[FB] Break Down Build Up, PG, General [xmas05]

[meiface.livejournal.com]

Christmas Drabbles 2005

For: light_reflected
Pairing: n/a – gen [Fruits Basket]
Theme: Christmas at the main house


Break Down, Build Up

Hatori’s eyes were dark when he came out of the room, sliding the door shut behind him. Ayame and Shigure awaited him in the corridor, expressions anxious.

“He wants Yuki to see him,” Hatori said quietly.

Ayame’s eyes narrowed. “It’s Christmas,” he hissed. “If he won’t even come out to celebrate with the rest of us, I don’t see how he has any business ordering us around.” Especially my little brother, his fierce gaze added, because Ayame was very protective, despite his careless, frivolous image.

Shigure’s smirk was bitter. “But of course, Aya,” he said. “It’s Christmas. The holiday for lovers.”

Ayame’s hands clenched and he looked ready to spit nails. Opening his mouth, his vicious words were forestalled when Hatori laid a hand on his shoulder.

“We understand, Ayame.” Hatori gave him a measuring look and the white-haired man let out a long breath, relaxing slightly. Golden eyes flickered away from the door Hatori had just pulled closed and to the main quarters of the house, where laughter and cheesy Western holiday music could be heard, intermingled with the chatter of Sohma voices, young and old. The family, main house and branch houses alike, were putting up a Christmas tree, “just like the ones in all the TV shows,” Momiji had declared, who’d been the most knowledgeable of them all on Western traditions. Hatori had trouble saying no to the request, especially when Kisa’s eyes had lit up and Hiro had firmly backed her in her pleas.

So they’d bought a tree, fresh and raining pine needles all over their tatami, and Hatsuharu had helped Tohru organize an ornament-decorating event.

And Yuki was there, Ayame thought angrily, happy for once at a family gathering. Helping shower glitter over cut-out snowflakes, smiling, even getting along with Kyo-- He'd been finally set at ease by Momiji’s bright chatter, with an occasional festive English or German word thrown in, and Tohru’s quiet, delighted murmurs, and even Kyo’s grumbles that were good-natured for once. The adults served drinks and chatted and were civil because no one could resist the lure of the holiday spirit, especially when it came in form of bright-eyed, happy children, and everyone was getting along.

Ayame thought, sometimes, that he’d like to kill Akito for ruining that. Always, always, always so selfish.

Shigure stretched languidly, deceptively casual as he watched Ayame fight for some semblance of control. “Don’t worry, Aya,” he said with a lazy smile, razor-edged. “I’ll talk to him.”

“Shigure,” Hatori said sharply and Shigure only shrugged, still half-grinning.

“Patch me up later, all right, Ha-chan?” Bare feet padding across the wooden floor, he slid the door back and peered into the dimly-lit room. “For Yuki,” he said softly, canting his head back at the other two men and giving them a rueful look. “For you, Aya,” he added, his expression turning serious. “For Christmas.” He turned back and stepped inside.

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Posted: 12.21.2005