The Sohma Litters *a Traditions Sequel*

Chapter Twelve: Hatori\'s surprise


Hatori\'s POV

\"Ayame, I know you don\'t remember. But, Akito had nightmares. Would wake screaming from some unknown terror. And never told me what they were about, but after I would catch Akito staring at one or more people, as if they were about to burst into flame on the spot. Remember, Yamamoto? The previous Tiger? I remember Akito staring at her, just before she had the stroke. Never even flinched when she doubled over. At the time I thought it was just Akito\'s mind going, the way evil seemed to creep in on the family heads. Now, I wonder if it isn\'t some kind of prescience. And Mikita was terrified for Yuki. I am just worried. I wish they would come home. OR just call, but I didn\'t want to worry them.\"
\"Tori, if Yuki was hurt, you know Kyo would let us know as soon as he could. It will be fine.\" I watched Ayame\'s features, knowing how hard it was for him to comfort me, when the subject of our discussion was his own precious little brother. It must be killing him not to go off all panicked. I smiled at his attempt.
\"You are probably right. Akito never said anything about it, so I am just overreacting. By the way, I have something for you.\" I took his hand and pulled him behind me to the small office in the rooms I used for my work at the main house. I sat him in the large leather overstuffed chair and opened the desk drawer. Pulling out a small box, I went to him and dropped down in front of him. He watched me with animated amusement at my moves. He was about to have that surprise.
\"Ayame, I want to let the world know how important you are to me. I want you to be only mine.\"
\"Tori don\'t be silly, of course I am only yours.\" I opened the box in my hand, and Ayame looked down. I would give half of the Sohma fortune to see that expression and realize that for the first time since I had met him, Ayame was speechless.
\"I want to take a lesson from Kyo and Yuki. I want what they have, with you. Will you allow me to announce to the world, how much I love you?\" Golden eyes bore through me into my very soul, and when the liquid pooled into the corners, I was almost afraid of what I had done. Long slender fingers snaked around my hands and pulled the box out of them. They were shaking as they took the ring out and held it before his face, before he once again looked at me. I was near to panic, and the silence was making me crazy. Ayame reached for my hand and placed the ring in it, before presenting me his. I took the message and slid the ring home. Then those same hands reached to pull me frantically into his arms.
\"Tori . . . . my dragon . . . . . how could you know what I have craved? You see the real me through the window of my heart and give me exactly what I need most. I do not live without you, I am merely a shell, but with you I am whole and complete, I have meaning. I am somebody in your arms, and I have no fears.\"
\"Is that a yes?\" I couldn\'t resist, as he held me tightly against his chest. The laughter bubbled up and shook us both, as he realized I had just made a joke. It wasn\'t really funny, but I do not normally try for humor. I leaned away, and he looked down, nodding vehementally.
\"Yes, yes, YES! And don\'t think you can back out now. I am going to get a witness, immediately.\" but he didn\'t move and neither did I. We didn\'t need witnesses, just each other.