Spring: Part 12: Here Comes the Sun
A/N: Another chapter! Woo. Kureno has decided to go for a walk and have a chat wih our favorite couples, many of whom could use his kind words.
As always I do not own Fruits Basket
Kureno Chats with Gure
As as we continued to assemble the lantern, we saw Kureno approaching. He gave us a gracious smile. As he got closer, I could he had my sketchbook with him. Mine saw we might need a bit of privacy and excused herself. I put down the branch I was holding and joined him. He handed the book to me and said,
"I know this means a lot to you. I'm glad I could return it."
I couldn't help but riffle through the pages. They were all there. Stopping on the image of Chris and I kissing by the koi pond I smiled,
"Thank you. You have no idea how much I hated to lose it."
"Well, in one way it was beneficial as it gave you the courage to go public with your relationship with Chris."
"I didn't have much choice. We were outed."
"You always have a choice. You could have said it was an innocent crush that wasn't reciprocated. I'm glad you were honest. I think you're a beautiful couple."
He smiled at me and I was filled with a warmth that calmed the worries in me.
"Thank you. Well, I don't want to keep you, you're likely busy".
"No I have some time. Do you need some help?"
I got the feeling that he wasn't only speaking about the lantern. It occurred to me that as the Head of the Sohma family he would be in touch with the comings and goings on the compound. So as we worked, I asked the question that had been weighing on me.
"What's the general consensus about my relationship with Chris? Do they know?"
"Well honestly, most of the buzz has been about Tori and Mayu. They've become quite the topic of conversation and contention on the compound of late. And Aya and Mine make up the rest. So they've drawn a lot of fire for you. Which is good as this means most likely they don't have strong opinions, or have issues but have kindly kept them to themselves. They do know as I have heard a few comments. Although many of those were appreciative as some of the younger family members have gained a crush on Mr. fox. I think there are several dog-eared magazines with the fashion show photoshoot being passed around the compound."
I chuckled at the idea of Chris as an idol. But I knew my time with Kureno was likely limited, so I asked,
"And how about my parents?"
"As for your parents, I'm afraid it will be a little longer for you to make peace with them as your father is away on business and took your mother with him."
I sighed, thinking, "Well of course."
I couldn't help but ask,
"Was it sudden or planned?"
He looked at me sorrowfully and said,
"They made their plans the day before you came back from Okinawa."
I sighed. But he continued.
"I have a good feeling about today. If you can get more family members on your side things might be in your favor. I can tell you my words to Aya's mother likely helped her to approach her sons."
I smiled at that. I couldn't feel jealous for Aya, but I wished my parents would come around as well.
He kindly changed the subject as I was feeling slightly dejected.
"So are you excited for Aya's surprise?"
"Ah the famous surprise. Yes I can't wait to see what he has in store."
"I think you'll be happy. Well I have to be going. Was I helpful?"
"Yes, yes you were."
He patted me on my shoulder and continued on his way. At that moment Tori and Mayu arrived.
I was surprised to see them as I expected them to disappear for most of the day. Mayu flashed her beautiful ring and I hugged them both, saying,
"I wasn't expecting to see you two until tonight."
Tori said, while looking at Kureno's retreating back with a bit of a guilty air,
"We were given a personal invitation to attend the festivities."
"Ahhh."
Kureno's comments made so much more sense. Tori hugged me and whispered,
"How are you Gure?"
"Still nervous."
He looked at me earnestly and I realized he meant how was I feeling about Mayu.
"Tori. I'm really fine."
He smiled and hugged me again.
Kureno Chats with Aya
On my way back to the lantern Kureno stopped me and complimented me on my design.
"Thanks, I'm hoping that the family appreciates it."
"I always appreciate what you do. And your efforts to make inroads for Chris into our family haven't gone unnoticed."
I blushed. Praise from Kureno tended to bring about waves of sunshine in one's soul. He continued saying,
"I'm especially happy to see you've managed a difficult situation with a modicum of grace."
The look he gave me suggested he had a certain Dragon in mind, but as I wasn't entirely innocent I stayed quiet. But I couldn't help try for the air of innocence even though I knew he could sense the Snake moving around behind my eyes. He cocked an eyebrow and I blushed again. He smiled at me and said,
"I know everything you did was to help Gure and Chris. And while you weren't always the most orthodox in your handling of things, no serious harm was done."
I looked at him in surprise. He clearly knew more than I thought he did. He merely smiled, saying,
"It's my job to know things about my family Aya."
My eyes widened when I realized that Kureno had replaced Akito in all senses of the word.
"Then you know about…."
"Yes."
He smiled at me and said,
"I'll chalk that up to the influence of the Snake. I know you and Mine are smitten. Perhaps you'll be following Hatori and Mayu down the aisle."
I smiled softly at that. Kureno patted me on the shoulder saying,
"I'm so glad you found someone Aya. I know things were painful for you."
And with that, he walked on. I felt better for talking with him. I arrived back to the lantern and found Tori-San and Mayu standing with Mine and Gure. I was amazed but very happy to see them. Tori hugged me and Mayu showed me her ring. The moment gave me such closure and I felt that I was really free to move on. Gure, who I knew had been also feeling complicated feelings towards that day smiled at me. I smiled back and went to stand by Mine. She held my hand and I felt those old feelings dissipate.
The family began arriving and the cherry tree was built before our eyes. It was beautiful and I received several compliments. As I greeted them, I kept an eye out for our parents. The Zodiac members gathered together, along with their significant others. My mother made a point to run over to me and hold my hands, saying I had outdone myself. My father was not in attendance. Kana and her husband found their way to us and we had a lovely chat. But as Sohmas trickled in we saw no sign of Gure's parents or Tori-san's Father.
Kureno Chats With Chris
I had finally made the decision to sing that day when I heard a knock on the door
Figuring it was Aya, I made the final adjustments to my kimono as I was sure it was time for the concert. I was surprised to see Kureno standing outside the green room but welcomed him in and offered him a seat.
He smiled at me and said,
"I can't stay long but I wanted to officially welcome you to my home. I was so pleased to hear that you agreed to perform for us today and Aya tells me we have quite a treat in store."
I smiled, appreciating Aya's kind words. Kureno regarded me for a moment. I felt confused as he seemed to be looking through me. He finally said,
"I'm glad Aya was able to help you Chris. And I see he was sure to give you a nice cup of tea. He's always the commensurate host."
I felt calm again as I always did when tea was mentioned. Something passed across his face, but he smiled, and I felt my mind clear. The slight drowsiness I had been feeling since I first performed left me and I felt even more refreshed.
"Well, he said, thank you once again for performing for us. I think Aya will be coming for you soon so I'll see you later."
He squeezed my hand and walked out. He was replaced almost immediately by Aya.
Aya Feels A Bit Guilty
Kureno passed me as he left the green room and said quietly,
"Chris won't be needing any more tea for a while."
I looked at him with a guilty smile. He patted me on the shoulder and walked out. Chris looked calm, cool and clear-headed. I decided not to feel too guilty as my efforts had gotten him there. I didn't have Kureno's finesse so I was a bit clumsy. I felt the Snake slither within in me, unfurl, and crawl away. Clearly things had come to a head and He had left for good. I asked Chris if he was ready.
He smiled at me, confidently saying,
"Yes, I'm ready."
A/N: I hope you're enjoying ths! Please R and R and as always, I remain, Acta!