My, My, Imai! Vol. I

Hatori:
Hatori had gone to bed not long after Imai bid him goodnight, waking up early in the morning to be ready a good hour before he had told Shigure to meet him there. As usual, he was perched behind his desk in his chair, dark hair still damp from his morning shower as he read in the morning sunlight that poured through his open windows.

He was not occupied by books this time, however. Staring out one of the windows seemed to be in their place that morning, though it was something that always happened eventually in the winter time. The snow... It would no doubt be falling soon judging from the chill that filled the room, biting at his pallid skin even beneath the sleeves of his dress shirt.

Hatori always became somewhat sentimental when the snow started to fall, even after all the time that had passed.

Imai:
From across the garden, the window to Akito and Imai's room could be seen. Through the window, it looked as though a struggle was taking place... But it was only Imai being fitted for a new outfit for not only Christmas, but New Year's as well. She hated being fitting for things, but everybody had the same sense of relief that it wasn't Aya who was making the young woman's outfits.

What looked like a struggle was actually the servants trying to stuff as much of Imai into as little cloth as possible. It happened every year; since Imai was Akito's sister, she had to look better than any of the others of the Sohma family, despite the fact that the rooster had come in last at the legendary banquet. It had been as though she were meant to dance every year at the banquet, and it really made her sick.

She really only wished that she didn't have to such in the non-existent pudge that the servants claimed they could see. She only weighed ninety pounds! While there wasn't an ounce of muscle on her body, there wasn't any FAT, either!

The 'struggle' continued for some time, and probably would last throughout the day and into the next. She was only glad that she had the energy, now, to keep up with the other women who tugged, pulled, sewed, and pricked.

Hatori:
Akito's hair was dark, but not long like the maid's working with Imai, and Hatori relaxed a little bit after further observation from his vantage point. Things had been going too smoothly for them to be ended right before the holidays, and it was along these train of thoughts that he wondered just how much longer Imai's visiting time in his study would last.

The doctor leaned an elbow on the arm of his chair, hand folding at the wrist so that he could lean his cheek upon his knuckles as he continued to watch for a moment more, making no more out than just the sewing motions and all the outlines of the people present in that room. Eyes going down cast, the good doctor was stark still as he let his mind carry him away-- brushing over a bit of the past while mingling in the present time... Imai had made him say 'thank you', and he couldn't quite figure out how that had happened still.

He would have also liked to ask her to go along with them that morning, but refrained as Akito would not allow it.

Imai:
Imai had no idea that Hatori would have wanted her to go with him and the others for the shopping trip, but, no, Akito wouldn't allow it. She had never seen the outside world, and while she had heard stories of it, and had seen pictures of it, she had never once stepped foot outside of the Main Compound. She had never seen a train up close, had never seen a car, and had never been to the movies. She knew nothing of eating at restaurants and walking crowded streets, or looking into windows at clothes she might like to wear. She had never once handled money, and knew not how it worked. She was a hermit, but not by her own choice.

She had once asked her elder brother if she could see the outside world, but she had been beaten severely for it, and had never dared to ask again. The only taste she'd had of the outside were the stories and pictures that Shigure had shown her, and no matter how often she heard the stories or saw the pictures, she wanted so much more than just that.

But everyone knew that she may not be able to handle it if she ever did get the chance; she would be an easy target for mishaps and clumsiness with her curious nature, and it was certain that a crowded street would prove to be a huge problem in itself. Never mind that she'd not be able to fully experience things if she got frightened, erasing the memories of everyone on a crowded sidewalk if she transformed would be worse.

Hatori:
It was for the better, anyhow. Hatori didn't enjoy erasing one person's memory let alone half the city. Ayame would be enough to provide all the mischief one man needed in a life time in five minutes, anyhow, and Shigure would be two fold the handful.

Speaking of that dog, he was running late. Hatori had turned away from the scene across the way and took to glaring at the clock. Though while he glared, he was still thinking about things that were random and pulled a cigarette out of his spare pack kept in his desk drawer. Any longer, and the doctor would lose all interest in going at all. Such public outing in the middle of the busiest time of the year wasn't exactly his c up of tea, anyhow. Or coffee, for that matter, which he still had yet to get a single drop of.

Shigure:
No sooner had Hatori taken out his cigarette did Shigure show up at the door...

With Aya in tow...

Shigure was dressed conservatively; his winter robe donned with a coat and scarf. He looked nice in it... Nice and late.

Ayame:
And while Aya was dressed warmly, he was dressed in possibly the brightest colors possible. The red and gold hues of his winter cheongsam practically SCREAMED 'LOOK AT ME!'.

"OH! THE TRIO IS FINALLY TOGETHER AGAIN! THIS IS GOING TO BE THE BEST FUN!"

Shigure:
"Sorry we're late; Aya had to fix his hair."

Ayame:
"Well, I have to look my best, you know! I'm a representative for my shop! If I looked DREADFUL then NOBODY would stop in for the holidays! I'd lose all of my business!"

Shigure:
"I don't think there'll be a shortage in business anytime soon, Aya. Besides... I do try to stop in every now and then, don't I?"

Ayame:
"Oh, yes, you most certainly do!"

Shigure:
The teasingly suggestive tones the two took with each other would probably be enough to drive Hatori insane... But he was probably used to it by then, anyway; they all grew up together, right?

Hatori:
The good doctor didn't even flinch when the other two came parading in so suddenly, calmly lighting the cigarette that he had gotten out with every intention to smoking it all the way through. They had made him wait, so now the tables were turned.

"Boisterous as ever first thing in the morning, I see," he commented idly, chair creaking as he leaned back to relax a moment longer before charging off with his two friends into the wild, holiday rush.

Hatori had abandoned his thoughts the second the duo appeared, for it was impossible to be contemplative with them around to talk one's ears off.

"Where's my coffee?"

He needed all the energy he could spare.

Shigure:
"Well, we planned on catching a bite to eat first before going to the shops; I'm sure you can last twenty more minutes without coffee. No worries, though, breakfast is one me."

Ayame:
"It really is too bad that we couldn't stay to enjoy Tohru's WONDERFUL breakfast! It's such a crying--OH! They're doing it all wrong! The sleeves shouldn't be rolled INWARD!"

Aya hadn't been able to help himself when he noticed, through the window, what those servants were doing to that poor girl.

"Besides, she's supposed to SUFFOCATE, not get her ribs broken! Oh, if only I could get my hands on that girl, I'd make her LIFE of the banquet!!"

Shigure:
"Every year you get your panties in a wad over what the servants do about the clothes. And every year, I tell you.. Over and over again.. You can dress anybody ELSE up how
you want to, but you can't touch HER. You'll ruin her mind!"

Hatori:
"Take credit for your own dirty work," said Hatori casually after a long drag of his cigarette, a hand outstretching to offer one to Shigure as he addressed him.

If anyone, it was that dog that did the tainting around this family and everyone already knew it.

"Maybe Ayame should be able to do something. She looks more than a little uncomfortable with what's being done to her now."

Hatori had no objections to it, having seen Ayame's handy work to know that he was capable of producing a luxurious costume, though it would have to follow some guild lines. Costumes didn't have to be revealing to be the main attraction, after all.

Ayame:
"See? Hatori thinks that my work is BEAUTIFUL! I'm going to go talk to those ladies right now! I'll be certain to have her outfit done FAR before the banquet AND Christmas!"

Shigure:
Despite the fact that Shigure was possibly the largest pervert to have ever walked the planet, he was starting to get sick to his stomach thinking about the things Ayame might come up with. Imai was like a little sister to him in a way, and just like he would think if he HAD a little sister, he didn't want her parading around with something close to hanging out. Besides... Akito would have a shit-fit.

But before he could say anything to Ayame, the silver wiggle-worm had already rushed out of the room and across the gardens.

"Thanks, Ha'ri.."

Nobody could really be sure if it was for the offered cigarette that he readily took and lit... Or if it was for Hatori's comment that had spurred Ayame into a fashion frenzy.

But, either way, he could talk to Hatori for a little bit until they finished smoking. He doubted that Ayame needed to hear this anyway; while the snake was perfectly capable of being serious, he didn't know very much about Imai, and it really wasn't any of his business.

Not that what Shigure was about to ask was any of HIS business, but he was still curious. You know... The little sister complex and all.

"So..."

He took a long pull before puffing the smoke out through his lips.

"... Since you so ungratefully hung up on me the other night--"

He feigned sadness in the most dramatic way possible; throwing his hand to his forehead and faking a swoon.

"-- why don't you tell me about this whole deal with Imai-chan reading your books?"

Hatori:
Shigure had nothing to worry about. Hatori wouldn't let Ayame go overboard with this project anymore than he would, so Imai would be saved as far as dignity was concerned. Ayame simply had a better taste for colors and small details that could make her stand out the most at the ceremonies, that's all.

Hatori didn't answer his cousin right away, lazily pulling out his arm to tap the ashes from the end of his 'stink stick' in his tray to keep them from falling all over the place.

"I didn't think it was that big of a deal. She wanted to read, and so I let her."

It really was simple. Though she was forbidden to socialize, it could hardly be called that when they simply sat in a room together and didn't exchange a word-- Until recently, anyhow.

"Why does it matter so much? I'm prepared to take responsibility."

Shigure:
"You make it sound as though you let young women into your study to read every day, Ha'ri. Is there something you're not telling me?"

Shigure smirked before ashing his cigarette and taking another pull.

"No, but really... If you two get caught, this little loophole of socialization you two have made for yourselves won't matter to Akito; She told me the other day that he tried to choke her about a week ago because she pushed him off of her. I don't know why she's getting bolder, but if the two of you happen to get caught, I'm afraid that he might do more than choke her."

His head lifted when he heard a yelp... Followed by Ayame's voice. Apparently, the poor snake was already taking over the costume plans and was rushing about to try and find something.

But something clicked in his head... A loophole. That was it!

**Maybe if Aya actually DOES get Imai's costume together... It'll be too inconvenient to run back and forth to his shop all the time for materials with all the testing he likes to do. Maybe... With that excuse... Akito might let her out for once. A slim chance, but I'd like for her to see the outside before too long; she's already rotting in here.**

Hatori:
"Oi."

Without warning, Hatori leaned over and flicked Shigure between the eyes on the forehead, though it wasn't anything painful.

"Stop thinking; it can't be anything good."

Shigure was also notorious for crazy ideas as much as tainting, and Hatori had grown to know that scheming expression after years of experience. Nothing good ever came out of wild plans, but he wasn't exactly giving this one a chance right off the bat. There was a lot to consider in this particular situation, including being punished ten times over for even suggesting anything to Akito.

Shigure:
"Ow!"

Shigure snapped out of his thought process as though it had been a rubber band stretched too far. Rubbing his forehead, he took another drag of his cigarette.

His eagerness to help Imai experience things had clouded the consequences behind the very idea of it. He resolved that he wouldn't be the one to ask.

"No, I guess it's not. I was just trying to figure out some sort of way to get Imai off of these grounds. She'll rot here, and no matter how much better she might be doing, seeing the same things every day isn't good for her health... And you don't have to be a doctor to know that."

The dog stubbed out his cigarette before stretching and letting out a great yawn.

"Come on... Let's get this shopping over with... Any excuse to get Aya away from Imai; he's probably scaring the life out of her!"

Imai:
And he was! She'd only met Ayame a few times, and those few times that she HAD met him, she'd felt direly uncomfortable with him. Something was off about the man... Even Momiji didn't wear as bright of colors as Ayame did!

She was currently being measured, and had several pieces of fabric pinned haphazardly to her body. Apparently, the silver-haired man was trying to find colors that would go with her hair and eyes.

"A... Ayame-san... I.. I don't think-- OW!"

Ayame:
"Hold still, now! I'm trying my best not to prick you, but you keep squirming!"

Imai:
"... ... ..."

That hurt... She'd never liked things being poked at her, especially by loud, fashion-crazed men.

Ayame:
"Green!! Yes! DEFINATELY, the GREEN!!"

He'd all but kicked the servants out of the room as he rushed about to find the perfect colors. At least he got one part done... If only his shop was PORTABLE!

"Now... Do you want a low-cut or a high-cut top? Really, your chest area is MAGNIFICANT! To ACCENTUATE the bosom, you should wear a low-cut!"

Imai:
Imai was utterly mortified... She just hoped that Shigure and Hatori showed up soon to get the strange man to stop talking about her breasts! Then again, she didn't want to be caught DEAD in this situation, either... Especially by Hatori or Shigure.

Hatori:
"It should be a higher cut," came Hatori's voice over the chaos Ayame single handedly caused in the room of the Main house.

Poor Imai wasn't having any luck at all, but at least her heroes were experienced with this sort of rescue mission and would have her out of the eye of the storm in no time.

His jacket was slung over one shoulder, held up with a single hand and its hooked finger while the other was tucked away in the front pocket of his slacks. Same outfit, but different colors-- Hatori always looked his profession, even when he wasn't going out.

"Let's leave this task for later and get on with what was originally planned. I still haven't had my coffee."

None of them seemed to realize how essential that little detail was to get his day started. Nothing was said to Imai, for there wasn't a think to be embarrassed over. He and Shigure were the most used to Ayame, anyhow.

Imai:
Imai's face flushed almost as red as her hair, from neckline to hairline if it were possible.

Shigure:
"A turtle-neck might suit her better. Long sleeves, maybe? A ski-mask? She shouldn't show too much, or she'll freeze her pretty little toes off!"

Ayame:
"Oh, Shigure! You always ruin all of my fun!"

The snake turned to Imai, pointing a pale and slender finger at her.

"We'll continue this tomorrow! So be up bright and early! We've got a lot of work to do!"

Imai:
Despite her mortification that Shigure and Hatori had walked in on the bosom comment, she was still quite thankful that they were taking Ayame away from her... At least until tomorrow. She wasn't sure how it had gotten started, but she was very uncomfortable with Ayame handling her. She still had a bit of trouble with HATORI handling her... And he was her DOCTOR!

And maybe a bit of a friend, too, but that didn't help any.

"Y... Yes, Sir.."

Imai's reply came as a stammered mumble. She said nothing to Hatori, but the look in her eyes was one of silent thanks; it was clear that she'd been just a bit uncomfortable in that situation, and that she wasn't looking forward to it again.

Hatori:
As he eyes were that of thanks, Hatori's were of apologizes. It was his fault mostly that Imai was in this crazy situation, though he would hope she would learn to trust Ayame to some degree. He really was wonderful with what he did, and the emerald green was stunning just from sample pieces tacked onto her.

"Let's go," he said a moment later, turning on his heel to start back out the way they'd come in, expecting the two to make the trio complete to follow.

As he walked away, he wondered if there would ever be a normal morning again now that Ayame had made it his personal mission to be Imai's designer.

...This probably meant they would see a whole lot more of Shigure, too.

What did he do?