Different Seasons: Fall: Part 6: Bon Anniversaire Cher Christian. Happy Birthday to You!

A/N: Welcome back! I am so sorry for the long pause. Life has been incredibly busy of late and I haven't really had a chance to sit down and write. The good news is I do have several parts of the story written in large chunks. So I should be able to piece them together and flesh them out without too much time- also I have some time coming so I'll have even more time to spend with our lovely expanding circle of friends. But let's get into this chapter! Tori and Mayu have gotten through their first week of the Fall semester and decide to have their friends over for a surprise birthday for Chris. Among them are Tori's friend Sota and his wife. This chapter is a reiteration of how everyone met in case we have readers among us who have come into this story arc with this chapter and perhaps plans for the future. Above all we get the sense of how strong the ties between the brothers are and how deep their love grows.

As always I do not own Fruits Basket.

Tori Plans a Party

The rest of the week went quickly. Mayu and I got in to a routine where we rose with the sun, made love and ate breakfast in bed. We knew things would ramp up for us later so we enjoyed the first week of Fall semester as much as possible. But our days were filled and we looked forward to our very first dinner party that Friday. As I knew Chris' birthday had been earlier that week I decided to throw a surprise party for him. I was sure that Sota and his wife wouldn't mind if we celebrated his birthday. Who didn't like cake? We also knew that Aya and Mayu were both intensely busy, and mostly due to our wedding, so we were glad that we could give them a bit of a break by having them to dinner along with Gure and Chris. I was also happy to be introducing new people to the circle. So we were even more excited.

I called Gure and asked,

"What do you think Chris would like for a birthday dinner?"

"Surprise us. You're such a great cook."

"Can do. Oh be sure to come a bit after 6pm so we can all gather before you get here and give him a great surprise."

"Somehow I don't think he'll be surprise as he can read me like one of my books, but we'll give it a shot."

"Oh. and my friend's wife is a member of the press, is that ok?"

He paused but finally answered,

"As long as they're there as a friend that's fine."

"Great I look forward to seeing you."

"Me too. I don't think Chris has had many big birthday parties from what he's said so I can't wait to see his face. This is so important especially since this is his thirtieth."

"Well he's family now. And we celebrate family here."

"Thanks Haa-san. You all make up for the lack of our parents' love. I can't tell you how much you mean to us."

"Of course. We love you too."

I hung up and told Mayu that we were planning a birthday party for Chris.

"Great! Everyone loves cake. What do you think we should get him for a present?"

I thought about it and smiled,

"I know the very thing."

Going to my desk I took a print I had made of Gure's drawing of him and Chris at the koi pond and brought it to frame shop. Mayu agreed that it was the perfect gift as it was the drawing that signaled the beginning of their love for each other. She gave me a loving look and said,

"Aww Tori! That's so sweet! I love the way you love them."

I encircled my arms around her and nuzzled her neck and said,

"Well even snow can be fluffy and soft. And even the hardest ice melts when exposed to warmth."

"And its sunny and warm in Fiji during the winter!"

"I don't follow."

"I'm saying I don't want to think about snow, especially you've long since melted out of your icy stoicism. Let's think about our honeymoon now. When I will wear a tiny bikini every day."

The though of Mayu in a bikini made me very warm indeed.

"Well, I can tell you right this moment this wool suit is far too warm."

I then picked Mayu up and strode into our bedroom where we took a practice run at being on vacation in a tropical winter wonderland.

Mayu and Tori Prepare for the Party

Mayu

We got through our respective Fridays without issue and began preparing for Chris's party.

As Tori and I made a New York sushi roll with avocado and shrimp and vegetable tempura for dinner and a chocolate cake for dessert I asked,

"So what does Sota's wife do?"

"She a journalist. Sota met her when she was covering a charity event that he was running. She started by interviewing him and the ended up talking all night. She covers human interest stories for a newspaper."

"That's sweet. I wonder if she'll know about Gure and Chris and want to them to tell their story."

"It's hard to miss hearing about them. His tour was likely covered in her paper. It's only a matter of time before the press catches on that they're married. Gure will eventually go on a reading again when he finishes his book. It would be good if their story was broken by a friendly source. But that's between Chris, Gure and his editor."

"How has it gone so long do you think?"

"Well Gure has wisely kept a low profile to begin with but I think Kureno strongly suggested to the government official that signed their certificates that he keep mum."

"Should we tell them that a member of the press will be there?"

"I told Gure. But I hope that this meeting garners an article. I think it would be better that they control the announcement. As I said her pieces are positive. And she's definitely supportive of the Gay community. Plus this would likely just be an introduction to the topic. I imagine it will be a relaxing night."

Tori

Aya and Mine showed up early to help decorate the room. As we festooned the dining room with paper chains and festively colored tapers he said,

"I went ahead and invited Kiro and Kureno if that's ok. They're happy to attend."

I felt bad that I hadn't thought of them. It was hard to break out of the model of thinking of Kureno as unapproachable. Of course Kiro would want to be at Chris' party and it was heartening that Kureno was willing to come as well. I was pleased the two were going places as a couple.

"Thanks Aya. I'm so glad they're coming. That is certainly a great sign that they're venturing out together."

"Hmmm. Do you think that we'll be throwing them a party next?"

"I don't dare make predictions about them. I still am trying to get used to the idea that we're meeting socially."

"Oh come on. The days of..."

He stopped in the middle of his sentence as he realized that the next day was the national day of mourning. He blanched. bowed his head a minute and said,

"Well at any rate it's nice that they are getting so close."

"I know how you're feeling. It was a complicated time. But let's focus on the happiness of the present right now. We haven't had that luxury for a long time."

"True, True."

And we continued decorating quietly, hoping we'd be able to regain the happy vibe again when the others arrived.

Gure Is VERY Subtle

When Chris got home I took him in my arms and held him close and kissed him hard and swept him around the room. He pulled back breathless saying,

"Well darling I'm happy to see you too. But don't we need to be somewhere?"

"Oh you and your watch. You know I should have drowned that thing months ago but you've kindly allowed me to follow my own schedule lately so your watch gets a reprise."

"Well, I'm glad for that as I rather like it. But as to schedules, Mi wondered if I could possibly convince you to finish the book sooner then later. Marketing is getting antsy."

I looked at my wrist as of looking at the watch I wasn't wearing saying,

"Oh look at the time. We should get going. Unless you'd like to convince me to finish my book."

He held me close and whispered,

"If you finish your book we can go on tour again."

"But then you'll make me pay attention to the time."

"As you'll recall you weren't always on the clock. And now we don't have to sneak around. Everyone knows we're together. So we could have a very pleasant vacation on the company's dime."

It occurred to me that eventually we would likely have to say how together we were. It would likely make the tour easier if everyone knew I was very much taken. Plus eventually someone would notice our rings and comment.

I held his hands and said,

"We should probably talk to Mitt-chan about telling the public about us."

"Yes I have to admit I've loved keeping our marriage to ourselves and the immediate family but it's time."

I looked down at our interlaced fingers to look at our beautiful wedding rings and caught sight of the aforementioned watch. We were getting close to being quite late and I didn't want to keep everyone waiting too long.

"Well this is all very lovely but we should get ready for dinner."

"Now you want to go. Is something going to happen at Tori's?"

"My lips are sealed."

"Normally, I would say I have ways of making you talk, but we need to get going as you say."

And he kissed me and dragged me to the bedroom so we could get ready.

Chris changed into a turtleneck sweater and I changed into a more formal kimono and slipped on a hanten as I had been noticing that the weather had turned too cold to go out in just in my kimono. Chris loved my padded jacket saying it made me delightfully squishy. He demonstrated this love by giving me a quick squeeze while he put his cufflinks into the crystal dish that sat on the dressing table. I then raked a brush through my shaggy hair we (Chris had mentioned he had appreciated seeing my hair down past my shoulders when Inu had taken over so I was obliging him. It was currently in the awkward state of being too short to tie up but too long to let go without attempting to tame it with a brush. The curly texture was more noticeable at this length and Chris truly enjoyed raking his fingers through it.) After a final look in the wardrobe mirror, we made our way to Haa-san's house. While Chris payed attention to the road I texted Haa-San saying,

"We're on our way."

Tori Greets His Guests

Kureno and Kiro arrived next and I welcomed them. Kureno looked around and looked a bit confused saying,

"Well this is festive."

I explained,

"It's Chris' birthday."

"Wonderful! I'm so glad to be here for the celebration."

Kureno seemed in great spirits and he rested an arm on Kiro's shoulder companionably. He was becoming more comfortable with his relationship and it made me smile. Kureno caught my eyes and smiled back.

Sato and his wife Miki showed up next. I made introductions and Sota looked around at the decorations and said,

"I wasn't aware this was a birthday party. I feel bad that we only brought a bottle of wine."

"No worries. It was a bit impromptu. Yes, our friend Chris had his birthday a few days ago."

"Well I can't wait for cake!"

He turned to the rest of the room and said,

"Pleasure to meet you all. I'm Sato Sakai, I work with Hatori at the hospital and this is my wife Miki."

Mayu said,

"Nice to meet you. I'm Hatori's fiancée Mayuko."

Sota bowed saying,

"Ah the inestimable Mayuko. It's a pleasure to meet you."

"You as well."

Miki then bowed politely to us all, took a double take at Aya and I and said,

"I should have guessed with the name. You're THAT Dr. Sohma. Does that mean….."

And then the doorbell rang.

I told them all to hide and I turned the overhead light off leaving the tapers burning so nothing was visible from the hall. Meeting Chris and Gure in the hall I welcomed them, took their outer layers and said they were the first to arrive.

Chris is VERY Surprised

I had a feeling I was walking into a surprise party situation. Gure's behavior had seemed very much like stalling. So I prepared myself for the yells. What I hadn't expected was a fan of Gure and I to be there that wasn't related to us.

As I walked in, everyone jumped out and yelled

"Surprise!"

I of course played along and looked very surprised. But then, my surprise became real when a young woman came running up to Gure and I and said,

"Oh my god it's the Fox and the Hound! I'm so glad to finally meet you! I couldn't get away from work to go to your book signing this Spring. This is great!"

I instinctively put myself between the woman and Gure. I knew Gure could likely snap her in two but I couldn't help lapsing into my official role as guardian of Gure.

"Ummm….yes... I'm Christian Girard and this is Shigure Sohma. And you are…"

"Oh sorry, I'm Miki Sakai. My husband Sato works with Dr. Sohma.

She turned to her husband and said,

"You didn't tell me your friend was related to THE Shigure Sohma!"

"It didn't come up."

She turned back to us and said,

"So is it true that the Dog knight falls in love with the mysterious Mr. Fox?"

Gure looked at me, saw me shake my head and said,

"Well that's a secret. My editor would skin me alive if I revealed the truth before the book is even published. But I do have it on good authority that he does fall in love with someone."

She looked at us, smiled and said,

"Well I can't wait. I'm a major fan and I've followed the news about you in the papers. I would love to do a story about you when the book comes out. I write a series of human interest stories for a local paper. You're such a cute couple. I'm sure that our readers would love to hear your story."

Gure Is Non Committal

I smiled at her. I loved meeting fans that were kind. She gave me a good vibe but I knew things had to be done carefully as it wasn't just my reputation on the line, but Chris', my family's and the company's.

"Well it's always good to meet fans. And we'll definitely keep you in mind when the book is finished."

Chris Is Touched

We all sat down and enjoyed dinner. As always the food was absolutely wonderful. We all talked companionably. Miki was especially interested in hearing stories about the events of the day. As I reached for my wine glass I could see Miki's eyes go to my ring. She smiled but didn't say anything. I felt a lot better that she was clearly respecting our boundaries and was letting us say what we wanted to say without pressing me about it. As the night went by I got a better feeling about her. Tori brought out a beautiful chocolate cake brimming with candles. He lowered the lights and the glow of the birthday candles and the tapers was warm and inviting. I felt more love than I ever had. I couldn't remember the last true birthday cake I had had. Kiro of course had been very kind on my birthday and always brought me a chocolate cupcake to mark the day. But as he was the only one who celebrated with me for years we couldn't justify a big cake. Then they all sang to me in various degrees of accuracy. Gure, who was exceptional in every other forum, couldn't carry a tune in a bucket but was very exuberant in his performance. It was very endearing. He then gave me a big kiss. I saw a flash go of and Aya sheepishly said,

"That's going in the family album."

I smiled, as I really appreciated the idea that I was being included in that gigantic album that was stuffed with images of Sohmas .

Tori brought in a beautifully framed copy of Gure's drawing of the Fox and Hound by the koi pond. Gure and I teared up a bit. We had no idea he had done it. I hugged Tori and Mayu tightly, saying,

"Thank you you guys. This is going in the living room." Gure wholeheartedly agreed.

We then took the cake and sat in the comfortable living room. Snagging one of the love seats, the two of us snuggled together. The rest sighed but asserted that newlyweds were allowed to indulge in loveydoveyness. We gave the other to the new couple for comfort sake and the rest made themselves comfortable on the sectional. I caught Kiro's eyes and he smiled at me. Kureno had his arm thrown around him and looked quite relaxed. I felt quite happy for him.

All eyes turned to me as the birthday boy and I thanked everyone again. Miki looked around the room and smiled saying,

"You're all so very happy together. How did you meet? Sorry. I'm always curious to hear couple origin stories. I can tell you that Sota and I met during a charity event at the hospital. We kept talking long after the interview and the rest is history.

Gure Begins

The three of us looked at each other and Aya and Haa-san shrugged. Chris gave me a look that said

"Tread softly."

I nodded and, lacing my hands in his, I began.

"Well you pretty much know how we got together. We met during my book tour. He was in charge of the tour and shepherded me around making sure I got to events. During the tour we fell on love."

Miki smiled and said,

"It's a lovely story to be sure."

Aya went next. Hugging Mine, he said,

"Mine is my assistant at my clothes boutique. While we've worked together for several years we fell in love during the preparations for Gure's tour. She helped me make the kimonos that were featured in the fashion show at the end of the tour."

"Oh yes I remember that. They're absolutely gorgeous."

"Thank you."

Kureono looked at Chris, saw his slight shake and he said,

"I met Kiro at a family event."

And then Tori looked at Mayu and said,

"I originally met Mayu in college. We met again as adults and we fell deeply in love. We're getting married in November.

"Oh congratulations!"

Tori Is Careful

I had caught Chris's gestures and noted the amount of editing we had done to our stories and I understood. She was a member of the press and I knew Hinode would likely want to control how the news of their marriage came out as their relationship was so bound to his book. Our relationships were so intertwined that telling too much about ourselves would tell good portions of their story and in some instances would out their marital status. We were clearly inseparable and it was just such a wonderful thought as the ties that bound us together had only become stronger with the addition of others. I just hoped that they would settle on how to tell the world about their marriage soon as the clock was ticking on that particular newsflash. I wondered if Chris was testing Miki to see if she pushed or let us tell her what we were ready to say. I didn't put it past him as he was very smart and savvy about protecting clients and the company. But we had had a lovely night despite our hesitation to disclose everything so I was hoping for Miki's sake that they'd give the story to her. It would be a great boon.

Chris Considers

The evening ramped down and as she was putting on her coat Miki slipped me her business card and said,

"Please consider letting me interview you and Shigure when his book comes out. I know I haven't the creds of the reporters from some of the bigger papers but I can guarantee a positive story. I believe love is love and will treat you like any other couple I've interviewed."

I took her card and said,

"We need to talk to the folks at Hinode. But I have to say I'm pleased that you seem willing to respect boundaries and didn't push to find out more about our relationship even though you likely had some ideas. I need to know that the people who will handle our story will treat us with respect because we both represent much more than just ourselves."

"I understand that."

"I hope so. And I'll just say if you think I'm a hard case you haven't met Shigure's editor. She's just as protective of him as I am, sometimes more."

Gure said,

"We don't mean to scare you or completely shut you out. It's just that there are a lot of moving parts involved. While we'd love to be seen as just another couple in love it might be a long time before that happens, if it ever does."

"I totally get that."

Sota bowed to me and said,

"It's wonderful to meet you. Happy birthday."

"Thank you."

They left and I turned to Tori and said,

"Well our story needs to come out eventually and she seems like she'd be a good choice to tell it. She's respectful and positive. I just wonder if the company will go with exposure over vibes. I know I'd personally prefer a positive spin and knowing the folks at Hinode, I think they'll agree too."

"I get that."

Tori Toasts Chris

We relaxed on the couch for a bit. I grabbed the sake and said,

"It's Friday night and it's your birthday. Kanpai Chris!"

We toasted Chris and drank the warming liquid.

Chris said,

"Here's to less complicated times!"

"Here here!"

As the liquor burned through our throats and minds, loosening worries and pushing away the semi formal stances we had taken in the presence of our guests I called to Chris,

"Can we have a song?"

He looked at me, smiled and, instead of reaching for the songs sung by his Japanese ancestors as we all thought he would he began a rollicking rendition of Cole Porter's Well Did you Evah? His hidden New York accent came out full strength, giving his voice a more brusque and swaggering tone than it normally had. And as he rang out the final "What a swelligant, elegant party THIS IS!" we all clapped and laughed. He had successfully raised the spirits of the room with the help of the spirit of the fermented rice in the sake.

Gure Is Amused

As I listened to Chris sing in his native New York accent I was reminded of our beautiful ceremony when Kureno had remarked that it had been fate that had brought us together. We came from different worlds that normally wouldn't have collided without the help of several significant if not terrible events. We were made whole when our lives were fragmented. It was like the traditional art of kintsugi where a shattered piece of pottery is made even more beautiful when the cracks are filled with gold. You can still see the cracks, but the whole is made even more beautiful when those cracks are traced in gold. Our love made our broken pasts beautiful. We survived and somehow found each other. And while that pain would never go away, its ugliness was softened by the fact that we found love despite it.

After he finished, I was overcome with happiness and kissed him soundly. The rest didn't even chime in for us to get a room. Clearly they were feeling the same way we were. Sitting back in the plush upholstery of the furniture we reveled in the closeness of our ever expanding circle until the effects of the sake began to take hold. It had been a long and exciting day.

Haa-san, playing big brother as usual, said,

"You all will of course spend the night."

Kureno replied,

"Actually, Kiro and I must say goodnight. I need to prepare for tomorrow's events and I'm Kiro's designated."

"I hope to get to the compound tomorrow and possibly talk to you if you have time. Good night Kureno. Goodnight Kiro."

"Good night Tori."

We hugged them and they slipped away into the night leaving the usual suspects in the living room in various states of sober. Most weren't even close.

Aya turned to us and said,

"Birthday boy gets the guest bedroom. Mine and I will be happy with the couch."

"More than happy!"

And so we all said goodnight and we made our way to the guest bedroom. I collapsed onto the bed and drew Chris towards me.

He smiled at me and said,

"Hello my beautiful complication."

"Ah you wouldn't want it any other way. Being complicated means I will always be a source for interest for Hinode's readers."

He scoffed saying,

"Modest as always I see."

I smiled saying, "Well you have to admit that I have what the public wants right now. I honestly think it would be a good move to let Miki write about us. She's at least pro gay marriage and we might garner more positive feeling from the public with a better spin on the events."

I then threw in, half jokingly,

"Plus I'm a total heart throb. And all of this spells bank for Hinode."

Chris Gets the Warm Fuzzies

Looking down at Gure, my heart skipped a beat. He was so beautiful. His longer hair and cocky smile reminded me so much of Inu. He was a total heart throb as he said so I could excuse his slightly immodest statements. I bent down and kissed him and soon I felt his strong arms wrapped tighter around me. Suddenly I was in motion and before I realized what was going on I was beneath him. I added to his list of merits,

"Yes, you're a total heart throb. And you're a judo master to boot."

"I'm far from being a master. I'm merely a student. Go see Haa-san if you want to see a master in motion."

Caught up in the moment and feeling the effects of the sake that sloshed about my brain I said,

"Mmmmm. I'd love to see you two spar."

His gray eyes filled with laughter and he chuckled,

"You would would you?"

"Can you blame me? Two beautiful men moving together...Showing off their muscular bodies as they show their physical prowess...You have to admit that would be a pretty picture."

"Well I'm sure we can arrange that. It's been a while since Haa-san and I squared off. We could give you lessons you if you'd like."

I considered that and pulled him closer saying,

"Well if you just teach me how you did that maneuver just now I'd be quite happy."

But the two of us didn't have the energy for judo lessons or anything else right at that moment. The sake hit hard and we barely had the reserves to dress in the comfortable pajamas Tori kindly provided. Flopping back into bed, I traced the well-defined muscles Gure's voluminous kimono hid. One would never guess his body beneath the flowing materials was so cut. He smiled up at me blurrily, and the warm fuzzies I felt weren't only brought on by the sake. Feeling sleepy, I laid my head on his chest and said,

"I'm eternally glad I've found you."

"So am I."

Tori Says Goodnight

Mayu and I made our way to our bedroom and, after getting ready for bed we flopped down onto the comfortable expanses our of bed.

"Well," I said, "That was successful if somewhat awkward. So par for the course for one of our events."

"Oh I think it will work out fine. I really like the Sakais. We should have them over more often."

"I'm glad. And I'm glad the others seem to like them as well."

She snuggled in to me and nibbled my ear and whispered,

"I love you Tori."

I held her tightly and said,

"I love you too. I only wish I had the energy to express how much I love you but I feel a weight collapsing on my brain. Sake is a formidable sparring partner. It never ceases to put me on the mat."

"You can say that again. My brain feels like its gone several rounds with a master martial artist."

"But it was worth it. Did you see how happy Chris was?"

"Yes. It certainly was worth the hangover I'm going to have tomorrow."

We succumbed to the warm feeling that rose within us and rested in each other's arms.

A/N: So I do hope you enjoyed this return to the story. I do hope to get more up soon. As I said there are large portions written, including the aforementioned end to Gure's book. So stay tuned! In the mean time please R and R. And as always I remain, Acta!