Circle Game 2: Danger! on the Dance Floor
A/N: Welcome back! Here we start in earnest. Our uninvited guest has arrived, and he's proving to be just as difficult as his brothers. And does something seem to be influencing everyone?
As always I do not own Fruits Basket
Tori Visits Gure
I made my way to Gure's to see what his plans were before I roped Mayu in. If they were crazy, I'd take one for the team. He sat on his porch, waiting for me.
"So," I said, "History repeats itself. You're taking the happy graduate out to celebrate."
"Yes! I figure the poor boy is currently very much in need of a drink, and likely something else. Just as you were. Although I hope to be more successful on both accounts this time."
"There are less extenuating circumstance than there were back then."
"That's true. And that goes for you too Haa-San. You don't have to keep living in the shadows. Care to come with? You need to loosen up."
"That depends. What do you have planned?"
"Oh just a night out at a gay-friendly club. We'll toast the graduate and hopefully encourage some young ladies to join us in celebrating him. Just like last time."
"Well, I don't think that would be too bad. I'll go and ask Mayu if she's game."
"Really?"
"Don't sound so surprised. I'm not a complete stick in the mud."
"Well that's great!"
At that moment Eichi came running up to us saying,
"I have nothing to wear other than suits and really casual clothes I wear to lay about on weekends! What do you wear out Gure?"
"My kimono generally."
He looked at me quizzically but finally said,
"Well. I suppose that works for you. You've got that whole romantic poet vibe going on. But I don't think I could pull that off."
He looked at Haa-San and asked,
"You probably don't go out do you?"
"No."
"How about Aya?"
"He's just as eccentric as Gure."
"I'm doomed. They'll think I'm stuck up or a slacker. No offense Tori."
"None taken."
I thought about it and then said,
"I have the perfect solution. Haa-San, go and get Mayu and get changed into something less stuffy. And ask Aya and Mine if they want to come with. Meet us at Chris's. You, Eichi, you come with with me. I know someone who can help you look less buttoned up."
Chris is Bowled Over
I had just gotten in from work when Gure came bounding in with Eichi in tow. Launching himself at me, he spun us around and planted a huge kiss on my lips. Skittering us to a halt he said,
"Darling! I'm so glad you're here. You're the only one who can help."
I was completely winded after being captured in Gure's wake. Moving him to the couch, I made him sit down and take a breath.
"Calm down Gure. What's going on? Oh hi Eichi. Congratulations."
"Thanks."
Gure finally calmed and said,
"We're going to take Eichi out but he's Haa-san's mini me. What do you suggest he wear out on the town so he doesn't look like a stuffed shirt?"
I looked at the young man standing in front of me. He indeed looked like a mini version of Tori. Right down to the tailored suit. He was quite attractive but just needed to relax.
Walking into my bedroom, I found my collection of vintage band shirts and pulled a few of my favorites.
"Swap out one of these for your tie and shirt. It will dress down your suit a bit. But do yourself a favor and choose a band that you know. That way you won't get called a poser when you can't talk about their music."
He chose Pink Floyd' Dark Side of the Moon. With a bit of gel in his hair he looked a little less corporate so I smiled and said,
"Well I can't do much about your baby face, but I think you'll do. Gure, are we going for drinks at De Classe?"
"No, our Eichi is looking for more than just a celebratory drink."
"Ah ok. Well that narrows things a bit but I think I know a place. Are we waiting for Aya and Mine to get here?"
"Yes. As well as Tori and Mayu."
I looked at him like he had two heads but he shrugged and said,
"He said he wanted to go."
Tori Asks Mayu Out
When i arrived home Mayu kissed me and asked,
"How did it go?"
"Well I think. We're going to go and take Eichi out to celebrate. You're welcome to come if you want."
She seemed a bit disappointed that we were going out, but she must have sensed that this was an important moment in our family so she said,
"What's the dress code?"
"Umm….I really didn't know."
"Tori….where are they taking him?"
"I think the word club was mentioned. Beyond that I have no idea as I've been to the sum total of one nightclub in my life."
"Really. Well. Gure took me to a couple of clubs. It was fun to sit and listen to the music, but I didn't dance with him."
She pulled me close,
"But I wouldn't mind dancing with you."
I saw the look in her eyes and had an idea what kind of dancing she meant. We went and stared at our closet for a bit. I ended up just shedding my jacket and going out in my vest and shirtsleeves as it was too hot to go out in my trustee turtleneck sweater while Mayu found a mini dress in the back of our closet. I was happily surprised.
"When did you wear that?"
"I went as a go-go dancer for Halloween one year in college. I completely forgot I had it until I found it again during the move."
"Wow. I wish I had seen that."
"After this I'll give you a private performance."
"Promise?"
"It's a date."
Mayu Agrees
I couldn't believe we were going clubbing. But Tori was actually smiling at the prospect. I thought it likely that he was likely smiling at the prospect of seeing me dance in the tiny dress Gure had once talked me into getting for Halloween one year. As I remembered the one of the few times I went to a club was a Halloween event. I had had fun that night. And as that night out was likely a prelude to other things I decided to comply.
Tori is Bubbly?
I called Aya to see if they wanted to go out. I got a,
"Hell yes!"
immediately after the suggestion. We made our way to Chris's, feeling very excited about the prospect. The four of us sang along to the radio, something we rarely did. We were all in such a cheerful mood. The heaviness of past weeks was totally gone and bubbles of joy sparkled through us as if fine Champaign. I thought about Kureno's words and realized that he had given up quite a bit of his sunshine to me and it was infectious. Something was going to happen that night. I could feel the heavens shift as if distant stars were moving into alignment. I was startled as I had only heard Gure describe that feeling. But I soon recovered as the golden feelings that surrounded me in a protective bubble were very calming.
Gure is a Wingman
When they all arrived, we made our way to the club. We took two cars, giving Haa-San and Mayu the option to bolt. I had meant to play designated driver for my band of merry makers as it was Eichi's night and I was his sensei on the matters of wooing young women. Granted most of what I knew was book taught, but hey, I still had more knowledge but once more, I had the confidence to bridge any gaps that existed. I was reasonably sure I'd be able to bring him success as I had a lot to work with. Eichi was graced with the Sohma good looks. He didn't "glow" as the three of us have been described as doing, and he stood several inches shorter than us but he was sweet and had a boyish smile. He was also a newly minted doctor and obviously from wealth. Both worked in his favor. But he was shy, so would need a bit of encouragement. I remembered back to my younger days when Tori passed his boards. I dragged him out then and the young women flocked to his side, wanting to help him celebrate his success. While he didn't take my offer to help find someone to personality congratulate him He begrudgingly admitted that it had been fun. However, I was determined to be successively this time.
I was amazed I had convinced Haa-San to go out. This was so not his scene, but I was encouraged that Mayu was having a positive influence on him. While she was also fairly reserved, I did remember the few times when I convinced her to go out to drink with me. I never got her onto the dance floor, but she seemed to enjoy the frenetic energy of young couples swirling around her. It did occur to me that Kureno was giving me a chaperone, but decided that it was all good as I got what I wanted without too much effort on my part.
Chris is Concerned
Gure was a bundle of nerves that night. And when I was unsuccessful in convincing him that we could take Eichi out another night, I insisted upon driving as he was visibly jittery. He had been quite excitable for the last few weeks, but that night he seemed to be on edge. I held his hand when I didn't need to shift and tried to calm him as I worried his hyperactivity could be a detriment in the close quarters of a club. Aya seemed to be worried as well as I saw him pull Gure away for a minute when we arrived at the club. when they returned Gure seemed a bit calmer.
Tori Plays the Good Older Brother
We easily got past the bouncer and walked into the dark club. I was happy for the darkness as I hoped Gure would go unrecognized. We found a booth and ordered drinks to toast the graduate. Mercifully Gure seemed to be keeping to his word and stuck to tonic, as did Chris and myself. We didn't need a drunk Gure on our hands. I turned to Eichi and said,
Pace yourself and drink lots of water.
This isn't my first time drinking Tori, I just haven't had much luck meeting women.
Gure piped up,
"And I hope to change that luck tonight."
Gure Schemes
I decided to take a stroll around the club to see who was there. I noticed a young woman looking in Eichi's direction. Walking up to her she startled and shied back from me. I could feel her nerves and smell her fear so I turned on my reassuring charm and said,
"I don't mean to startle you miss, and I'm not here on my account as my fiancé is sitting right over there, but would you like to join us? My cousin Eichi has just passed his medical boards and would love it if you helped him celebrate. He's just a bit shy so I'm giving him a hand.
The young woman, whose name was Mio, looked relieved and seemed quite taken with Eichi. And he was taken with her. The two were delightfully shy. but after a few prompts from the rest of us, they launched into a wonderful conversation about Pink Floyd. I kissed Chris on the nape of his neck and whispered,
"You're brilliant."
He smiled at me and said,
"I know."
Chris Calms Gure
After a while we realized that the kids seemed to be getting along swimmingly so we took the opportunity to go and dance. As we were in a friendly club, I felt comfortable with leading him onto the dance floor. He was starting to relax but he was still so tense.
As we danced I asked,
"What's wrong Gure, you haven't been able to relax for weeks?"
"Oh I'm just anxious. Eichi's very sheltered and he's never been out to a club like this. I just want everything to go well for him."
"He seems to be getting along fine."
"I know. I just can't relax."
I kissed him, and drew him in close and we danced for a while. I rested my head on his shoulder while he held me closer. After a while he paused and said,
I'll be right back, keep an eye on him love.
Of course.
Aya and Mine Dance
Mine and I were enjoying our night out immensely. The two of us had been so hard at work that our hands smarted from the paper cuts. Our mood immediately elevated when we arrived at the club. And while it could have been just the frenetic atmosphere of the syncopated beat and the flashing lights, I almost pinpointed my improving mood to the minute Tori sat down beside me. And after young Eichi began chatting up his pretty companion, Mine and I took to the dance floor and sailed around, taking utter pleasure in each other.
As always I felt like I was flying in Aya's arms and my frustrations about the work we still had to do melted away. I was nearly giddy and in love and our troubles melted away. We watched Gure pass and he gave us a friendly salutation. We high fived him and then lost ourselves to the beat.
Tori and Mayu Neck
Eichi snd Mio took to each other instantly. As the minutes passed, they grew with confidence and relaxed. We all caught the hint that the two needed some time alone and so the six of us left to dance. Mayu was nervous, but was encouraged by the dark room and the effervescent spirit that still flew through us. As we danced, I drew her close and I whispered.
"Apparently getting one's groove on isn't all that bad after all. And I don't see any giraffes on roller skates here."
Drawing him in closer I could feel him move with me. I laughed when he mentioned my fears of being ungainly on the dance floor. Something in the air that night made me feel such joy. It was if Tori had been doused in liquid sunshine. I felt the bubbles of my happiness burst through me, suffusing me in a warm feeling that spread from head to toe. I giggled when he took the opportunity provided by a dark corner of the club to give me a nip at my ear. We barely noticed Gure passing but when he yelled,
Get a room you two!
We shouted back,
We have one, you're in it!
He chuckled and continued on. Tori then pushed me against the wall and kissed me deeply, without a care that we were in public.
Gure Is Off His Chain
As I finished in the bathroom, I got a panicked sense something was wrong with Eichi. Slamming through the door, I bolted towards the front of the club where they sat, taking no notice of the worried calls from Haa-San and Aya. Pushing past Chris who was trying to make his way through a gathering crowd I easily wove my way through them only to see a large man holding Eichi by collar while cocking his fist back to punch him. He yelled,
"What are you doing kissing my girl!"
Eichi was utterly frightened and totally outclassed as the man was a heavyweight to his bantamweight. Feeling the anger rip through me I grabbed the man's wrist and twisted it behind his back before he had even noticed me. I yelled,
"Big man picking on those who are smaller than you. Why don't you try picking on someone your own size?"
He dropped Eichi and fought against me but couldn't move as I had him completely immobilized. By the time Chris had arrived I was completely immersed in my anger. The look on his face told me the Dog was off His leash.
Chris Is Terrified
Gure's eyes smoldered like charcoal starting to catch on fire. It could have been the flashing lights gleaming off the glasses he wore because he thought they made him look trustworthy, but I didn't think so as the growl that arose from deep in his chest reverberated through my skull like that of an angry wolf. It brought about a primeval fear in me that made the hairs on the back of my neck stand on end. His teeth also seemed to have grown in length and gleamed in the light. I had never seen him angry and I didn't want to ever see it again. The punk continued to struggle, but as Gure forced him to look at him, he froze in fear. By the time everyone arrived, Gure's face lapsed back to regular anger and he easily relinquished his control over the man to the bouncer who escorted him out.
Tori Gives Chase
I knew the minute Gure ran by me that the Dog had been released from His chains. I followed behind him, pleading that he calm down as I knew Gure was capable of anything at that moment. But he was too far gone to listen. There was nothing left but to pick up after the Dog once again. Aya and I played damage control when we heard people murmur about his speed as he ran towards the brewing fight.
"Yes, he ran track in college. He was the star of the team!"
"Oh yes, he was in Olympic contention. He would have made it too if it hadn't been for that injury. Pity that. It ruined such a promising career."
They murmured in approval as we passed in Gure's wake.
Fortunately, he had calmed by the time we got there and hadn't caused too much damage other than perhaps a dislocated shoulder. But even I as a doctor couldn't muster up much pity for the asshole. I would have done the same in Gure's position.
Aya Consoles The Kids
I sat down next to Gure and took his hand. He seemed to be calm, but winded. Turning to Eichi and his new friend, I asked,
"Is everyone ok?"
The young woman, who was huddled against Eichi, said,
"That was my ex. He followed me here saying he wanted me back. When I said no he said he'd make me regret it. And when he saw me kiss Eichi, he went wild. Thank you for saving him. Gure was it? I was so scared he'd kill him."
Eichi thanked Gure as well, saying
"I was scared he'd kill me too."
Clearly neither of them saw Gure's face as they were scared not terrified like Chris. Tori, bring the sensible brother said,
"We should get out of here before people start asking questions. Eichi, call a cab and see Mio home. I think the rest of us could stand to take a break and get bite to eat, especially Gure.
Chris clearly was a bit better as he pipes up and said,
"I'll call my personal driver. He'll understand. No sense making you pay for a cab on your special day."
We waited with them for the car to make sure nothing happened to them, congratulated Eichi once again, and made our way to the restaurant across the street.
A/N: As usual nothing goes to plan but hopefully everything has worked out? I hope you're enjoying the story. Please R and R and as always I remain, Acta!
