The Sohma Litters *a Traditions Sequel*

Chapter Eight: Meanwhile back on the other Island


Hatori\'s POV

Ayame lay on his stomach, half under the covers, his long silver hair splayed around him like a veil. He was so quiet and peaceful I hated to wake him. I sat on the edge of the bed, and watched him as I tied my tie. If only I didn\'t have three appointments today . . . .
He stirred softly and set his hair in motion, as waves of it caressed the sheets and pillows. I loved watching him wake up, he was so childlike and innocent at this one time each day.
\"No, I didn\'t eat the umeboshi, Okaasan, it was Gure-san.\" I couldn\'t help myself and I chuckled as softly as I could manage. Large golden eyes flickered open and looked at me. Such bewilderment, as if each morning he was surprised to find me here. I watched him blink away sleep as I slid my socks on my feet.
My Aya was a slow waker, just like Yuki had been and I never rushed him when I didn\'t need to. Surprisingly he can be as violent in waking as a certain rat. I once made that mistake and discovered the serpants fangs as he struck like lightening. He was apologetic, but I had learned a big lesson. Leave sleeping snakes lie when they curl up like that. Coiling is my warning sign that Aya is upset, he rolls up as tightly as he can, and then be careful.
\"Tori? What are you thinking?\" he said as he lay there in all his glory, the sheets had fallen away to reveal his small firm stomach and hips and a tantalizing glimpse of heaven.
\"I was thinking we should have done that years ago. Don\'t shy up on me again, alright?\" he blushed from head to toe, and I watched the slow spread of it, as it made it\'s way along his long lean frame.
\"You are an evil man, Sohma Hatori. And you will ruin me yet. Are you leaving already?\" I nodded at him as I finished with my socks. His face took on that familiar pouting expression, and I leaned down and placed a gentle kiss on it.
\"Come with me?\" he smiled then and in a heartbeat he was out of bed and headed to the bathroom. If I knew my Aya, he would have himself dressed and Zuki ready to go in fifteen minutes flat. I headed for the kitchen to finish my coffee from earlier as I waited for them.
Ever since he had sold his shop to Mine, Aya had been my constant companion. He would spend the day caring for Mizuki and Takahito at the office or if Kisa was around, he would do my filing and make calls for me. He had an amazing business sense and was the perfect partner for anyone. I could see to my patients knowing that all my affairs were organized, and that my appointment book was never too full.
Then, we would spend the rest of the day as a family, doing the small insignificant things that kept me sane. It was never quiet with Ayame around and that wasn\'t what I wanted anyway. He was my rising sun and my shining moon, he lit up my world, kept me warm and dazzled me on a daily basis. How I had ever stood life without him was a mystery to me now. And had I married Kana, I would have missed out on this whole thing. Life takes care of us sometimes and the trials we go through teach us to appreciate the things we have so much more.
I was about to do something for Ayame that I knew would show him just how much I appreciated him. And I was going to dazzle him, for a change.