A/N: Thank you everyone for reviewing. It means a lot to me! My apologies for updating so late. You know how the holiday season is... I've been so busy, I didn't have much time to work on it! Plus, it was very long. I'll try to update the next chapters quicker. Keep reading! Thank you.
In a Fruits Basket - Chapter 12: Remember This
Recap:
"Don't tell me you killed it." I brought the snake closer to my face and squinted, trying to get a better look at it. It stared back at me.
"Its eyes are opened, aren't they?" She reasoned, "I didn't kill it."
"You should've." Yuki sighed.
Yuki stormed into the house, the snake now in his clutches. Mai and I followed.
"Why is he so worked up?" Mai asked.
"You'll see," I mumbled.
"Where have you been Mai? I'm starving here!" hollered Kyo as we entered the door.
"Didn't Shigure give you the leftovers in the fridge?" asked Mai, setting the bowls of miso, leeks, and onions on the table. She smirked, "I got these especially for you."
He swiped it out of her hands, exclaiming, "You know damn well I hate these, woman!"
She laughed, raising her hands in defense. "I know, I know! I'm just joking."
"Are you trying to kill me, Mai?" Kyo grumbled, slamming the bowls on the table.
"Oh, not trying, Kyo. I'm going to." Mai grinned evilly, "Make sure to double check your food, kitty cat."
Kyo paled. "Nyeh?"
She snorted, "Naw, I'm just joking again." She gently patted his jaw before walking into the kitchen, laughing some more.
"Mai, if you're going to cook lunch for Kyo," Yuki began, "skin this and he'll eat it." He extended a hand, showing off the snake that was unconscious. A scaly eyelid covered its big, golden eyes.
"Is that... Aya?" Shigure asked. He gasped, "It is!"
Kyo's jaw tightened, as he clenched his teeth together. He leaned away, flinging his arms back.
"What's the matter?" I teased, "Scared of snakes?"
"No, it's just something about this snake," he replied.
Yuki spat in disgust and threw the scaly creature to the floor.
I gasped, "Shouldn't we-?" I carefully picked up the snake, only to find it coiling around my arm. It was cold and rough against my skin.
"Yuki! Get it off me! Get it off!" I shrieked, waving my arms around.
"What's going on?" Mai yelled, adding more chaos to the room. The spatula she held killed the effect of her mean look. If it were maybe, a knife that she was holding, then she'd seem more menacing.
Poof!
"Crap." I sighed. Someone transformed but I knew it couldn't have been Yuki, Kyo, or Shigure. I was no where near them. I jerked my head in every direction. The puff of smoke consumed me, blocking my view. Everywhere I looked, there was silver, glittering, smoke surrounding me. I felt long, delicate fingers caress my arm, tracing my skin up to my neck. The other hand took mine and pressed it against his bare chest, feeling the rhythmic beat of his heart.
It was a young man, with porcelain skin and long, silver hair. He gave me a small smile but I stared back in shock. It was Ayame.
"Out! Out!" Mai screamed at him, whacking the spatula at him. He let out a feminine shriek and stepped away, causing the smoke to clear up. Before Mai got a glimpse of his naked body, Kyo called out, "Mai!" and clapped a hand over her eyes. I closed my eyes too, knowing what was going to happen.
I heard Yuki yell, "Get your clothes on, Ayame! We have girls here."
"Oh Yuki!" Ayame said in his fancy accent, "It's so nice to see you."
Yuki hissed, "I said get dressed!"
"Aya, so good to see you. I've missed you." Shigure cooed, "Do you need help dressing yourself?"
"I'll be fine, Shigure, really," Ayame replied in a sweet tone.
"Listen to that damn rat and cut it out with the crappy talk!" Kyo snapped, "You disgust me!"
"Alright, alright." Ayame sighed. I heard his footsteps leave the room.
I felt a strong hand grab my arm, and pull me back. I peeked ever so slightly. It was Yuki. He looked at me with his concerned, violet eyes.
"Are you okay, Miss Nadeshiko?"
I nodded. "I'm okay."
Kyo was behind Mai and still had his hand over her face, the other holding her arm.
"Is everything clear now? Does that guy have clothes on, or what?" Mai said, growing impatient.
"Oh." Kyo said quickly, "He left." He took a step away from her.
"Who was that anyway? The snake of the Zodiac?" Mai asked.
"Yes, that was Ayame," Shigure answered.
She groaned, "My gosh, he scared the heck out of me." She clutched at her heart. "I hate freaking out like that. I get so tired and worked up."
Ayame's voice spoke through the wall, "It was my fault. I'm ever so sorry for not introducing myself first. It's just, my body is so fragile and weak in the cold weather, and when I transformed I had to find the closest source of heat I could find."
He slid open the door, dressed in his red robes. He leaned to the side and with a dazzling smile said, "My name is Ayame Sohma. It's so nice to meet you."
Mai and I replied, "Likewise."
"Arya and Mai, am I correct?"
"Yes," I said, "I'm Arya, and that's Mai." I gestured my hand to my sister.
"Ah, Arya," he began and slipped his cool hands into mine. "I knew it was you at the first touch. You're exactly like Shigure described you."
I didn't pull away, but slowly turned my head to Shigure in a creepy way, and asked through clenched teeth, "Described?"
Shigure chuckled nervously, waving his hands.
"You're Yuki's older brother?" Mai asked, suddenly curious after finding out. "Wow... I can see it now. You look a lot alike!"
Yuki looked down and mumbled with sarcasm, "Wonderful."
Mai smiled nervously, "Did I say 'alike'? I meant... Dis-like?"
Sounded more like a question. I sweatdropped and slapped my forehead.
"So, how's it like living with Yuki and the others?" Ayame questioned us. "I heard so much about you. Two blooming flowers trapped in a house full of stinking men! Are they treating you well, princesses?"
"Don't be rude! Stop making fun of them," Yuki hissed.
"Making fun? Honestly, I'm paying nothing but the highest respect to these girls!" he replied, sitting down. He patted the table. "Now, princess Mai, you do the wonderful cooking in this house, right? How about you make some tea? And lunch would be nice too."
"That's not respect!" Kyo and Yuki shouted, glaring.
"Of course, what was I thinking?" Ayame sighed. "Let me try again." He grabbed our hands. "Come, Arya and Mai, we're going out to eat!" He pulled us out the door.
"Uh- wait, but they-" Mai began.
"Oh no, don't worry, it's my treat!" Ayame sang.
After Ayame ordered the potsticker plate, Mai pulled out her wallet.
"What are you doing? I said it was my treat!" Ayame gasped.
"It's fine, Ayame -"
"No, I will not make you pay! Please, allow me!" he insisted.
"Thank you." Mai and I said with a smile.
"So, Ayame..." Mai began, "I- uh, I never heard Yuki talk about you."
"Oh, I'm not surprised." He sighed, adjusting his hair, that was twirled into a thick, silver bundle. "As you know, Yuki and I don't get along very well."
"Neither do Arya and I," she replied.
"Well, that's different. You two are there for each other, always forgiving one another afterwards. I'm afraid to say that, since I was never the best brother, and was never by Yuki's side, he won't forgive me." Ayame's face went serious. He traced his finger around the rim of his glass. "I didn't even realize what I was doing then. And when I did, I was too late. We already were separated and created a big gap between us."
He went on, explaining how his childhood was. Mai listened, soaking in every word he said. She nodded as he spoke, her eyes shining with curiosity. Ayame finished, "I wish I could go back and correct the mistakes I made as a child. But, I suppose every adult wishes that to some degree."
Mai quickly replied, "That's because everyone makes mistakes now and then. Some, more than others. Look at me," she gestured to herself, "I find that I have many mistakes in my life... that I wish I could correct. Sometimes, when Arya and I argue, and I say hurtful words, or I harm her in any way, I start to regret it later on. I think, 'I should've been a better older sister'."
I looked at her in surprise. She sounded different. She was using a different tone in her voice. Tucking a few strands of hair behind her ear, she continued:
"But, that's what makes you human, and if you can learn from your mistakes, that's even better. Just as long as you learn from your mistakes, you'll be able to continue life, knowing what to do next time. These mistakes, these memories, and all those feelings, good or bad, you should keep, so you'll learn to understand each other better. And when you do find yourself arguing again, just meet half way, y'know?" She let out a sigh.
"So, what she's saying is," I began, and faced Ayame, "you and Yuki should meet half way."
His jaw dropped a bit. He switched his attention back to us. "I do hope Yuki and I have the same kind of relationship you two do," Ayame replied. "I'll keep trying. And, I hope you two continue to be there for Yuki when I can't."
He had a knowing smile on his face, deep in thought, as he began to eat the potstickers. I smiled too, then tried one. It was scorching, fresh from the pot. I resisted the urge to gag, or spit out my food. I could feel my tongue swell a bit. I tried to calmly drink my water but let out a small cough.
"Are you alright, Arya?" Mai asked.
"I'm fine! These are really good." I sighed and drank once more. I didn't want to destroy the moment.
It was a couple weeks after Ayame left with Hatori. I woke up with a strange feeling in my stomach. Like it was empty and hollow. It wasn't hunger. It was an aching sensation, like a piece of myself was ripped apart. I had the option to put it back, but I didn't know how. How to fill the gap that was made. I got out of bed, and sat down on the desk and checked the calender hung on the wall above. It was the end of April.
I glanced at the picture of Kyoko sitting under it. When I finally realized why I had that hollow feeling, it disappeared, and a heavy sensation replaced it. Every time I moved, it felt like all my organs were leaping, hitting the membrane of my stomach, trying to jump out of my body. It would be a pain just getting downstairs. As usual, Mai was already out of bed, probably making breakfast - unless I missed it. So probably lunch.
I groaned as I came downstairs. I ran a hand through my hair.
"You know what day it is today, Arya?" Mai said, as I entered the kitchen, trying not to throw up.
"Sunday," I answered. "What time is it?" I rubbed my eyes.
"About half-past ten." Shigure smiled, glancing up from his newspaper. "Not bad, Arya. You made it just in time for breakfast."
"Wow, that's so early." I let out a yawn.
"That's not early!" Kyo snapped.
"Miss Nadeshiko, it's amazing how you manage to wake up in time for school," Yuki said.
I did the peace sign with my fingers and waved it lazily. I flashed them a grin. "I try my best." I stretched my arms. "But it's the weekend! I need to catch up on my sleep!"
"No wonder you're so short," Kyo mumbled.
"Yes, it's the weekend." Mai said, "It's Sunday. Sunday, April the 29th."
"I know." I mumbled, "So what do you want me to do about it? I don't need to be reminded. You're so eager, aren't you?"
"I just thought -"
"Can't you wait two more days?"
"It's just -"
"Mai, I'm pretty sure I won't forget our mom's death!" Once again, my words came out harsher than I needed it to be.
The room fell silent for what felt like an eternity. Mai finally replied, "I just wanted to know if Uo and Hana are coming."
"Yeah. They are," I muttered.
Kyo questioned, "Where?"
"We plan to visit Mom's grave. It's the first year anniversary of her death," I answered.
Kyo's face tensed. "Oh."
"Miss Nadeshiko," Yuki spoke out in a calm voice, "would it be okay if I came too? I would love to meet your mother."
"Thank you." I smiled, "Mom would love that."
"So it's settled, then?" Mai clapped her hands together. "On Tuesday we'll meet up after school at the house, then visit Mom."
"Simple," I said softly, pouring milk and cereal into a bowl. The second I placed the carton down on the table, Kyo took it and chugged it. "I wasn't done with the milk."
"Well, I am. I wouldn't think you'd want it back," he retorted.
"Don't tell me you did this to the other milks!" I gasped, shuddering at the thought of him drinking from the carton, then putting it back.
"Nah," he simply said.
I froze before putting the cereal in my mouth. I dropped the spoon back into the bowl and pushed it away from me. I slid it across the table to Kyo. "Meh, nevermind. I'll just skip breakfast," I mumbled.
Kyo shrugged, then took my cereal, and began to eat it. I took the cereal box and shook it, so a few fell on the palm of my hand. I brought it up to my mouth and threw it in. I swallowed. "So when we go to the grave, we'll all be dressed in black?"
Locking the door behind me, I stomped into my room. I stared at the dress placed in front of me and pouted. It was placed neatly on my bed by Mai. She picked it out for me.
I have to wear this?!
I slipped on the dress, feeling the material scratch against my bare skin. It took a few seconds to get used to. I stepped in front of the full length mirror in my room and examined how I looked. The dress made me look like a pixie. The skirt was made of black chiffon material, layered in small ruffles that went just below my knee. It was the slightest bit poofy, so I constantly found myself smoothing it out. The top was plain, made of the same fabric, with straps the width of about four fingers. It was still a bit chilly out, so I also threw on a black scarf.
I tied Yuki's silver ribbon around my wrist and stared at it for a while. Suddenly, Mai entered the room - I don't know how, since I'm pretty sure I locked it - wearing a black dress that reached her ankles. It wasn't very fitted, or that loose. It emphasized her hips and waist though, with a satin sash tied around her waist. She had her hair tied back too, with a band. Unlike regular straight hair that was pulled back, Mai's was wavy, which were more appealing to the eye.
"How do I look?" she asked.
"It's nice," I replied simply. She had soft, gentle curls, that made nice layers in her brown hair. In some ways, her hair reminded me of Saki's.
"Well, Uo and Hana are waiting for us. Let's not waste any more time," she said, tossing her tied hair back.
"You two look lovely." Shigure beamed as we walked downstairs.
Mai and I blushed. "Thank you!"
Yuki and Kyo were by the door already, dressed in their school uniforms. They didn't need to change.
"Did we keep you waiting?" I asked.
"Not at all, Miss Nadeshiko," Yuki smiled.
"What's the basket for, Mai?" questioned Kyo.
Mai answered plainly with a small grin, "Picnic."
"That sounds nice," commented Yuki.
My eyes lit up. "Oh yeah," I began, "and we're taking a bus there, just so you know." I shoved the bus passes into their pockets. "Just stay next to us. We'll make sure you get a seat."
"A- a bus?" Kyo mumbled.
Yuki added softly, "We actually... We actually have never taken public transportation before."
This will be... interesting.
"Welcome, sweeties," the bus driver said in an American accent, as she rotated the lever, opening the doors to the bus.
She looked very young to be a bus driver, or maybe it was because I was used to the old, cranky ones. Her blonde hair was pulled back into a bun, with fringe framing her oval face. She had striking blue eyes.
She said with a smile, "Just got here in Japan last year, actually." I might have been looking at her in a funny way without noticing.
"So where to?" she asked.
"That small temple a few blocks down."
She nodded her head. "Ah, yeah, I've seen it. Won't take very long, then."
"Alright," I said,
"You'll be there shortly after a few more stops."
"How long?" Yuki asked.
"How's..." the driver began, "fifteen minutes sound?"
"Fifteen minutes?!" Kyo gasped.
"Uh, yeah, is that okay-?"
"It's perfectly fine!" Mai stepped in, then shot a look at Kyo. "It's fine."
Kyo mumbled something before he stepped into the bus. Mai and Yuki followed. I walked in, grabbing hold of the railing.
"You're all dressed up today. Visiting someone?" the driver asked, looking at our outfits.
I replied, "Yes. We're seeing a family member."
"Oh, well, I like your dress," she complimented.
"Really?" I said. "Thank you."
Yuki and Kyo luckily got a seat, but Mai and I were forced standing. The two got wedged between a young boy and an old man. Yuki took the opportunity to experience what it was like to be in a public bus. He looked around curiously and gave a warm smile to the small child beside him. On the other hand, Kyo couldn't sit still. He nervously trembled, looking around, and reacting to even the slightest movements around him. The old man beside him rolled his eyes and let out an irritated sigh, obviously finding Kyo strange.
Everything was going perfectly fine, until two teens behind us started to act obnoxious.
"Hey, check out the uniforms." One chuckled.
"Hm, Kaibara High?" The other, with neon green hair, said, "You think so?" The four of us reacted to the name of our school, then quietly turned away.
"I've heard they have really cute girls there," the odd-haired one added.
"You know those girls with 'em? They're pretty cute," his friend replied.
Mai gripped my arm tightly, gritting her teeth.
"Just ignore them, Mai," I mumbled.
"The little perverts..." she whispered. "They're so annoying. Annoying is not attractive, y'know?"
"Psst," Kyo hissed. Mai and I faced him, tilting our heads. His face hardened. "Mai."
"Hm?"
"Are these guys pissing you off, or what?" he whispered, cracking his neck.
"Yeah. You too?"
"Yeah."
Yuki and I rolled our eyes. "Ignore them."
"Hey, cutie," a voice behind me said.
Ignore them. Ignore them! I resisted the urge to react.
"Hey!" he said again. "Blue and green girl!" The idiot was already making a scene.
I faced him. It was the dark-haired one who noticed Kyo and Yuki's uniform. I hated myself for staring at him. The second our eyes met, I felt my face flush. I quickly said, "Uh, sorry." I turned away, biting my lip.
"No cutie, I was talking to you."
"Uh- uh-" I stammered, facing him again. I said firmly, "Please, I have a name." Shut- "I don't want to be called," the hell- "'cutie'". up!
He chuckled, "My name is Tatsuya. This is my cousin, Sean." He gestured to the boy with spiky, green hair. "Since we've introduced ourselves, you could give me your name, and then maybe I'll stop calling you that."
Sean smiled, "Don't threaten the girl. Besides... I'm the better looking cousin."
"Shut up," Tatsuya hissed and sent a punch straight at his cousin's gut.
Yeah, shut up. Unfortunately, I was taught some manners as a kid, so I didn't say it to their face. Plus, I was never the kind of person to snap at some random stranger. In the middle of my thinking, I found Sean returning the punch. Tatsuya let out a howl of pain. Then they both burst into laughter.
My knuckles went white from clenching my fingers for so long. I was so annoyed. They were causing a scene in the little space we had in the bus and I could already tell they were nothing but trouble!
Remember your manners, Arya. I thought, I can't just tell them to be quiet. If I did, I might attract even more attention! What kind of person would I be if I scolded them?
Mai snapped her head back at the two teens, and said through clenched teeth, "If you guys really are cousins, why don't you try acting like them?"
Oh yeah, I'd be like Mai.
"Oh? And you are?" Sean asked, flipping his spiky hair away from his eyes.
"I'm Mai," she replied sweetly, "and this is my little sister, Arya." Her eyes narrowed. "Except I'm the mean sister and I get pissed off really easily."
He stood up and gave her a smirk. "Lemme calm you down, then."
Mai glared even more. "Watch it."
Suddenly, a hand placed itself right between their faces. Kyo hissed, "Can't you take a hint?" My jaw dropped in surprise. He added, "Now leave her alone."
"And who are you supposed to be? Her boyfriend?" Sean smirked.
Mai and Kyo blushed a crimson red. Mai quickly grabbed Kyo's hand and stuttered, "Uh- yeah, s-stupid."
"What!" Kyo gasped.
"Yeah, s-so back off," Mai said, resting her head on Kyo's shoulder, causing the blush on his face to spread.
"Whatever, I guess I've got you all to myself," Sean said, facing me.
It was Yuki's turn to step in. "Don't you know how to treat girls?"
"Taken too, huh?" Tatsuya mumbled and pulled his cousin back to his seat. "Just leave them, Sean."
The bus skidded to a stop as other passengers got on. Kyo and Mai exchanged looks, then bolted out of the bus, still hand in hand. It was a pretty rare sight to see. Not to mention funny. Yuki and I followed them out the door.
I called out, "This isn't even our stop!"
"We're walking the rest of the way!" Kyo and Mai shouted back.
Yuki and I sighed, then stepped off the bus.
"Have fun," the driver laughed.
I gave a weak smile. "Thanks." Then the bus drove off.
"What the hell were you two thinking?" I hissed.
Mai released Kyo's hand and crossed her arms across her chest. "Those -"
I cut in, "I don't care about those guys back at the bus! Where are we?"
"We're almost there, no need to worry." Yuki sighed, "But, Miss Nadeshiko has a point. Did we really have to walk the rest of the way?"
I jerked my arm towards Mai and Kyo and pointed my finger at them. "And since when did you two start dating?" I demanded. Then a small snort escaped me. "When did you two start dating," I repeated, snickering.
It sounded so weird saying it. Mai and Kyo... dating! Even Yuki had a hint of a grin on his lips.
"It's called 'lying', Arya! So shut up," Mai snapped.
"Yeah," Kyo agreed, "like I'd ever date Mai!"
Mai quickly responded with a nod. "That's ri-" She froze and realized what he said. She jabbed two fingers on Kyo's chest. "Hey! What do you mean, 'like I'd ever'? What's so bad about me?"
Okay, prepare yourself for a lot of yelling...
"What?" Kyo questioned, "What do you care?! Do you like me or something?"
"Not like that!" Mai shouted.
"So if you don't like me like that, and I don't like you like that, they why would I date you?" he asked, his volume rising.
"Okay, I'm just saying -"
"You're always making a big deal out of everything, Mai."
"I do not!"
"Yeah, you do!" he retorted. They sounded like a pair of arguing children.
"I do not!"
"Well, you're doing it right now!"
"Oh, stop acting like you don't do it either, you son of a -"
"Just drop it." I laughed, raising my hands, "Let's not allow those two boys back at the bus ruin a day like this. Anyway, Arisa and Saki must be waiting for us."
"T-true," Kyo and Mai muttered, their faces flushed.
"It's a beautiful day today." Yuki added, "Your moods shouldn't be so negative."
"Yeah, it is pretty today. No rain," I agreed, nodding. "It's like Mom's smiling down on us. She finds Mai and Kyo so funny, I bet."
After visiting Kyoko, the weird feeling in my stomach vanished. The week went by smoothly. Ever since Mai found out I hadn't paid for my school field trip funds, she's been working with me at the Sohma building. She slipped on the blue jumpsuit and white bandana. She shot a thumbs up at me and winked. "All ready."
"Arya? Mai?" a cute voice asked, the end of our names squeaking in a high pitch.
"Momiji?" We asked in unison.
"What are you doing here?" Mai asked.
"Oh, Papa works here!" Momiji answered.
"How nice!" she replied.
"He owns this building, Mai," I added.
Her jaw dropped. "Wha-?"
Momiji nodded his head and exclaimed, "Yup! Look, look! It's my papa!" He took out a picture. The man had dark brown hair and eyes. He looked like a nice man. I noticed that Momiji barely resembled his father.
Mai said, "He's very handsome."
"And here's my mama." Momiji smiled, passing us another photo. The photo was of a woman, with a gentle expression. Momiji looked so much like his mother. They had the same hair, eyes, and skin tone.
"She's very beautiful," I said.
"It's getting late, wouldn't she be worried about you right now, Momiji?" Mai asked.
"Well, you see, Mama doesn't really know who I am," he replied, still smiling. "Neither does my little sister, Momo! Oh, she's so cute though!"
"You have a little sister too?" Mai gasped.
Momiji answered, "Yeah! She's still very small and she doesn't talk a lot. She's so cute!"
"Oh, Momiji," a pleasant voice said. We all turned our heads towards the woman. She had a small, fragile-looking girl clinging onto her leg. "What are you doing here? And especially at this hour."
It was Momiji's mother. I kept in mind that she didn't remember him, so I didn't react. Mai let out a small gasp.
"Uh," Momiji began, "my friends have part-time jobs here! So I thought I'd stop and play for a while."
"Yes! Don't worry, Momiji's been helping out, in fact!" Mai added nervously, "He should be getting paid too!" She let out a small, uncertain laugh.
Mai, you idiot! Momiji's mother let out a small laugh too, and smiled. "Is that so?"
Momiji's eyes widened at his mother's reaction. He admitted with a grin, "No, I was really just playing. They were the ones working."
"Well, I hardly think this is a place to play," she replied.
"You're right, I'm sorry," Momiji said, stretching his arms. He quickly bowed. "I'll be going home soon."
"You really shouldn't be out this late. You're mother must be worried sick about you," she said.
"He was just about to go." I stepped in. "And I was going to walk him home, actually."
"Alright. That's very kind of you." Momiji's mother said, "And keep up the good work."
"Thank you," I said, bowing. Without another word, the three of us watched as she and Momo left the room.
"Aw, I didn't really want her seeing me! Now I have to go apologize to Papa." Momiji sighed, placing the back of his hand on his forehead.
"Do- do you still want me to walk you home, Momiji? Our work is almost finished," I said.
"No, it's okay," he said softly.
"Momiji?" Mai began. She trailed off.
"Yes, Mama doesn't know about me," he replied. "Her memory was erased. She knows I'm a member of the Sohma family, but she thinks I'm someone else's son."
I already felt tears well up in my eyes. I always cried hearing Momiji's story. I felt so bad for him. It was amazing how strong he was, always playing around and having fun. And all this time, he was just watching his own mother from afar.
"As long as I can keep holding on, then someday, someday I'll be strong enough that those memories don't hurt me anymore. I'll be glad that I have them. That's what I believe. With all my heart." He spoke softly.
He stared out the window for a while. Neither one of us moved.
"That's why all my memories are precious to me," he said. "I don't think it would be okay to forget a single one. And that's why, the truth is, I didn't really want Mama to forget about me. I didn't. What I wanted was for her to hold on. But I guess that was selfish of me."
Finally, Momiji looked at us and placed a finger over his lip. He smiled, "It'll be our little secret?"
That's when I lost it. I looked into his eyes, I looked at his smiling face, and ran up to him. I didn't hesitate. I wrapped my arms around him, feeling his chin rest on my shoulder for that short moment.
Poof!
"I believe that too." I sniffled. I hugged the rabbit closer to me. "You're so amazing, Momiji."
I let out a weak laugh. Then another. I faced Momiji, and I saw a cute little rabbit, smiling back at me. I couldn't help but smile too. We found ourselves laughing together, wiping our tears away.
It was Golden Week and Shigure decided that we should all visit the Sohma Lake House. Of course, Hatori did the driving. Kyo, Yuki, Mai and I wanted to explore the lake. I've always loved the water.
"Too bad the girls didn't bring their bathing suit," Shigure sighed.
"You're disgusting, you know that?" Kyo hissed.
I let out a nervous laugh, "I just skip stones at the lake!"
"Just let the kids go, Shigure," Hatori mumbled.
As we walked out, I heard Shigure say, "It was very tense back there, wasn't it?"
Now that I thought about it, the vibe did seem a little tense between the four of us. What could've happened?
"Arya, is it just me, or do they seem... quieter?" Mai whispered.
"Not sure," I whispered back. I looked at the two boys, who were awkwardly gazing into the distance. We were heading towards the lake. "Guys?"
"Yes?" Kyo and Yuki asked in unison. They looked at each other, glared, then turned away again.
I questioned, "Are you alright? Are you upset?"
"Yeah, if it's because of us- I mean, if we did anything to make you angry..." Mai trailed off.
I could believe what Mai was talking about. Mai and I have been fighting a lot more lately and we just might have been adding more negative feelings in the house. Maybe we were just making situations even worse, when we would argue, because it was similar to how Yuki and Kyo would fight. Just without all the punches and sending someone through a wall.
"What are you two talking about?" Yuki asked, a worried look plastered on his pale face.
Kyo furrowed his eyebrows as he nodded. "Yeah, what the heck are you ta- Aah!" He flung his arms up as he tripped, landing on his back.
I gasped, "What the- Kyo! Are you hurt?" On the other hand, Mai covered her mouth, a small snort escaping her.
He groaned, "Dammit, I'm fine. I just tripped."
"We're not even halfway towards the lake and you're already tripping?" I sighed. "Let's just go back. I need to clear my mind anyways-" I took a couple steps back, until I felt nothing underneath my feet. Having nothing to step on, I lost my balance, and fell backwards.
"Miss Nadeshiko!" Yuki exclaimed, reaching for me. Kyo did the same. "Hey! Watch out!"
I felt their arms go around me, protecting my neck and head, as we crashed against the dirt.
Poof!
"Guys!" Mai called out and jumped off to where we landed. "Arya, you idiot!"
"I'm s-sorry!" I choked out.
Mai rolled her eyes. "Clumsy as ever. I'll get their clothes."
"You're pretty clumsy yourself!" I called out to her, waving a finger at her.
Then the arguments started. Mai wasn't even in my sight, for she was getting their clothes, and yet, we were still arguing. We shouted back at each other. Even Kyo and Yuki started fighting. We didn't even realize that they changed back into their clothes. It was chaos. We were all crazy teenagers, yelling and hissing at each other.
Finally, I raised my hands and screamed, "Enough!" It went silent. I sighed, "Look at us. Look at what idiots we are when we fight like this."
Everyone began to mumble apologies to each other. The air was filled with tension.
Mai spoke up, her face a bright pink, "We'll... sort this out later. For now, let's just go to the lake."
Golden Week was over and Yuki and I had to run some errands. It was a very rainy day.
"Some trip we had, huh?" I joked, as we walked down the wet street.
Yuki shared his umbrella with me. He nodded slightly. "Very... awkward."
I laughed, "'Awkward' doesn't seem like your kind of word, Yuki."
He smiled, "Oh, really?" We were about to cross the street. He followed behind me.
I nodded. "It's okay, I mean-"
It all happened fast. I felt a body hit me and warm breath hit my cheek. I suddenly found myself lying on the cold ground, on the other side of the road, with a grey rat on my stomach.
I remembered Yuki's voice, shouting, "Miss Nadeshiko, look where you're going!", then a small "poof!".
I watched as a truck roared by, splashing us with muddy water. My clothes awkwardly stuck on to my cold body and my toes felt uncomfortable inside my soaked socks and shoes. Only a few moments later, Yuki transformed back to his regular self. He quickly got dressed. He looked at me with a concerned face.
"Miss Nadeshiko, are you alright? Are you hurt at all?" he questioned, tightly holding my shoulders.
I was still a bit dazed. "I- I'm fine, Yuki. Thank you. What just happened?"
"You have to be more careful next time! What if that truck ran over you?" he snapped.
My heart almost skipped a beat. I gasped, "That- that truck?" I didn't even notice it when I was crossing.
"Yes!" he exclaimed, then massaged his temple. "I was so scared."
My heart was pounding against my chest now. "You saved me."
"Uh." His face flushed. "Yes, I guess you could say that."
"Thank you, Yuki!" I smiled, "That's the second time you caught me." I suddenly frowned.
He noticed the sudden change. "What's wrong?"
"Don't jump in front of trucks for me, okay?" I mumbled. I felt myself blush, as he wrapped his arms around my head, and pulled me as close as possible without activating the curse again. My head rested on his chest as I buried my face into his shirt. I laughed softly, "We're drenched."
"I wouldn't let anything hurt you," he replied.
Where is this coming from? Is he trying to tell me something? Before the thought left me, I mustered up the courage to ask, "And... and why is that?"
Yuki paused. I felt his chest lift as he took a deep breath. "Miss Nadeshiko, it's because..."
I gasped again, as I felt his lips press against my hair, and his nose resting on the top of my head. I held on to his shirt, as if I were losing my balance. I tilted my chin up to face him, and his violet eyes met mine. My pulse throbbed in my ears.
Is he trying to tell me...?
He gave me a small smile, "I love you."
