery red eyes, that Kyou was very close to snapping again.
Understanding, he sighed dramatically and turned back toward the house. He remembered this... what it was like to be a teenage boy. It was probably very different for Kyou though.
Ayame was waiting eagerly at the door, wearing a bright gold dress coat and black pants with slits in the side and oriental buttons holding them closed. It was his newest design and allowed quite a lot of skin to show on either side of his legs. As usual, he was breathtaking. Shigure regretted not being able to finish their intimate encounter, but too many thoughts were roiling in his mind now to continue.
"Is he all right, Gure-san?"
Shigure nodded and smiled. "Pissy as usual. He just needs some time."
"Of course! After all, even I would be faint of heart at seeing such a magnificent sight!"
Shigure smiled. "No doubt, no doubt, my lovely..." his eyes darkened. "But perhaps Kyou sees it differently... as something not to have."
"It's because he dresses so plainly! If only he would let me make his clothes for him! Such a beautiful boy, wearing such drab, colorless clothes. He should be in a beautiful silk kimono! I bet even Yuki would want him! Then they could get married and I could see my beautiful little brother in the wedding dress I've designed for him! I keep forgetting to set a date when he can come try it on... with Tohru's consent of course!"
Shigure watched indulgently as Ayame went of on a new tangent of fantasy. Somewhere in that flighty head, Ayame felt bad for abandoning his young brother and wanted desperately to regain his favor. Shigure dared not even mention that Yuki had once again returned to Akito, trying to get the bracelet back. Truthfully, he had not even mentioned the missing bracelet to the flamboyant man. It was a thought too dark for the light of Ayame. He wouldn't understand.
Neither would he want to. Just like he didn't want to understand that Kyou would not have the same future as they would. For him to see this scene, this, carnality. as well as love... he would never be allowed any of it. And just as Ayame didn't want to see the darkness of the Sohmas, Kyou would not want to see that which would never be his. To be held, to be loved, to be pleasured. this was forbidden fruit to the cat, more than anyone else.
"Ayame," he interrupted the man's tirade about wedding dresses, commanding a sudden silence, as he rarely called his cousin by that name. "Let's go to your house... leave Kyou alone for a while."
Ayame looked at him soberly and nodded. "Yes."
..........
When Yuki came home, the house was empty. Concerned, though he shouldn't have been, Yuki found his feet taking him up to Kyou's room. It was cold and empty though. The concern heightened. Had something happened?
"Kyou?" he yelled. "Tohru? Shigure?"
He ran downstairs to see if there was a note, but there was none. He was just about to call Hatori to find out if Kyou had suffered an injury or gone to Kazuma's when he saw a familiar figure out the window.
He walked outside, trying not to run, just in case the cat was awake. It wouldn't do to see him worried.
Kyou was downwind and didn't seem to notice Yuki yet. He was lying in the grass by the tree, hands behind his head, staring at the clouds. Once again, Yuki found himself irritated at the fact that Kyou was very attractive when he didn't have that ever-present scowl on his face. He looked confused, and a little bit... lost. It was beautiful in a way. Yuki frowned.
"What are you doing out here? Where's that stupid dog?"
Kyou jerked as he realized someone was there, his face displaying a gambit of emotions from confusion, to surprise, to anger.
"Damnit! You shouldn't sneak up on people like that!"
"It wasn't my fault you weren't paying attention."
"Kuso Nezumi!"
"Baka Neko."
Kyou glared at Yuki. Yuki glared at Kyou. But the energy wasn't there. It wasn't the same. Kyou looked into Yuki's eyes... the same eyes he saw just hours ago... filled with lust. Different color... same eyes. It hurt. It hurt to think of it... especially that way. The cat sighed and turned away. "Perverted damn dog... went with your brother."
"Where."
Kyou looked up at the clouds. "Who cares... as long as they're gone."
Yuki's eyes narrowed. Something had happened. The cat was being damn moody. With Ayame and Shigure together, he could only imagine. He looked up at the clouds. They were big and fluffy today... floating by so calmly.
"I suppose it's second best to being on the roof," he said. "Still, that was stupid of them to leave you alone."
"I can take care of myself."
"You can't even walk, idiot."
Kyou glared, and Yuki had a bad feeling he was going to try and prove that last statement wrong. Kyou was stupid that way.
Surprisingly enough, Kyou managed to push himself up the tree to a standing position, though he was sweating with the effort.
Yuki watched in fascination. Kyou had always had that determination. Yuki didn't understand it. It tired him. Why fight fate? Yet, when Kyou took a shaky step toward the house, Yuki was there to catch him. He looked at the cat darkly.
"Stupid cat."
"Shut up."
Yuki was surprised when Kyou once again turned his head away. Definitely odd behavior... their glaring contests were a normal part of life. Kyou never looked away. He always fought. Even if he could barely stand, it wasn't like him to back down like this. He had a slight blush on his cheeks, and Yuki wondered if he was delirious with fever.
"Damnit!" Using Yuki's arms, Kyou scrabbled up to at least lean against him.
Yuki felt the small laugh bubble up before he could suppress it, and it rolled out of his mouth lightly, causing his rival to look at him in shock, and a little confusion. But Yuki saw it before it died behind those red, red eyes. a slight hint of amusement as well. Both boys quickly recovered, glaring at each other maliciously before turning away. Yuki pulled Kyou's arm around his shoulder and turned them toward the house.
"You're ridiculous," the perplexed mouse grumbled, taking Kyou's arm over his shoulder.
"Shut up! I didn't ask for your help anyway."
"Well I would leave you to fall on your face, but Honda-san would never forgive me."
"Damnit! I could have done it on my own!"
"Yes, I can see, you were doing sooo well."
Although they easily slipped into the comfortable and known territory of rivalry, the dark, blinding hate was not there. So when, ten feet from the house, Kyou could no longer hold his legs under him, Yuki thought nothing of hefting the stupid cat into his arms and carrying him to the living-room where they could continue their fight and watch some television until Tohru got home.
Haru stared at the television blankly, his fingers curled in Momiji's hair. The younger boy was currently curled up on the couch at his house, head in Haru's lap. It was Friday night. Movie night. and as usual, Momiji had picked, since Haru had a horrible time making a decision, unless he went black and then he headed straight for the horror and porn. Given that he was still underage, meant that he spent a lot of time outside the video store, waiting for Momiji, while he cooled off.
Usually, he rather enjoyed these times. It was peaceful and Momiji actually picked some interesting movies. Today, though, his mind was further away than usual, dwelling on his most precious one. He had spent the better part of the afternoon, picking apart every detail of their visit to Akito. It was eating him up inside. Akito was invariably hard to predict. and Yuki was disturbingly ambiguous about the details of the visit. For all he knew, Akito may have simply sat Yuki down for tea. a torture in itself for the mouse. Or he may have done something worse. Haru lamented. Yuki never shared. he never let Haru share his pain. He always kept it inside.
Haru liked to think that he knew Yuki better than anyone else. After all, he spent most of his time obsessing over the quietly lovely boy. He picked up every fragment of emotion in those distant eyes. Every shred of information, rumor or true, Haru held to his heart as if it were gold, because to him, Yuki was treasure, even if he could never have it.
But Yuki had said nothing. He had been brusque, quick to leave, even shaky, but his eyes held nothing. He had smiled at Haru and thanked him for being there, quickly heading home after calling a taxi and Haru could tell, the smile was forced, for him. But Haru didn't know whether to be elated that Yuki didn't want him to worry... or crushed, that Yuki didn't feel he could open up to the younger boy.
But with Kyou's bracelet, Akito had major leverage. Yuki hadn't looked too bad, but Haru knew. He knew that black bastard had done something to him. Sometimes Haru wanted to just take that self-absorbed bastard and kick the ever loving...
"OW! Haru! Cut it out!"
Startled, Haru looked down to see his hand clutched tightly in Momiji's fine hair. The boy was wincing and trying to pull his wrist off.
Haru loosened his hand immediately. "Gomen, Momiji," he apologized immediately, smoothing the bouncy locks down.
Momiji sighed. "Jeeze, I thought you had gone black for a minute."
"Almost I guess." Haru stared out the window. "I'm sorry Momiji."
Momiji beamed. "It's okay. I wasn't really watching anyway."
Haru frowned. Momiji had been very quiet, not only during the movie, but all day. He stared into those soft brown eyes and set a hand on Momiji's chest.
"Is everything okay, Momiji?"
The bunny relaxed into a content smile, but his eyes were stormy.
"It's funny," he said quietly. "Ever since Kyou got hurt, I've been feeling something. There's something different."
Haru 'mmm'd' in agreement. "They've both been very different. It's like they've lost something. The energy is different."
Momiji shook his head. "No, that's not what I mean. You're right, but there's something different. outside."
"What do you mean outside?"
"I'm not sure." Momiji sat up and straddled Haru's lap, excited to talk about this. "Haru, how does it feel when you go black? Do you remember?"
Haru grabbed the remote and flipped the movie off. "Not really. Why do you ask?"
Momiji bit his lip. "Does he talk to you?"
"I don't know what you mean? Momiji, what."
"I've been hearing voices." Momiji looked up, searching Haru's eyes for understanding.
"Voices?"
Momiji's voice was quiet, secretive, worried. "Whispers."
"What do they say?"
"I can't hear clearly."
"Have you told Hatori?"
Momiji shook his head vehemently. "He's too busy. Whenever he's not with Akito, he's checking up on Kyou. He doesn't sleep well." Momiji looked at Haru desperately. "Besides, I wanted to tell you first."
"Why me?" Haru said, perplexed.
"Haru!" Momiji looked absolutely cutely livid. He conked Haru on the head with his small hand. "It's because I like you, dummy!" He looked surprised he had said it. Haru was certainly surprised. Momiji broke into a grin, partly relieved, partly happy that he had finally said something he had wanted to say for a while. He leaned forward. "I really like you, Haru." He closed his eyes and kissed Haru softly.
Haru pushed him away slowly. "Momiji." Momiji opened his eyes and looked back with a little trepidation. "That's nice of you. but."
Momiji's brows furrowed. "But?"
Haru smiled patiently. "You're just a kid."
Momiji's face fell. He looked down, smiling sadly. "I see." He fidgeted with the hem of his shirt. "You're right, I'm sure."
"Momiji."
Momiji got off Haru's lap, turning and banging his shin on the table, crying in pain and surprise. Haru grabbed his shoulders worriedly. "Momiji, are you okay?"
Momiji nodded, tears shining his soft brown eyes as he rubbed his shin roughly. "Ow! I'm okay. It just stings a lot!" He nodded, moving toward the door.
"Momiji."
"I should be going home. I have a lesson early tomorrow."
"I can walk you home." Haru got up but Momiji grabbed his bag, shaking his head.
"It's okay. I can walk alone in the compound. even if I'm just a kid," he added quietly, slinging his bag over his shoulder and slipping out the door before Haru could say anything more.
Haru sighed, running his hands through his hair and dropping back on the couch. He really didn't need this.
Tohru slipped her shoes off tiredly. There had been an emergency at the hospital. She had gotten some extra responsibilities since the other nurses were taken up with extra work. It was just changing some bedpans and administering some medication to some of the patients, but it had made her feel good that the responsibility was handed to her so readily. However, she was so absent minded, she had been scared to death of getting a prescription wrong. She had a headache from checking and double-checking charts.
When she got to the kitchen, the pleasant smell of miso hit her nose, and her stomach rumbled rather loudly. Shigure was sitting at the kitchen table, typing quietly. Behind him, a steaming pot of soup was boiling. Shigure looked up and smiled, pointing at the living room.
She tiptoed in and looked over the couch and saw perhaps the most adorable thing she'd ever seen. Kyou was lying sprawled on the couch, a hand errantly slung over his forehead as he slept. Yuki was there as well. He had fallen asleep on the floor, hands folded on the couch at Kyou's side, his head resting in his crooked arms. The television droned quietly, casting a greenish blue light on the two.
Tohru turned back to Shigure, eyes shining. Shigure smiled.
"I found them like that when I got home," he whispered, producing a camera from the folds of his robes. "I don't suppose I could send you to develop the film?"
Tohru's hands came to her mouth to stifle a giggle. "Sohma-san, you are so bad!"
Shigure giggled as well, taking her hand.
"Come, my little housewife, and have some soup before bed. Though I'm rather afraid that Yuki made it. Even with Kyou-kun's help, it's very likely to taste bad."
They dished out the soup and ate quietly, whispering quietly about their respective days. Shigure was about to launch into the story of Ayame's visit when Tohru dropped her spoon.
"Tohru-chan?" Shigure followed her as she moved toward the TV. The news was on. The reporter on the screen was using her distraught voice as she announced the weather.
"And we have a rather heavy storm moving our way. A typhoon is suspected. Boats are already moving toward the bay seeking shelter from the storm. This could mean some fairly heavy rains, and harsh storms for our area. Please stay tuned for more weather forecasts."
Shigure's eyes darkened, his previous mood quelled.
"Oh!" Tohru exclaimed, looking down. Shigure followed her gaze to see Kyou watching the screen quietly.
"Oh, Kyou."
TBC ~~~~ ~~~~~~~ ~~~~~~~
It's funny. I know exactly where I'm going with this fic. Yet, I already know it won't be a tight story. It's going to meander a bit and that's something I really hate. I hope that I can keep it interesting for you guys.
Thanks for sticking with me. I'll work hard to get the next chapter out soon.