Septic

Warnings: Shounen-ai! Yeah, that’s right! Woot!

Disclaimer: Last time I checked, I wasn’t an international manga millionaire, so maybe that means I don’t own Fruits Basket? Hmmm…could be.

A/N: Righty-o! Yuki’s character is slightly off because I wanted it to be! Just think of Yuki as being more irritable and less understanding than usual, like he’s PMSing or something!^_^
//=thoughts

Now on with the show!!
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THAT STUPID RAT! I WILL beat him…If I can ever move again. Another fight, another injury…but this time, it’s bad. Real bad. Why did he have to hit me so damn hard?! Was he really angry? What the hell did I do to deserve this?! Everything is so dark and it’s hard to breathe…My lungs burn…I can’t feel anything! Damn rat…You will pay for this…When I can…move…//

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The next few days were a blur for Kyo. Images of familiar faces flashed through his mind, but he could never hold to consciousness long enough to get any answers.
Hatori had been called shortly after Kyo and Yuki’s most recent fight when the cat wouldn’t rise. Nothing would rouse the unconscious boy, and it brought even more worry when his breathing became shallow and far between. Shigure gallantly performed CPR on the fading cat since Yuki believed it was just a farce. Luckily Tohru was with Uo and Hana or else she herself would have passed out. Hatori showed up and pronounced Kyo in critical condition and that he would need to go to hospital; a desperate measure for the Sohmas. It was a miracle that the stress on Kyo’s body hadn’t caused him to transform…Which could have dire consequences in and of itself.
Kyo had suffer maj major concussion, broken ribs which caused a punctured lung, as well as a ruptured appendix. Kyo was now septic, a deadly possibility. He lay in a coma. His life was in great danger, all because Yuki would never believe him…

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“Man, why does my side hurt so much,” Kyo whispered to himself. He could never admit pain in front of the nezumi, it just wasn’t allowed. He was glad Tohru had gone with her friends, he didn’t want her fretting over him, Ae woe wouldn’t have to deal with her either. Truthfully, his side had been bothering him for days now, and the pain was slowly escalating. The pain was all he could think of during school…which could have caused some problems. Today was the day he decided he would go to Hatori, after he dropped his things at home. He had to be rid of this wretched feeling somehow…
Yuki had noticed Kyo’s strange behavior and his apparent lack of fighting. Usually they fought everyday, but for the past week, the neko hadn’t even called him a name. It was frustrating that his only source of stress relief had abandoned him! He didn’t trust Kyo and thought he was up to something. Kyo wouldn’t even reply to Yuki’s many insults! The cat was trying to get Yuki’s guard down to finally beat him! That had to be it! Something had to be done…

“Stupid cat, why haven’t you fought me all week?”

“Not… in… the mood…” Kyo panted, clutching his side as the pain suddenly intensified. But he still had to hold on…he had to wait until Yuki was home so he could dismiss his disappearance to Hatori’s as brooding on the roof.
Just a little further to home…Kyo felt Yuki’s fist in his gut before he even heard the rat’s backpack fall to the ground. Kyo staggered and fell to his knees. This was the last thing he wanted right now! He had been trying to avoid this all week because he knew he wouldn’t be at his best…but before he could rise to defend himself, Yuki’s foot connected with his chest with a sickening crack. Kyo refused to scream.
Yuki continued his assault on the fallen Kyo, quelling any half-hearted attempts of the cat fighting back. Granted, Kyo got a few punches in, but they were not up to their usual standard. It was all one big plan to get the rat to stop fighting! That had to be it! Was Kyo giving up?! That could never be tolerated! What would Yuki do if there was no Kyo to fight with? How could there be no rivalry?! They were born to be rivals! Stupid lying cat! Kyo couldn’t use Yuki like that, make peace then turn around and finally beat him! He expressed his thoughts through his kicks and punches, putting all possible strength into teaching Kyo he could never beat Yuki! Never! He didn’t notice Kyo’s harsh panting, or the constant clutching of his abdomen…he didn’t notice when Kyo stopped fighting back. It was Shigure who threw Yuki away from Kyo’s still form. The dog tried to wake Kyo, but it wouldn’t happen… It was Shigure who brought life back to Kyo’s empty lungs. Aya was the one to call Hatori, after watching Shigure’s futile attempts to revive the cat. And still, Yuki thought the cat was faking it to get out of a good fight, so left for his room, disgusted by the cat’s pathetic display. Even when he heard that Hatori came, he thought the cat would get over his minor injuries. He refused to believe the news that Kyo needed to go to the hospital…Days passed and Yuki would not believe…until the look in Tohru’s eyes said it all.

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She had com come home from visiting Kyo, her eyes red and swollen from crying. Yuki brushed it off as her normal worrying…she was always crying, but usually with joy. Her eyes held no joy this day. Something deep within Yuki told him something was terribly wrong. He went to her as she bustled around in the kitchen. It was only then that Yuki had truly noticed how hurt Tohru was…she leaned against the counter and trembled violently as silent sobs wracked her body.

“Why?” she croaked softly, speaking into her hand as if trying to hold in the sobs. “Why?” She mumbled over and over before sinking to the ground. “What did he do to deserve this?”

Yuki held his ground at the entrance to the kitchen, being as silent as possible while Tohru had her time…

“He can’t-” Her words were broken by a heart-wrenching moan of despair. “Kyo can’t die…”

Yuki almost snickered at that comment. He confidently strode into the kitchen and placed a comforting hand on Tohru’s shaking shoulder.

“That stupid cat won’t die,” Yuki flatly said. “He wasn’t hurt that badly. He’s had worse.”

Tohru shrieked and jumped under Yuki’s palm, which in turn made the rat withdraw his hand. Tohru looked up at him, her eyes glistening with tears and sorrow, but they also held something new…Something Yuki had never seen in her courageous eyes…She held fear…and anger.

“He was sick…” she whispered, lowering her eyes. “Yuki…he could die, right now-,” her voice cracked. “Because he was so sick, but he hid it from you. You didn’t know…you didn’t want to know, Yuki! He could die and you wouldn’t believe,” her voice held a warm thread of anger….but she couldn’t be the one to make him realize his mistake. He had to do it on his own. She calmed instantly. “Go see him, please, Yuki… Please.”

Yuki tired to assure her again that the cat was fine, that he was just faking it…but the look in Tohru’s eyes stopped him. She gathered herself up from the floor, strode across the kitchen, and paused in the doorway.

“Sometimes we don’t see things because we don’t want to see them, and we are blind because of it,” she whispered, her back to Yuki. Then she walked away.

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Why am I doing this? Kyo does not deserve my sympathy for his secrecy! Whatever I did to him, he well and truly deserved! It’s probablst ast a broken leg and he’s in traction…There is no possible way to die from that! The nurses were just concerned about me bothering that stupid cat! Why would a traction patient need to worry about stress? Well, this is his room…I wonder how ridiculous he’ll look all alone in that huge bed, casted leg in the air… Why…why can’t I open the door? Why is it so hard for me to be here…Maybe. Perhaps Tohru was right. I’m afraid to see what I have truly done…
Oh my god...//

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The dim lighting gave no aid to Yuki’s vision. The cat lay limp and motionless upon the vast hospital bed. His body covered with the wires and tubes that were his lifelines to the machines keeping his body alive. The cold metallic sounds of the machines hurt Yuki’s ears, and the mechanically controlled breathing of the cat grated upon his hearing. Yuki had to know…He quietly walke the the side of the bed, close enough to see Kyo’s face, but far enough away to keep out of hitting range. At Yuki’s approach, Kyo did not stir. No expression lay on the cat’s bruised face; no response, not even a twitch.

“Wake up,” Yuki whispered.

No response. Yuki moved closer, standing at Kyo’s side.

“Wake up, you stupid cat!” Yuki hissed, louder this time.

The cat lay motionless, the machines breathing for him. Yuki pressed closer, whispering into the s ear.
r.

“Kyo! You worthless piece of filth! Wake up!” he said, voice dripping with venom.

And still, Kyo remained unconscious. Absolutely no response. He really was hurt. He was sick…Just because the rat wouldn’t believe him, the cat was on the brink of death…Because he wouldn’t believe. He believed now.

Yuki could not withstand the sudden rush of guilt. He collapsed at Kyo’s side, arm resting on the bed. He couldn’t get enough air and his eyes stung terribly with oncoming tears. Yuki panted for breath as the tears fell, something in him was begging for forgiveness…

“Kyo, I’m so sorry Kyo,” he whispered. “So sorry…”

Those words became his mantra as he released his own pain at Kyo’s side.

“So sorry…”

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These past few days have been hell. I can’t wake up, I can’t move, I can’t open my eyes…but I can hear everything! I heard Tohru and Kagura crying for me. Yuki did this to me, he made Tohru cry over me…Shigure said Yuki went berserk…but why?! The doctors say I could die from this…Anything could make the infection worse… Don’t worry, Tohru, I’ll make it, for you. I won’t let this beat me! I never give up!
What the hell was that?! Whose voice was that?! Goddamn rat! Why the hell are you here?! It’s your fault I’m stuck in this damn place! I hate you! I HATE YOU! What the hell did I do to deserve this, Yuki?! You beat the living hell out of me when I passed out! I know! I can hear every word you and everyone else says! I can’t wake up, because of you! When I do, YOU WILL PAY!!! Aww shit…I’ll get…you… //

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Yuki blinked awake. Awake? What happened?

“Good, you’re awake. We don’t need two sick Sohmas at once,” Haru’s voice greeted Yuki. The rat sat up and looked too his side, and there sat Haru, next to Yuki’s bed holding a compress. Before Yuki could ask, Haru answered.

“You had an attack in the hospital and passed out in Kyo’s room. I came to see how he was doing and I got you out of there before anything bad happened. But, you’re okay now, so I’m leaving.”

Yuki was shocked. Had seeing Kyo upset him so badly? Yes…it did…he did something completely dishonorable and shameful to an innocent person. He had hurt Kyo out of fear, which was unforgivable.
Haru stood and prepared to leave. The ox’s complete lack of contact with the rat worried him. Haru was usually hanging all over Yuki if the chance arose, but Haru kept his distance and attempted no conversation. Yuki saw something flash in his eyes…it was doubt. Doubt of Yuki?

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Haru looked at me with such intense doubt and disappointment that I felt something within me break. This person who loved me so deeply doubted me? How could I have done this?! Why did I do this?! If Haru could not look at me with admiration any longer…how could I possibly believe I was just in my actions? Tohru looked at me the same way…What is happening to me?! I can’t face anyone now…I can’t face him…Not after what I’ve done to him…There’s only one thing to do.//

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Yuki fell into a deep depression after Haru brought him home. He locked himself in his room and would allow no one in. He did not eat, nor drink for several days while wallowing in his own misery, trying to decide what could be done. Kyo’s condition improved over several days before the coma finally broke. He was still not able to leave the hospital, but he had pulled through. He was strangely quiet and reserved, though happy to be alive. He was plotting how he would deal with the rat, while Yuki made his own plans.

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“Hatori, I need an audience with Akito,” Yuki stated over the telephone.

“Yuki? Wha-”

“Please, I need to meet with Akito,” Yuki cut him off. He did not want to explain himself to anyone right now. He just wanted one thing.

“Very well. I’ll call you when I have it arranged,” Hatori replied.

“Thank you, Hatori.”

Yuki hung up before the doctor could ask any questions. He had been so dark lately, never replying to anyone’s questions, never taking up discussion. He was stuck within his own guilt and shame so deeply that the world no longer mattered to him. He had to find punishment for his dishonorable actions, and there was only one way to get that.
Hatori called back shortly saying Akito would meet with him in an hour and that he was on his way to pick Yuki up. The rat prepared himself for Hatori’s arrival.

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Soon, ya damn rat. Soon, I’ll be home and then I’ll give you what you deserve!//

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Yuki knelt on the matted floor before the languid Akito. The pale Sohma lay stretched out on his side, giving all his attention to the little bird perched upon his finger.

“So, Yuki, what made you want an audience with me so badly,” Akito asked, voice light and airy.

“Akito, I wish to live here, at the main house once again,” Yuki said, as emotionless as he felt.

“Hmmm…and what could have driven you to live near me once again? Perhaps you miss my attention, Yuki?”

“I cannot say, Akito. However, I can no longer live with Shigure. My place is here, at the House of Sohma.”

“I’m so glad we finally see eye to eye, Little Mouse! You have my permission to live here once again. Hatori shall prepare your rooms while you gather your things,” Akito replied, his eyes glinting with dark purpose as the bird retreated from his finger.

“Thank you, Akito,” Yuki solemnly said as he bowed deeply before leaving Akito’s venomous presence.

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Yuki packed quickly and left quickly with no word to anyone. Once again, Hatori, drove Yuki. When they reached the main house, Yuki grabbed his belongings and followed Hatori into the compound silently.

“Yuki…Kyo is alright now. You don’t have to do this,” Hatori said, keeping his eyes forward.

“You don’t understand…” Yuki drolly replied, voice devoid of all emotion. Yuki knew why he was doing this…this was the only place to receive true retribution. Akito would make him suffer greatly, and that would help to purge the pain in his guilty heart.

“I have to warn-” Hatori started, but was cut off by the soft, but dangerous voice of Akito.

“Welcome home, Yuki,” the god said mysteriously. “Hatori, take his things to my domicile.”

Hatori bowed and obeyed, eyes askance to Yuki, praying the child knew what he was doing.

Yuki started, eyes widening. His heart began to pound wildly at the horrible thought forming.

“Wh-why your house, Akito,” Yuki stammered.

“Because, Little Mouse, if you wish to live here again, it shall be with me.”

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Sorry, no smut in this chapter, but I gotta build up the drama!!

Hmmm...I wonder what will happen next? I'll post it if you request it! ^_^


Yuki:*whiny begging* Please, please don't leave me alone with Akito...

Akito: Oh, you know you like it! *pounce*

Yuki: *attempting to pry licking Akito from neck* Help. Me.

Meanwhile....at the hospital...

Kyo: *snore*kick* DAMN RAT! I'll git you, ya varmit!rashrashes wildly in bed*

Shigure: Shh!! I knew we were being too loud! We'll wake him up!

Aya: Oh, don't be silly, Gure! *smooch*

Hatori: Eh?

Aya: Get back down there! *shove*

Shigure: We've taught him well...