ALL FOR LOVE
A Fruits Basket Fanfic
Written by Miyu, Vampire Princess
AUTHOR'S NOTE:
A sequel to "Patterns". Ayame and Mine are about to go before Akito.
They're both confident and very much in love. But will Akito allow things to
stay that way? Maybe...but there are...conditions. This part told from Ayame's
POV.
Part Four - The Devil's Wish
By Kami, I'm nervous. I'm a nervous wreck! Can he see me shaking? Can Mine?
Mine.
My eyes dare a quick glance beside me. She's sitting very primly, her back straight and her hands folded in her lap. She looks so serious. I'm not used to this level of seriousness. Although the wonderful red and black silk outfit I made for her was perfect for this occasion. She looks spectacular in it!
And she'll look smashing getting out of it.
Tori-san had ushered us into Akito's room while the other man gazed at some invisible spot outside the window. We took the pre-placed seat cushions near the center of the room. It took some coaxing from Tori-san to get his attention. He seemed rather distant, his eyes far away. Was there something wrong, or was he pretending?
Kami, I don't want to lose an eye. I don't want to lose...well, anything!
This is all for Mine, I keep reminding myself. For US. Nothing will go wrong. We stand together. And she's strong. She can handle this.
But what if I can't?
Kami, I haven't been this nervous since...since.... You know, I can't remember being this nervous...ever.
Movement in front of me catches my eye and I lift my gaze from Mine. My eyes widen slightly. My body stiffens, but I manage a gentle smile. Not the boyish, idiotic smile I use everyday. No. This one is a bit more reserved, more focused and a hell of a lot more serious.
Oh, Yuki would be so proud of me!
"I was surprised when Hatori said you wished ot meet with me. Pleasantly so," said Akito. He was sitting right in front of me, his face just inches from mine, and his fingers were playing with my hair. I had to fight teh urge to lean back, but I couldn't stop the light blush that crept to my cheeks. I'm used to this type of petting from Akito.
But not in front of Mine!
Thankfully, she says nothing. Makes no sudden moves. I wonder if she's even watching.
Akito's eyes bore right into mine. It takes the rest of my concentration not to close my eyes or blink to rapidly. Those dark, sinister pools look...less sinister. They lacked a bit in terror. In fear. In torment.
He seems...relaxed.
"Tell me, Ayame, what is it you wish to discuss? Is it that important that you had to bring your assistant with you?"
I nodded, my smile fading slightly as he leaned closer to me.
"Are you going to leave me too, Ayame?"
That totally took me by surprise. I blinked, eyes wide. I didn't know how to respond and I dared not look at Mine.
Sighing, he leaned back on his heals. He suddenly looked...worn down. Tired. His entire body slumped as if he'd just lost...well, for lack of a better phrase, like he lost his best friend. In a weary voice he continued, "You want my permission to marry this...this...thing, right?"
All I could do was nod while Mine continues to sit speechless.
He sighs again, this time heavily. Carefully, and with what looks like the last of his strength, he stands. He saunters - I can't very well call it walking - over to his futon. His body seems to ccollapse onto the bed, yet he remains in an upright position. He's sitting, sagging in what appears to be sadness. Is it because of my asking to marry? Or is it something else?
Wait just a second!
"Someone else has asked for permission to marry?!" I wonder who the poor sod is. It couldn't be Shigure and I know Tori-san wouldn't risk it again. The first time was far too traumatic.
Akito nods wearily. His skin turns a shade lighter than white. Is he glowing in the dark?! Finally it dawns on me that he's still recovering from a cold, or so Tori-san told me earlier, but this looks like something worse than a cold. Is there anything worse than a cold?
"He wants to leave me, Ayame. He finally said it to my face."
BLINK. His voice is barely audible. Did he just say...?
"Who?"
He looks at me with those hollow eyes as he replies, "Yuki."
Excitement. Anger. Hurt. Joy. Passion. All of those and more rushed through me for a brief instant. Well, the last was simply wishful thinking. Still, my little brother is getting married.
MY LITTLE BROTHER IS GETTING MARRIED?!?!
I'm always the last to know.
"Akito--?"
"I will tell you the same thing I told him," he said, cutting off any question or response I may have had. And I had so MANY! His eyes turned from my stunned face, a small smile forming on his lips as his gaze settles on Mine. It lingered there as he added, "You have my permission. BUT...it comes with a price."
My happy stupor evaporates immediately. My gaze follows his to Mine. She looks at me out of the corner of her eyes, but doesn't turn her head. She's uncertain, her bottom lip being drawn upward and held between her teeth. I had told her there would be something. There's always something.
This is it.
"What price?" I asked, my voice not quite as calm as I would've liked. I quickly prepare myself for the worst.
There's a small pause of consideration before he replies, "Mine - did I get that right? - will spend the day with me."
"The...day?" It sounds far too simple. Although, a lot can be accomplished in a day.
"Yes. Tomorrow will be fine." He sighs again, drawing his legs up onto the bed. He waves a hand at me. "You can spare her for one day, can't you, Ayame?"
I'm not sure how to respond. Me, speechless?! I suppose it could be worse. And I'm still overwhelmed by the news of my baby brother. Kami, I'll throttle him for not telling me. Then I'll hug him for all he's worth!
But...what did Akito ask of them? Do I really want to know? It seems strange, but I know now that his illness stems from Yuki's betrayal. Then why? Why did he grant him permission to marry? Losing Yuki is Akito's worst fear.
And it's finally come to pass.
I open my mouth to ask any number of questions, but it's Mine who speaks first.
"Tomorrow sounds wonderful."
She has no idea what she's getting herself into. Despite all I've told her, she still doesn't know. No one does. And it's too late to stop her. The smile on Akito's face is more than acceptance of her word.
Anticipation, that's what it is.
Dear Kami, what has she done?
"Excellent. I will see you both tomorrow." He starts to lie down, but pauses, looking at me in askance. "You will accompany her here, won't you, Ayame?"
"Of course," I reply. I'm a bit relieved, but still stunned. I smile again. And it's not very fake I'm proud to say. "We'll see you tomorrow. Get plenty of rest." I stand a bow. Mine does the same. I offer her a wink then look back at Akito. "She can be hand full."
She looks ready to retort but thankfully she does not. Instead, she slaps me on the shoulder after the door to Akito's room is closed. It wasn't very hard, but it still stings a bit. She smiles when I pout at her.
"I don't know if I can bare to be apart from you for one day," I say, taking her hand in mine and leading her from the dreary decor of the main house. Tori-san should still be at home. Perhaps we'll visit some more.
"I'm sure it will be okay," she replies, smiling. "But I have to admit, he is pretty...."
"Forceful? Imposing? Demented?"
She giggles, squeezing my hand. "Actually I was going to say strong willed, but I suppose the others apply as well."
"Believe me, they do."
"Are you...worried, Ayame?"
We stop in the middle of the walkway, half-way to Tori-san's house. I turn to face, cupping her chin in my free palm. "Me, worried?" I lean forward and place a light kiss on her lips. Then I sigh. "Hai."
"It will be all right," she reassures me, squeezing my hand tighter. "Things work out."
"Ah... I suppose that's true."
"Besides, don't you have a phone call to make?"
I look at her oddly as we continue walking. "Phone call?"
She nods. "To Yuki?"
"Ara! Of course! Of course!" I nod emphatically. "I'll call him as soon as we get to Tori-san's house."
"It really is great news, isn't it?"
"Hai, that it is!"
And with any luck, I'll be able to tell him about my impending wedding.
After tomorrow.
~TO BE CONTINUED~