Different Seasons- Fall: Part 3: Spinning Yarns
A/N: Welcome back! Thank you very much to all who have commented on my story. Your words mean a lot! This chapter includes the continuation of Shigure's story about the Fox and the Hound which he started in House Room Part 3: Spring Has Sprung. Chris is introduced in House Room 2: On the Road to Okinawa. They are married in House Room 4: The Circle Game. I hope you enjoy it. I really enjoyed writing this side story. It will be concluded in a future chapter.
As always I do not own Fruits Basket
Gure Settles Down
Following our wedding, Chris and I had relaxed into a comfortable routine. He was welcomed (by those who mattered) and found a home with me in the compound. The biggest surprise was that Haa-san's father was most welcoming. He had heard from Yuki that Chris was a talented musician and had asked him to play for him. He was so impressed by him. And while I wasn't sure if he had decided to accept Chris as my friend or my partner, but it was a start.
Our days following our wedding were idyllic. It was wonderful to no longer feel like I had to live two lives. The kids enjoyed the fact that Chris had a calming effect on me and Mitt-Chan enjoyed the fact that I was inspired to write the book that would officially make the Fox and the Hound ship a thing and couldn't wait for me to finish as the marketing team were already breathing down her neck to make the official koi pond doodle t-shirts and mugs that had started the whole thing. She was especially pleased to hear about our wedding, as she was sure every magazine from the pre-teen idol magazines to the high fashion publications would enjoy hearing about our star-crossed love affair. And the photos that were taken during our ceremony as well as during our trip to the Prefecture office could be easily added to the interview. As Chris always said, the camera loved me.
So, as I knew I would soon be called to help Aya and Mine plan Haa-san's and Mayu's wedding, I decided to get at least the book in the can if not the accompanying illustrations. Sitting down in my office, I picked up my story where I had left off.
The Tale of the Magical Mysterious Mr. Fox and His Faithful Dog Knight Continued
As the two made their way across the palace ground, word that a skilled artist had been found shot through the palace. The Dog Knight's portrait had made quite stir. It was such a good likeness of him that the results seemed magical. The royal couple sighed with relief as it meant that their special day would no longer remain an ephemeral event to be enjoyed in the moment only to ebb away with the passage of time.
The artist would capture the moment in time so that they need only look at the images to recapture the sweetness of their nuptials. The memories would return like the lingering scent of a rose pressed between the pages of a book.
The receiving chamber was a flurry of activity as the entire household found a reason to pass through, hoping to capture a glance at the artist able to capture life on paper. The couple sat in their robes of office with their hands entwined, ready to have their images captured during the artists' interview.
They only hoped that the image of the dog knight was not a fluke and that the artist would prove capable of recording their love in paint and paper.
As the Dog Knight led the magical mysterious Mr. Fox to the palace where his future patrons waited, he took in the beautiful palace grounds. The cherry blossoms were in bloom, koi ponds reflected the sun, and comfortable nooks were set about to invite couples to sit in close conversation. It was an idyllic place, filled with sunshine. He marveled at how different it was from the shadowy places he had called home of late.
Looking up at the solid shoulders of the dog, the Fox smiled and wondered, where among the koi ponds and conversation nooks did the Dog call home? And would he be able to convince the Dog to show him? Or would he be best served to approach him on the neutral grounds of the guest house? Or should he let him come to him? He had promised him that he could fulfill his wishes. Perhaps that would be enough to strike his interest?
The Dog turned to him, meaning to tell him that they were approaching the palace soon but his words were stopped in place as he met those deep blue eyes. He was flummoxed. After a beat he recovered his control over speech and, in the most stalwart voice he could muster he announced,
"We have arrived!"
The Fox chuckled to himself as he could tell he had had an effect on the Dog. While he likely still didn't quite understand what he was feeling, he knew that he had a chance to perhaps encourage him to explore those feelings. He followed the Dog into the palace and marveled at the splendor. Gold sparkled everywhere and the decorations created for the upcoming nuptials festooned every corner. It was quite the sight to see. As they walked, eyes turned toward the Fox as his aura drew their attention as if he were surrounded by a magnetic field, young men and women alike tried to catch his attention but while he politely acknowledged their presence, his attention fluctuated between the beautiful atmosphere and the beautiful curl of the Dog's tail and the sheen of his luxurious fur.
The Dog Knight stopped before an ornately carved door and knocked. After hearing the couple say,
"Enter," the Dog Knight turned and whispered to the Fox,
"How do I announce you?"
He answered modestly,
"I am but a humble artist. I have no title."
The Dog thought and finally opened the door with a flourish and announced,
"The esteemed artist, Master Fox!" while bowing low.
The Fox also bowed low. And as he rose, he drew the tools of his trade from the recesses of his formal robes as if performing a magic trick.
Approaching the couple, he averted his gaze and said,
"Thank you for this opportunity to capture your likenesses. May I also mention I am a skilled clerk whose penmanship is clean and crisp. I also am a trained calligrapher, all of which are talents useful for the day to day functions of a royal court."
He thought to himself,
"Time to set myself up for life. No sense limiting my usefulness to just one day."
The couple smiled; to find such important tasks filled by the same person was a rare feat. The Koi Princess said to the artist,
"If you would please demonstrate your talents, we will consider your plea for employment."
And so the Fox began. While the formal painting would be created in colored pigment, he chose to work in charcoal for speed. Not only did he create a portrait of the two, but he also added the date and time of the event, to demonstrate his practical skills. The couple marveled at his speed and accuracy of his calligraphy as well as the beauty of the portrait. The Fox presented the invitation to them with a flourish . As she knew it was expected that she would deliberate, the Koi Princess thanked the artist and said she would give her answer soon but that he should make himself comfortable. But she was duly impressed and had already made up her mind. They were dismissed and the Dog escorted him off.
The Fox was growing hungry and turned to the Dog and asked,
"Might I have some sustenance? The pickings in the forest were slim."
The Dog blushed for not having suggested this before and led him to the kitchen. There he appealed to the cook to find him something to eat. The Fox saw the golden opportunity to get the Dog to relax by breaking bread with him.
"Please join me!" He said.
"Oh no, I have duties to attend to. I must go. But please make yourself comfortable. The steward and cook can help you here. But feel free to return to the guest house when you finish. I will bring you back to the receiving chamber when the royal couple has made their decision."
And he bowed to him and left. The Fox sighed. The Dog was going to be a tough nut to crack.
As he returned to his post, the Dog couldn't help but wonder why he had felt like he was running away. True, he did have his duties, but he had felt compelled to go as his growing feelings sent such warmth through his body and it confused him even more.
While he was gone, the Fox struck up a conversation with the cook.
"So," he asked. "As the cook, I'm sure you are privy to the goings on of the palace. Do you know if the Dog Knight has someone special?"
"Ever since the long winter broke, the Dog Knight has harbored great feelings for the Koi Princess. He knew that it was not his place, but he still mourns what could have been."
"Do you know if there may be a way to soothe his aching heart? Something that may bring a smile to his lips? I have a feeling that I am about to be employed once again and I had promised to grant his fondest wish for making that possible. But I would like to know what that might be."
The cook paused to consider while stirring the pot of soup that was meant for the household's dinner. He then said,
"The Dog at heart is a simple man. He loves to sit in the sun on warm spring days. He loves to swim in the cool springs in the mountains where the seclusion gives him privacy. He loves to read in the Princess' vast library. And most of all, he loves to listen to music with his eyes closed. These things give him such pleasure."
"These are experiences. Is there anything he wants for?"
The cook smiled and said,
"The Dog wants to be loved. I can tell he has great devotion for the family. He takes care of their every need. But he is lonely because he does not have someone to call his own. The things I've told you are the way to his heart and where he can be found when he's most relaxed. Magic tricks and luxuries will not woo him."
The Fox smiled, as he knew exactly how to begin the wooing of his heart.
A short time later, the Koi Princess felt that enough time had passed to properly accept the services of the Fox. Calling for the Dog, she announced that she had made her decision. He returned to the kitchen where the cook and Fox were still in conversation. Stopping abruptly, they turned, hoping that he had not heard their subject. But either the Dog was playing dumb, or they had stopped just in time for he only announced that it was time to return.
Following the Dog, the Fox asked,
"When is your shift done? Surely the couple has other guards."
"I break after dinner."
"After that, would you join me, for I have a surprise for you. I want to thank you for your help getting an audience with the Princess."
The Dog blushed and said,
"I'm just doing my duty, nothing more. I don't deserve a gift from you."
The Fox, gently put a hand on his shoulder and said,
"But you were so kind. Even if I do not get hired on, you have provided me with shelter and food even when you could have turned me away. Let me repay you for at least that, if not more."
The Dog was curious. The Fox had caught his interest; he could not deny that. And then there was the conundrum of those blue eyes. It was if he had the power to charm him.
Arriving in the receiving chamber the Dog announced the Fox and backed away to his post.
The Koi Princess delightedly said,
"We are so impressed that we would like to take you on permanently as the Court Artist. Feel free to take residence in the guest house until permanent accommodations can be found for you."
The Fox bowed low in gratitude. The Dog, who stood at his post by the door watched as the Fox bowed, his body moving with grace and ease. His tail briefly showed from under the voluminous robes and swayed with the motion. He was deeply confused by what he felt as he had no idea such emotions were possible between men. But soon the Fox was dismissed and he had to cover his face by pretending to sneeze as the Fox approached.
The Dog shyly said,
"Congratulations."
The Fox smiled, patted his arm, and said,
"Remember what I said."
And left him to his duties.
The Fox returned to the guest house hoping against hope that he would receive a nightly visitor. As he was sated, he decided that he would skip the communal dinner so as not to put too much pressure on the Dog. Instead, he spent his time tuning his shamisen and relaxing.
The night grew late, and he thought he heard someone walk up to the door. But after a brief pause they began retreating. Not wanting to let them go so easily, the Fox sat by the open window and played a love song. He could hear the footsteps stop, pause for a beat and return to the house. Then someone sat down on the bench outside the house as if wanting to enjoy the music. As he sang, he painted images of the far off places he had seen, the weariness he had felt, and his wishes to find a home alongside someone who loved him. He heard the person sigh contently. And once he finished, he quietly crept to the door. But as if anticipating his appearance, the footsteps run away. He sighed, drew a bath, and relaxed into the soapy water, only wishing that he had someone to join him.
Chris, who had brought me a cup of tea and was reading over my shoulder kissed the nape of my neck. When he got my attention he said,
"It's interesting that you've decide to portray yourself as a naïf youngster. I would have thought you would have preferred to show yourself as a great lover. It's your story after all. And I hardly had to convince you to explore your feelings towards me. You were just a bit reticent given your past.
"Well, I just remember how you made me feel back when we first met. Even though I've romanced many, you still reduced me to a fumbling boy who knocked over his water glass while trying to look so smooth That first day you clearly stated your feelings for me. Before that I never let myself get that emotionally attached. It's the difference between simply taking pleasure in a moment, and feeling a moment taking root within you. And, you'll always reduce me to a school boy when you look at me with your blue eyes."
Chris touched my cheek gently and I felt his wedding band slip smoothly against my skin. He then kissed me. It shot emotion through me. Even without inu present the feeling was intense. I remembered his words and realized he was quite right: Chris loved me best.
"You were so delightful awkward." He chuckled.
"And that's what I want to capture: a love that has the power to reduce grown men to naïf boys. By the way my magical Mr. Fox, would you please play the shamisen for me again? I'd love to listen to you play with my eyes closed."
Chris Obliges
I smiled at Gure, got my shamisen, drew him into our bedroom and asked him what he'd like me to play.
"Play Free Bird."
I sighed at the old chestnut often thrown at musicians. While I thought about possibly arranging the classic for the shamisen, I didn't have that in my hip pocket, so I said,
"Be serious Gure."
He smiled and said,
"Play me a love song. With the upcoming preparations for Haa-San's wedding I can't help thinking about ours."
"Mmmm. Yes. Do you suppose Inu can hear?"
"If he is sitting by his mother's pool he can."
And I began to sing and play.
Closing his eyes, he listened to me play. I felt his emotions wash over me and I felt so in love with him. Looking briefly up at the stars to wish upon one that we soon would have our favorite dragon once again, I was startled and stopped playing to focus on the stars, cleaned my glasses to ensure that the light wasn't flaring due to smudges, and looked again. Gure looked up at me in worry but I smiled at him and tilted his head so that he could see the stars. We marveled at how three stars seemed to be suddenly brighter than the rest, showing up like the Summer Triangle, even though it was long past the time Vega and Altair were connected in that constellation.
Gure said,
"I think he can hear you Chris."
So I started my song once again and we both sent wishes that our lover who was so far away would soon return to us. The stars blinked again and returned to the normal September skies. Gure kissed me, gently put my shamisen in its case and held me close. We then went out onto the porch to watch the vast skies filled with stars dance above our heads. But as it was a chilly night, we cudded close under a blanket, which led to us adjourning to our bed where we made love languidly.
A/N: So that's part 1 of Gure's tale. It will be completed later. I hope you enjoy it. Please R and R and as always I remain Acta!