Different Seasons: Fall: Part 5: Walking In His Shoes

A/N: Welcome back- well that was a bit of a hiatus. It's been a minute I know. Thank you as always for your kind words :) I do very much appreciate them. I hope you'll enjoy this next installment. We haven't heard from the rest of the family for a minute so here's a a chapter devoted to the others and their wedding preparations. Mine and Aya have been busy, and they come to a point when they need Gure to step in and play Tori for a day. This of course sparks conversations. And other things spark between Gure and Chris

As always I do not own Fruits Basket.

Aya Makes Progress

The next days were a blur of activity for Mine and I. Between finishing the orders we already had, working on Mayu's kimono and finalizing the plans for their reception, we were being run off our feet. We had finally made headway with the previous orders and Mayu's kimono so we were able to devote our attention to Tori's ensemble. I would dip into our collection of kimonos for the rest of the women and men. As with most weddings, all eyes would likely be on Mayuko so I was happy I was already well on my way to finishing her kimono. The rest of us would generally serve as a backdrop for her. The traditional wedding called for everyone except the bride to wear black kimonos over neutral toned under clothes. This was a nod back to the traditions of the court where imperial officials wore black to formal events. However, they need not be drab for the fabric choice could take a drab outfit and make it distinguished.

As Tori was busy teaching during the day, and I didn't want to cut into the time he had with Mayu in the evenings if I could avoid it at the beginning, I called on Shigure to help me design Hatori's ensemble. Plus, I knew what Hatori would say if I asked

"What fabric would you like?"

He would definitely say,

"Whatever you think would be best."

While always impeccably dressed, Hatori was not known for his clotheshorse ways. I had often begged him to let me design something for him but he always said that a simple suit suited him best. But he always deferred to me for ceremonial events so I knew he'd be happy with anything I designed. As Gure was almost Tori's height and build he would be the perfect stand-in for him. It would be a simple matter of adjusting the hem to his correct height once I had finished. So I gave him a call to ask if he minded helping me out.

Gure Obliges

I was taking a break from my book and drinking tea when Aya called.

"Would you mind playing Tori today?"

In the past, this question would have brought out a snarky comment from me about wishing that I could do that every day. But today I just chuckled and said,

"I'm assuming you just want me for my body huh?"

He chuckled and said,

"No, although it is very useful that you're almost Tori's height and build I could also use your eyes too."

"Well that's good as Chris might have a few questions otherwise."

I arrived at Aya's shop where there seemed to be an assembly line set up in their showroom. Partially finished dresses were set up on mannequins throughout the showroom with Mayu's kimono taking pride of place in the center. It resembled a queen and her ladies-in-waiting meeting for an event. While I would always have a soft spot for the original wedding ensemble Aya had designed for Mayu as it was based on my book, I had to admit that the more modern kimono suited Mayu better as it was far more practical. This was an especially important feature given her issues with walking in heels. Even though I had let Mayu go and was forever bonded to Chris, I couldn't help but experience residual feelings while standing in front of the very epitome of what could have been; especially since I was about to serve as groom for a day. Aya caught me wool gathering and quietly cleared his throat, asking,

"Are you ok Gure?"

"I'm fine, just pensive."

"I understand. I sometimes get the feels as well when I see them together."

"Oh, it really isn't much though. It's more of a tiny twinge rather than the ache I used to feel. If it had been I wouldn't have agreed to act as your living mannequin today. That would have been a bit much as I'm literally going to be standing in Tori's shoes."

He quietly said,

"I wouldn't have asked if you hadn't moved on."

Mine Steps In

I came in with a pot of tea and caught the tail end of their conversation. As always I was so touched by the level of love and respect that existed between them. It didn't bother me to hear that they harbored feelings for their first loves. To feel betrayed by passing feelings wouldn't have gotten me anywhere other than grumpy. We sat down, and Gure took the cup into his hands. The clink of his wedding ring against the china made him smile. Looking down at it he said,

"It's lovely to have this reminder of Chris' love. Especially in moments like these."

"Aww I love it when you smile. Your face just lights up."

He looked up at me with his big goofy grin and said,

"You know, I never expected that I could feel so much for one person. The only thing that saddens me a bit is that I didn't find him sooner."

"I think I know what you mean. It's like you were missing Chris even before you met him. I felt the same before I met Aya."

Aya smiled at me and snuggled me close. We were all hopeless romantics in love with being in love. And we had found our people. Which was quite grand.

Aya Plans

I was feeling quite happy about life and hugged Mine tight.

"I think even practical Mayu and Tori feel that way. They both have become so loving with each other. It's beautiful to see."

We finished our tea, and relished in the uplifted mood. We then walked through the warehouse while Mine watched the shop. We chose the black fabric for the kimono and striped gray fabric for the hakama. Finally, we took a trip through the wardrobe and found suitable attire for everyone else. I was delaying the inevitable, as I really wanted to make sure Gure was ok with the situation before proceeding. But he seemed to be. He even found a large group of kimonos that had been worn at previous weddings and tried one on for size. We were fortunate that there were plenty of Sohmas that had partaken in that particular sacred ritual. So there were many to chose from, including a few we had worn before, which was fortunate as there were few people in our family that were Hatori and Gure's height.

"So," said Gure as we looked through the kimonos, "Do you have any idea what you'll do for your wedding?"

"Well Mine doesn't want anything traditional of any flavor whether it is Eastern, Western or Martian. We will be married under one of the larger weeping cherry trees on the grounds of the compound. So I'm not exactly sure what to expect. I'm guessing there may be wings involved. It might be something out of A Midsummer's Night Dream."

"It will make for beautiful pictures. Especially with wings. Oh I hope that she goes with that theme. I'd love to see Mayu in wings."

Mine caught our conversation as we returned to the shop and giggled at the idea.

Mine Fangirls

Gure went into the dressing room and took off the upper layers of his kimono and reappeared in his underrobe and took his place on the stand. He was quite different from the last time he stood there in front of me as he calmly held still while Aya draped fabric on his muscular form and chatted companionably with us. He didn't leer or say anything inappropriate. It was like he was a different Gure. I had to admit he was still very attractive.

"Hey," I said to myself, "I'm affianced, not dead!"

I was allowed to appreciate his beauty. I just really couldn't say so as we were reaching the realms of family now that I was marrying his dear cousin Aya. So I kept my thoughts to myself and quietly fangirled over the perfect vision of a Yaoi hero. The muslin slowly took the form of a jacket, kimono, and hakama and my vision of Gure as a courtier was fulfilled. He turned from Aya and asked my opinion and I said, after a few seconds,

"Oh, it's wonderful. Tori will look wonderful!"

Gure smiled and chuckled. He was used to people fangirling over him. Aya wasn't hurt either. He had explained that he felt beauty was there to be enjoyed as long as that enjoyment didn't go beyond harmless admiration.

Aya looked at him appreciatively saying,

"You're right, Tori will look wonderful. And Mayu will look beautiful."

Gure Serves as a Foil

I looked at myself in the mirror and I had to admit it was very flattering.

"It's quite attractive, I bet Tori will agree."

As if summoning him, Tori walked in and Aya jumped and blocked Mayu's kimono from his sight. His attention most likely had been on me fortunately as I was a tall, fairly muscular man standing in the center of the room on a pedestal so he likely hadn't seen it.

"Ah Tori! You're here! " Aya said, "We've just finished designing your outfit for the wedding. What do you think?"

Tori Trades Places with Gure

I looked at Gure, which was like looking into a mirror as always so it was easy to imagine how I would look on my wedding day.

"Quite flattering. What did you have in mind for the fabric?"

Aya steered me towards two bolts of fabric. I was impressed by his choices. I heard a flurry of activity behind me and when I turned to see what was happening, I saw Mine adjusting a piece of fabric over a mannequin I hadn't noticed. I looked around the room and took in the variety of dresses and kimonos surrounding me. From Victorian wedding dresses filled with fancy frills and lace to the most traditional kimono every possible combination of print and color was represented but I didn't see a Shinto-style ensemble. So I figured the muslin-covered mannequin was Mayu's. It only followed that they followed with the superstition that it was bad luck for the groom to see the bride's ensemble before the wedding. And with our family it was a worry. I turned to Aya and asked,

"I take that that's Mayu's kimono?"

"Yes! You'll see it soon enough. And while we have you would you mind trying on the toile so that I can get the length of the sleeves and pant legs right?"

Gure said,

"That would be great as I need to be going. It's Chris' birthday and I want to get back to cook him a special dinner."

"Before you go I have something to ask. Can you wait a bit?"

"Sure. Chris won't be home for a while."

He then changed out of the mockup and handed it to me.

Gure Asks the Hard Question

After a minute, Haa-san came out the dressed in the muslin for his ensemble. It looked perfect on him. We all took him in and smiled. Surreptitiously looking around we found the same appreciate looks mirrored in each other. We were all ready for him to wed Mayu and were satisfied with our own lots in life. It was truly uplifting. Haa-san looked in the mirror and approved. He turned to us and said, with a smile on his face,

"I'm so glad I have you three. I know Mayu and I aren't really the most fashion-forward. it's wonderful having guides to help us make our special day as special as it can be."

Something occurred to me while I looked at him in what would be his wedding ensemble.

"So," I asked, "I know you know that the Kami could come to the wedding. How's Mayu feeling about that?"

"Not particularly pleased. I plan on asking Kureno if he can still talk to them."

"I won't lie when I say I hope that they show. They've been there with us through the good and bad, and I think its touching to think they'll be there to witness your wedding as it represents so much for them. Especially since you'll likely bring the first child born to a member of the Junishi to bear. But I do understand you had a different experience and I wouldn't fault you if you try to keep them from coming."

"Well as long as they don't try to steal the show I don't mind if they come. I know we need their blessing. But they also need our prayers. Especially now that they're weakened. So it behooves them to be polite."

"I won't argue with you on that point."

Tori Changes the Subject

We let the subject slide away as we were never going to see eye to eye about our former guests. Our vastly different experiences put paid to that. Rather, I switched the topic to the original reason I had come for in the first place.

"Do you guys have plans for Friday? I was planning inviting my friend Sato and his wife over for dinner and would love you to come over."

Mine looked at Aya and said,

"We need a break!"

"You're absolutely right. Count us in."

"I'll check in with Chris and get back to you."

"Wonderful."

While things had gotten a bit awkward we left on amicable terms. After Aya marked the lengths of my sleeves and pant legs I returned home and happily greeted Mayu. Hugging her I said,

"Well darling whatever the wedding will hold it will be a beautiful ceremony. While I didn't see your kimono, if it is anything like what Aya has planned for me then we certainly will be well dressed."

"I'm sure it will be memorable. I just hope it won't be too memorable."

"I'll make sure it won't be."

She drew me close and said,

"Thank you."

I then kissed her and we enjoyed our supper. I then remarked,

"I can't wait to make you my wife."

"Me neither."

I then took her to bed and worshiped her body showing her how much I appreciated her.

Gure Celebrates Chris

Getting home, I made Chris' favorite meal: yaki udon. As the time for his arrival approached I lit candles and wrapped the present I had gotten him: a book of music written for kabuki theater that I found in an antique store. He arrived home and I held him close and wished him happy birthday. He was greatly impressed with the meal as I had put everything into preparing his favorite food. He also loved the book of music. We then adjourned to the living room and sat on the couch and enjoyed warm saki. The weather had started to chill so the warmth of the liquid was satisfying. As the kids had gone to stay with Momiji I drew him close and kissed him, saying

"Oh Chris, I can't tell you how thankful I met you. Happy 30th birthday my love."

Chris said,

"Gure dear you are a star!"

He kissed me again and as we kissed I felt a twinge at the back of my mind, a querying twinge asking permission to be let in. I smiled a slow smiled and let the visitor in.

Chris Is Surprised (Lemon)

As Gure kissed me he slipped his tongue into my mouth. I closed my eyes and gave myself completely to him I heard someone whisper,

"Oh Chris, I do love you."

I paused a minute. I recognized the voice but I couldn't believe it. Opening my eyes. I looked into two glowing embers. I pulled back in surprise. Inu smiled and said,

"I can't stay long as I'm still quite winded but I wanted to wish you a happy birthday my love."

He then kissed me and let his hand wander down my body. I gasped as he began stroking me. Kissing the nape of my neck he whispered,

"I can't stay long but I couldn't let the day pass without marking it. Have a very happy birthday my love, and I will see you soon."

"When?"

"The prayers at Tori's wedding will give me enough strength to manifest at least briefly. I plan on merely saying hi though, as I don't want to intrude. But don't worry, there will be a time when I return for a longer time.'

He kissed me again, stroked my face and he left leaving Gure smiling at me.

"Well that was a pleasant surprise. Did you have that planned?"

"Nope, that was a surprise for me too. But a lovely surprise. Now, if you don't mind, if you wouldn't mind following me I'll give you the second part of my gift."

"MMMMM...I'm intrigued!"

He took my hand and guided me to our bedroom. He then stood behind me and let his arms slip around me. I could feel his growing need as he held me close and nibbled on my ear. He whispered,

"How's the birthday boy doing?"

"Words can't describe how I feel at this minute."

He chuckled and held me closer and let his hand wander down my body.

"So my love. It's your night. If you could have anything, what would you want?"

I turned around and looked into his earnest gray eyes. I felt myself swoon. I'd never felt the way I did that moment. I thought back through the years, wondering if there was a need that hadn't been fulfilled but I was distracted by what I had right before me. I finally fell upon what I truly wanted.

"I want you to finish your book. And I want to take you on tour again. But this time I want to take you back to where I'm from and show you New York. I haven't been back in so long. Sometimes I miss it."

Gure

I hadn't expected that answer but I understood.

"Well I can't give you that tonight, but I think eventually I can do that for you. Is there anything else?"

He looked at me with those beautiful blue eyes and I nearly fainted. He smiled at me sheepishly and said,

"Do you have a pair of dog ears?"

That was the answer I expected and had prepared for it.

"As a matter of fact I do. Believe it or not I went as a dog to a Halloween party a few years ago."

I stepped into my closet and grabbed the dog's ears and collar and walked into our bedroom.

He smiled at me and said,

"Thank you."

Chris

We then stripped each other of every stitch of clothes. He lowered me to the bed and licked every inch of my body. Taking one of my nipples into his mouth, I felt pleasure and pain shoot through my body. I moaned,

"Oh Gure!"

My breath was growing shallow as I grew close. He must have sensed he could bring me over easily. So he held back, letting my passion build. Rather, he kissed me gently and whispered,

"Tell me what you need Chris."

"I need! Oh God, Gure, take me!"

He chuckled and slid next to me and held me close. He let his hand wander as he entered me and the two of us were brought to such heights. It wasn't long before we both crested. I collapsed into his arms and said,

"I'm so glad I met you too Gure."

Gure

I looked at him and smiled. Chris was snuggled in my arms, completely satisfied with his life."

As we laid basking in the afterglow I said,

"You'd be so proud of me Chris, I spent the day standing in for Haa-san and all I could think was how happy I was for him."

"That's great Gure. I'm so glad."

"So, speaking of Haa-San. Do you have any plans this weekend?"

"Well Kiro invited us out Saturday to celebrate my birthday. He figured that I'd be busy tonight."

"That's a good assumption. How about Friday?"

"I'm free."

"Great. Haa-San has invited us for dinner to meet his friends. We'll have a great meal and hopefully fun conversation. I don't think I've ever known him to really talk to others outside the family, so I'm excited to meet him. It certainly shows growth. Ever since he lost Kana he really shut himself away to keep himself from being hurt. Mayu has him blooming like a Spring day, and we love to see it."

"Yes it should be fun to see him in a social setting. Most of his parties in my memory have been about briefing newcomers on the ways of the Sohmas."

"Yes he does seem to fall into that roll. Nope from what I gather this will be a chill dinner party."

"Well I'm certainly game. Plus its a meal I don't need to cook. Although I do enjoy cooking with you."

Chris

He laughed and said,

"I don't mind cooking for you. I especially like seeing you make that face like you did tonight when you enjoy my cooking. It's kinda similar to another one I've seen you make."

"Which one?"

"The one you make when I do this..."

And with that Gure took me into his mouth and I closed my eyes while he pleasured me. After I came he whispered,

"That's it. Sometime I'm going to paint you like that. it is so sweet."

As the passion flew through me I recalled having a similar reaction when I tasted Gure's birthday dinner.

"Well it was really good yaki udon."

"Oh good! Now we have a code word for when little pitchers are in the room when we're in the mood. I could whisper,

'Chris, do you want to go make yaki udon with me?'"

He nibbled on my ear and whispered,

"yaaakiiiiii uuuuudoooooon!"

"The little pitchers will know exactly what you're talking about when you say it like that. Especially if we go to the bedroom instead of the kitchen."

"True. But it would be fun to watch Kyo's face go as red as his hair. He does get so aggravated."

We laughed and held each other close. I was so happy to see Gure so happy, even when he had spent time helping Aya with the upcoming wedding. He was so content and loving lately. I couldn't get enough. I held him close and dozed. And as I was drifting off, I felt the brush of fur and the tender touch of lips on my forehead. I whispered,

"Good night Gure and Inu."

I heard their twin answers return to me as they said,

"Goodnight Chris and happy birthday!"

A/N: So there's another chapter! I hope you enjoyed it. Next up we have Hatori and Mayu's dinner party and his conversation with Kureno. We're getting closer to their wedding. There are just a lot of moving parts. There are always a lot of moving parts. Especially when dealing with weddings. Certainly the two are wishing they had just gone and gotten a civil wedding. But the family is waiting for its big wedding and they will not be denied. Please R and R and as always I remain Acta!