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Aiko Sohma

"No one stays around anymore. I cannot guess why."

0 · 395 views · located in Japan

a character in “Fruits Basket: It's Our Turn”, as played by Zalgo

Description

Aiko Sohma

Image



❝I do not ask you to not hate me, only to respect my authority.❞



Image



❝The Basics❞




| Full name |
Aiko Sohma

| Gender |
Male

| Age |
13

| Role |
The Head of the Family



❝Deeper Description❞



Image
| Eye Color |
Dark Blue bordering on Black

| Hair Color |
Pitch Black

| Height |
3'5"

| Weight |
81 lbs.

| Skin Tone |
Sickly Pale

| Distinct Markings |
NA

| Physical Description |
He stands at a measly 3'5" and weighs about 81 lbs. Both his hair and his eyes are black almost to the point of sucking the light out of any room he's present in. He is quite a small person even for a boy his age, accentuated by how thin he naturally is as well as his abnormally small rib cage which presses his organs tightly together and serves as a source for a great many of his problems. He detests sunlight and avoids it whenever possible making his skin extremely pale. Due to his frequent illnesses and generally poor health his skin is a slight tinge green, something that would be unnoticeable on anyone who wasn't as pale as he is. He carries dark bags under his eyes for he is a night owl(Figuratively) and often spends nights up and about instead of sleeping.

His demeanor is quite negative overall. His mood reflects quite clearly on his face, something he has trouble hiding and ninety percent of the time his mood is a bubbling disdain for everything and perhaps even all life. His frown drains all the cheer and merriment from any room he shows up in and he is almost always frowning. The times he does smile it is very unsettling. Thankfully he usually smiles when no one is watching. Ultimately Aiko would be quite a handsome young fellow as it is par for the course for his family if he were healthier and much less insular.



❝Interests❞




| Special Skills |
✔ Naturally Good at Sneaking aka Moving Silently and Remaining Unseen.
✔ Well Spoken.
✔ Intuitive with Technology.


| Likes |
♥ The Night.
♥ Dreary and Grey Rainy Days.
♥ Crows.
♥ His Father.
♥ Lemons.
♥ Obedience from Others.
♥ Seeing other People Sad.
♥ The Macabre.
♥ Painkillers.
♥ Technology that Makes Life Easier.
♥ Umbrellas.
♥ Metal Aviator Shades.
♥ Help.


| Dislikes |
✖ Disobedience.
✖ Pain.
✖ Sunlight.
✖ The Cat.
✖ Outsiders.
✖ Love.
✖ Children (Ironic considering his youth.)
✖ Crowds.
✖ People Touching Him for Non Medical Reasons.
✖ Being Disregarded/Ignored.
✖ Dust, Pollen and Other such Air Pollutants.
✖ Effort.
✖ Challenges.
✖ Being Emotionally Attached to Anyone in Any Way.
✖ Being Alone.
✖ Sickness.
✖ Himself.



❝Welcome to my Life❞




| Personality |
A dark one indeed.

As a person he is the very model of misanthropy. He dislikes almost everyone and trusts noone but himself. His perceived seperation from other's makes it difficult for him to relate to people on even a basic level. He does not like to make friends, only servants. People who try to interact with him like they're equals immediately trigger his paranoia, only serving to agitate him further. He was born with a grim nature and his time in the gloomy halls of the house only served to foster his dark fascination with topics of the macabre. Outwardly he appears to other people as a bitter and controlling young man. Inside he is a darker beast than the rest, even the cat.

His anger is great, subtle but deep running. Nearly any slight will vex him greatly and earning forgiveness from him is a herculean task. He dwells on the negative aspects of everyone he meets, churning and molding his hatred for them like a grain of sand in a clam's mouth. A majority of his anger towards people is born from his resentment and envy. He knows he is not the smartest member of the family but he most certainly is close to, if not is, the weakest member of his family. His constitution makes it a chore for him to simply traverse stairs. This feeling of inadequacy has been the root of his scorn for a great many of his years.

As the head of the family he has learned by example. He chooses the stick over the carrot, punishment over reward. He feels that if he is too nice to his family they will drift apart. Since his father's death the torch of leading the family has been passed to him along with a simple mandate: Protect the family, Protect the bond. His father was close to the only person he ever truly loved. He was his father, his mentor and his hero. He has held nothing but respect for everything his father did, no matter how cruel it was, to others and on occasion himself. He understood well that everything his father did he did for the families own sake.

Despite all this he is perhaps the least experienced in leading a family. He was a loner throughout his entire life, only concerned with himself and now he needs to take everyone into consideration. The only thing he has to guide him are the memories of his father so he leads the only way he knows how. He concerns himself solely with what is best for the family, concerning himself with his family members affairs solely for that reason. He couldn't care less about what his family thought or felt and would let them all go rot for all he cared but if there was one thing that was stronger than his disdain for those around him it was his reverence of his father.

His fears are numerous and each one spawning from his desire to not fail his father. In order to protect the family he's become a great deal more paranoid than he was normally, suspecting almost everyone of trying to undermine his authority and with good reason. He's younger than most everyone else, weaker than everyone and lacks any defining feature to make up for that besides the fact he is the core of their curse. Should anyone truly desire it wouldn't be difficult to seize control of the family from him. As such he vigilantly watches for any signs of disobedience and stomps the spark of anarchy out before it can blaze into an inferno, ruining everything he's worked towards.

| Theme Song |
Child King - Abney Park



❝Who I Am❞




| History |
Aiko was born with a ribcage smaller than one should be. His breathing was short so he needed an oxygen tank to breath throughout the earliest years of his life. His parents, father being the current head of the family at the time, watched his condition like hawks, keeping him in a sterile environment to make sure he didn't get infected. He was rarely ever allowed to leave the artificial environment due to the risk of getting infected, a risk he nor his parents could take. He was important to the order in which their family ran as he inherited the core of the zodiac curse.

Because of this he was very much alone, only ever seeing his parents, his tutor and his doctor. His mother was distant, raising him as more of a duty and less of something she actually wanted to do. His father was much more present in his life, teaching him the things his tutor did not teach. He did not understand the meaning of his fathers methods, often seeming strange although never unduly harsh. The reason was because he never got to really see any of the people, never got to know them very well. The only impression he got of the other members of the family were from when they would meet with his father. His father was cruel and hard with these people. He could only assume that unlike himself these people deserved it. It didn't help that he didn't care much for others to begin with.

It was when he was old enough to be capable of understanding the gravity of his fathers words that he was told the ultimate truth lurking beneath the surface of their family. His father explained the curse, his role in it and the fact that some day he will need to lead them, to protect them and maintain the bond as it is destined. It was from this point forward that his father's actions made sense. Everything he did, no matter how cruel it seemed, was to help them. He was serving as the spine as well as the mind of the family, doing what needed to be done no matter how unpopular that made him. Every time his father had to be strict with him he accepted it, knowing that it is all being done for his good as well as the good of the whole family. The rest of the family were all simply being selfish, only thinking of themselves instead of what was best for the family. It was only natural that father put them in their place.

He never understood his mother however. her actions and their motives still confuse him no matter how he looks at it. why she acted as though she was warm but avoided him none the less, why she always seemed evasive and nervous around father and most of all why she mysteriously never returned from a impromptu shopping trip on the same day his father explained the family curse. Every time he asked about his mothers disappearance his father would always say "Perhaps another time." He never answered his question.

His father was very frequently ill. Whenever his doctor wasn't treating him he was attending to his father. As Aiko grew up his ribcage grew slightly too, still constricting his lungs but letting up to some extent. He was able to venture around the family estate more but was still greatly hampered by his physical condition. To top it all off due to how sterile and clean his environment had been his already weak lungs never developed the strength to handle much stress or irritation. Dust, pollen and other such air pollutants would put him in coughing fits. He was given an inhaler to deal with such coughing spasms when they would occur.

All these factors culminated to create Aiko's loathing of the sun and the outdoors in general. While other children went out and played in the light Aiko lurked within the often empty corridors and of course his room. His room held all his books and games, the only things he needed to keep himself happy or so he told himself time after time. The only other person in his family he enjoyed the company of was his father. His father appreciated his enthusiasm for learning from him so that he may one day replace him. After all, Aiko was one of the few people who cooperated without harboring ill feelings towards him.

Life could only remain so simple for so long. His father's illnesses gradually got worse and more numerous over the passage of time. All the doctor's efforts were in vain as it was evident that his father's time was coming. The curse was collecting it's due. Before his passing, his father explained to him that now was the time to become the new head, to uphold the family harmony and protect it from all that would bring it harm. "If you have learned nothing else from me, always remember: Protect the bond." It was the final lesson his father gave to him before his passing.

His father's death impacted him the most out of every family member. When it came time to rise up and become the man his father was he stepped up to the challenge. Armed only with his father's teachings and a bond he alone controlled he changed himself to be the person this family needed him to be. No longer would he be Aiko Sohma the grim child. He would become Aiko Sohma, the head of the family. Now only time can tell whether he will steer his family towards a bright new horizon or into oblivion.


|Thoughts on Other Characters|
Keiko Sohma
"She is a good listener. I like that she respects the families harmony. Still, I can only wonder if her loyalty to the family holds true when she believes I cannot hear her talking behind my back."

Haruji Sohma
"A helpful sort. Too helpful. He'd best resolve his own issues before helping others with theirs or else I will resolve his problems for him."

Yuuto Sohma
"Weak and stupid. My father tried to make him stronger but I do not think he took my father's lesson to heart. I will not suffer his nonsense."

Ichirou Sohma
"Speaking as a person, He's annoying most of the time. Speaking as the head of this family, he respects the families harmony well enough and can even prove useful. He seems more than happy to listen to Keiko. If Keiko proves dependable, I will have little to worry about from him."

Hiiro Sohma
"Usurper. I cannot trust her. From what I've gathered about her she seems much too well liked by the others. She is something to keep my eye on in case it develops."

Pippa Sohma
"A threat to the families harmony. Controlling, manipulative, forceful, a genuine menace. Should she force my hand my wrath will fall upon her a thousandfold. She will either fall in line or she will fall. By the time I'm done with her there will not be anyone left waiting to catch her at the bottom."

Miuru Sohma
"I only know about her from what her father has mentioned of her. I too remember the incident with her brother and her father's failures that followed. He sometimes speaks of her, speaking well of her qualities. She sounds quite nice but who doesn't when your only source of information is their father? Needless to say I should meet with her at some point to get to know her better."

Kaida Sohma
"She knows more about preserving the harmony than anyone else I know. Her counsel is more valuable than the rest of this families. It's a shame she doesn't get along with her brother but unless it becomes an issue then I do not think I want to bother with that realm of interaction."






So begins...

Aiko Sohma's Story

Setting

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Character Portrait: Aiko Sohma
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#, as written by Zalgo
And so the cycle of life continues




Aiko slowly roused from his sleep, the familiar sight of his room greeting his sight. He turned the valve on his oxygen tank, effectively damming the stream of oxygen to his mask. He set his oxygen mask on his nightstand and sat up, turning to see the current time. 2:47 PM, would be quite an unusual time to wake up for most people. Aiko was not most people. He tended to stay awake quite late, sometimes even up until daybreak. His doctor recommends he sleep at a more regular schedule but he can't seem to break his pattern. He simply enjoys the night too much to bother sleeping until his tiredness overcomes him.

He spent a good half an hour or so getting up from bed, engaging in his usual morning routine. He dressed up in his usual apparel, a black dress shirt with long sleeves, black dress pants and comfortable black house shoes all appropriately tailored to his size, and equipped himself for another long day with a touch screen phone and a black pen. He went over to his calendar which was amusingly enough a zodiac animal themed one and marked off another day. The act of recording the passage of time got him thinking about the topic, a topic which depressed him.

Every time I look at that calender I swear time is moving faster. The days fly by so quickly and yet each and every one feels like an eternity. He stepped away from the calendar to face the door. His door was made from solid metal, something he had custom designed for him. First he unhooked the chain lock, then the unlocked the Dead bolt, and finally he scanned his identification onto a key card reader, the reader being his latest addition to his personal security. He stepped from his room and immediately began locking his door behind him, going down through each lock with a rapid efficiency that could only be born of much repetition. Some may call him paranoid but he believes paranoid is just something people call him to get him to drop his guard.

As he walked down the halls he came to a set of window beaming sunlight through. Instead of simply passing through said beams he took the time to lower the blinds on each window, all while trying to avoid looking into the light as it would make his eyes hurt. His eyes were currently adjusted to the dark and the sudden brightness of the outdoors would make them hurt. When the hallway was dark again he continued on his way. As he traveled through the darkened halls of his estate his mind was left to wander while his body autonomously went about it's duties.


Since the beginning of time the stories have been a staple of humanity, an archetype. The authority rules using it's power but no matter how long it may take, no matter how daunting the challenge, someone always rises to the challenge and defeats the authority, stripping him of everything he owns and casting him down only to take his place.

This story repeats endlessly, no matter the culture. The greek titan of time who is slain by it's own progeny, The shogun who is slain by the son of a murdered samurai family out of revenge, The cruel baron who is bested and robbed by the forest dwelling hero of the people, The cruel landlord who is shown up by the kindness and perseverance of the happy family and supportive neighborhood.

I did not defeat the authority and take anything away. I was given this, trained to become this by my father. I am the authority, I am destined to be overthrown. If that was all I had to fear that would be enough, but that is just the tip of the iceberg. Not only am I the authority but as part of the curse my health will steadily deteriorate, leading me to the same death which claimed him. No matter how I look at my situation, I lost before I was even born. Still, I must not surrender to despair. I was trained since birth to lead this family, I shall do my father proud no matter what.

But how?

He accomplished so much before his death. He managed to lead these people and command their respect, bringing fortune and prosperity to this family and all while raising me. How can I possibly compare to accomplish so much with as little time as I have. Not only must I work to reinforce and maintain the respect and obedience of every family member but I must also guide them, protect them and help them become the best they can be. On top of that, I have to account for our household's wealth and find time to bring a son into this world to take my place when the inevitable fate laid out for me takes it's course.

This life is hell. I cannot stand it. I cannot stand these people and I barely have the constitution to focus on living each day. Yet here I am, leading this family as my father and each father before him has. If each of them has had the same afflictions I now bear then how? How do they do what I find to be a task beyond my ability to accomplish.
Oh, what I would give for their secrets...



He checked the clock in the main reception room. The others should be home from school any minute now He confirmed, all preparations done. He wasn't in school himself, he was always tutored within the safety of the household due to his inability to endure the rigors of travel beyond these halls. His tutor would see him later in the evening, a convenient arrangement considering his sleeping habits.

Aiko had set out seats and various home comforts to welcome those in the family who wished to speak with him. His general melancholy soured into downright reluctance, his enthusiasm for seeing and talking with other people being at it's usual low. As much as he didn't want to speak with them, he knew he needed to. It was his duty as the head of the family to listen and assist his family members, to ensure each one of them is safe and content. He was pretty terrible at hiding his true feelings towards these people but he would try, oh how he would try, to maintain the family harmony.

He waited, standing tall and professionally for a young man despite his diminutive size. He was dressed appropriately for the occasion, more formal than any of his family members would likely make of it. He made sure to try and bottle his honesty and put it away while he stood waiting to greet the other members on their way.

Setting

Characters Present

Character Portrait: Ichirou Sohma Character Portrait: Keiko Sohma Character Portrait: Miuru Sohma Character Portrait: Aiko Sohma
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Keiko Sohma

A troop of middle school girls passed by Keiko, jogging with ease. They were truly luck to have such well built bodies.

“…Keiko-san.” Keiko jumped at the voice next to her and immediately bowed as an apology.

"I'm terribly sorry, I didn't mean to block the path." Keiko said quickly, keeping her eyes to the ground. When there was no reply, Keiko finally looked up to see Miuru Sohma, the resident Dog of the curse. "Ah, Miuru! It's so nice to see you are going to school!" Keiko moved next to Miuru with her usual smile, thinking of what else to say to her younger cousin. "Not saying that I didn't think you were in school ... I mean, I'm glad you are working hard! Are you headed somewhere in particular?" Keiko smiled more to herself than anything as she grasped the small angel hanging from her necklace. "I'm on my way to see Aiko. It's been more than a week and I thought I should go and see him today."

Keiko continued to walk with Miuru until she had to go her own way. "Bye, Miuru! Stop by my house sometime, alright?" With that, Keiko walked in the direction of Aiko's house. As she got closer, Keiko realized how nervous she really was. She was always like that around him. Keiko didn't want to say or do something wrong. But visiting Aiko had to be done, no ... visiting him was a privilege. Being in the presence of the most powerful person in her life was an honor bestowed on a lowly rat.

Keiko's cell phone rang as she approached the front doors. It was Ichirou.

Hey Keiko! The forecast is clear for tonight. Do you want to go stargazing?

I'll reply later, she told herself, placing her phone back in her bag.

Keiko entered house she was all to used too. A pair of house slippers waited for her and a small stand next to the door was willing to take her bag. After she switched to the slippers, Keiko made her way to the room Aiko usually was in when they visited. She cracked open the door and saw him, then entered and bowed deeply.

"Hello, Aiko," Keiko stood up straight and smiled. "It's very nice to see you again."

Setting

Characters Present

Character Portrait: Yuuto Sohma Character Portrait: Haruji Sohma Character Portrait: Hiiro Sohma Character Portrait: Aiko Sohma
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Image




Image




Hiiro had mumbled a "thank you" once Haruji set the chopsticks down on the table. She quickly grabbed a pair of chopsticks for herself and sat patiently at the table and waited for the others to join in. She remembered thisfeeling....with her fiancé. She'd always cook the meals and would silently wait for him in one room. Sometimes she'd even wait ten minutes without moving because he would be in the shower or doing something. She had no idea where he was now, though. Probably off kissing another girl. One that didn't turn into a snake every time a boy hugged her...

”Yuudyr, if you are planning to go back to sleep, I’m going to eat your share!” Haruji called out as he entered the kitchen. Hiiro was snapped back into reality and she peeked her head over to see where Yuuto was. She opened her mouth to call out to him before she saw him heading to the kitchen to eat. She closed her mouth and sat back.

"Well, how are you suppose to stay healthy if you don't eat, Yuuto? I only feed you because I'm the more responsible one and I know what's best for your health." Hiiro retorted to his comment about her forcing him to eat while he's half-asleep. A playful smirk played across her features as she watched him sit down and begin to eat.

She too began to eat her rice. Slowly but surely. She took her chopsticks and was grabbing tiny balls of rice with them before stuffing them into her mouth. She stopped eating to glare at Yuuto for his rude eating, with half the rice in his bowl and the other half on his face. She sensed before that he would begin eating that way, despite her telling him last time to not eat so rudely. She ignored the comment about her cooking being better then his, and continued glaring.

She doesn't know if he saw her or not, but he stopped eating so noisily and asked, "So...yeah...uumm...You guys hear about anything happening durring the summer?" out of embarrassment. She stopped her glaring and began to eat her rice again. "No, I haven't heard anything." She answered while trying to think if she in fact had heard anything. She was thinking when her mind suddenly drifted to something else...

"Oh my gosh!" She yelled out, suddenly remembering, "We have to go meet this 'Head of the Family' dude! How could you let me forget?! It takes me hours to do my hair! I need to at least look appealing! And I gotta pick out the right outfit....!"
She yelled, scrambling to eat all her rice. She didn't know why she was in such a hurry, but she just was. It was a big thing for her. She quickly ate up all her rice before standing up and almost tripping over herself. She swiftly regained her balance though, and ran over and sat her bowl on the counter top so she could wash it later.

"Put your bowls up here once you're done. I gotta go do something with this--" She said as she gestured to herself, "I'll meet you guys out here in fifteen minutes. You're both coming, and if you don't want to, you get to stay here and wash the dishes!" She said, also reminding herself that there was more dishes to be cleaned after the previous meals.

She scrambled down the hallway to the bathroom, taking out her pony tail and bobby pins on the way. She knew she took awhile to get ready. She turned the bathroom light on and realized that none of her things to do her hair with were here, and neither were her clothes. "Ahh! This isn't my house!" She screamed out in frustration, feeling dumb that she didn't realize this sooner. "I'll be back in fifteen minutes!" She called out as she went out the front door quickly and closed it behind her. She ran over to wear her sandals were and slid them on her feet before speed-walking back to her house. It wasn't that far away. Just right around here. She realized that she should probably stop running, seeing as she is in her current state and would probably have back pains later. She began speed-walking all the way to her house, hoping the boys would be ready once she got back...

Setting

Characters Present

Character Portrait: Keiko Sohma Character Portrait: Miuru Sohma Character Portrait: Aiko Sohma
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#, as written by Zalgo
Aiko had stood waiting for quite a few minutes. His legs were starting to feel the time he spent just waiting there for them. Today is different from the last time she visited. She is taking longer than usual. He had some time to himself to ponder as to what could be holding Keiko up.

Almost as if in response to his speculations she arrived, setting aside her bag and donning her indoor footwear. When she bowed he bowed as well, not as deep as her though. He was the head of the family, someone with no equal. As such he would bow lower than no one. "Hello, Aiko," Keiko stood up straight and smiled. "It's very nice to see you again." She greeted him with warmth and what possibly seemed like genuine happiness. None the less he was still skeptical of her. Defiance always begins with the smallest of deviations.


"Hello Keiko. Good of you to finally come." He spoke, his words devoid of any sign of emotion. Inside his head he believed he appeared and sounded friendly. In reality his voice was cold and foreboding while his face hid his true feelings towards this ordeal terribly, simply locked in a reluctant frown. When he talked it was as though each word he would say was a stone he was throwing at his intended audience. No matter how encouraging and friendly he tried to make his words they would always sound like they were designed to hurt and break the people they are given to.

"You took longer than usual. Something hold you up at school? Perhaps on the way here?" He asked, trying to better understand why she took a few more minutes to reach his manor than usual. Seeing how his current relationship with the family was basically one man trying to keep above neck level in a pool of snakes, each trying to come out on top while the bottom grew deeper and the undertow stronger with every passing moment, he needed to keep a laser keen focus on everything everyone says and does. No matter who's business it was, the moment it involved anyone within the Sohma family it was his business. He really didn't like other people making their problems his business.


And then he heard the doorbell ring. He turned from Keiko towards the door, wondering just who it could be. The list of people it could likely be far exceeded the list of people he wanted to see. He went over, his shoes gliding across the wood panel floor without a single noise, not even from the wood which he stood on. Standing in front of the door he peered through the peak hole to see the guest. It was a stranger, a tall girl dressed in rather plain clothes wearing glasses. He did not know who this girl even was. Who could possibly be visiting? And why? The possibilities flew through his head rapidly.
"You didn't tell me you were bringing guests." He spoke low to Keiko as to not alert the spectacled girl outside.

Without much further delay he opened the door slightly, peering through the thin aperture at this new arrival. He stood directly behind the door just in case this was a home invasion and this young unassuming girl was some psychotic killer out to murder them both and steal all his belongings. He figured if he could shut and lock the door fast enough he might stand a fighting chance of surviving the encounter. "Hello. What business do you come to these estates on?" He asked the stranger as politely as he could sound. There was a slight twinge of fear in his voice, his uncertainty just barely poking through his gravitas.
He desperately hoped the strange figure's business here was trivial, like she accidentally threw her flying disc out onto his property and was coming up to formally ask his permission so she would not step on his grounds uninvited.

Now that I think about it, I'd love it if the rest of my family would ask my permission before doing anything on my property. That would make things so much easier for me.

Setting

Characters Present

Character Portrait: Keiko Sohma Character Portrait: Miuru Sohma Character Portrait: Aiko Sohma
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Keiko Sohma

"Hello Keiko. Good of you to finally come." His face and tone were the same, but as far as Keiko had remembered, it had always been like for him. "You took longer than usual. Something hold you up at school? Perhaps on the way here?"

I did have to speak with a teacher and the President … I’m sorry. I thought it could get it done faster than I did.

Then the doorbell rang.

Ding-dong

You didn't tell me you were bringing guests.” Aiko said in a low voice for only Keiko to hear.

I didn’t know I was either.” Keiko said confused. Then she remembered something. “Oh! You’ll never guess who I ran into on the way here. I saw,” Keiko would have continued, but then the term ‘Speak of the Devil’ came into play. “Miuru!

Hello. What business do you come to these estates on?” Keiko simply stood behind Aiko, blending into the background. If Aiko was speaking, she had no place to interrupt. Did he not know who Miuru was? Keiko was sure he had to have a feeling that she was one of the Zodiac. Now that Keiko recalled it, wasn’t Miuru’s father the family doctor?

Had the two really gone this long without meeting in person? Sure, neither were the most sociable … but that seemed crazy. Then again, Aiko and his father were in Keiko’s earliest memories. Of course Akio was just a baby.

And her parents wanted her to be a part of the family. She had heard many of the maids in the Estate claim that her parents only did so for the position it gave them. They were now a part of the ‘elite’. Keiko thought it was gibberish. Her parents loved her and who she was; even without the curse they would have loved her. Maybe they were a little … precise on what they wanted her to do, but it’s not like Keiko had any plans herself. Like her parents wanted, she would become a Sohma lawyer and stay in the Estate. It made things easier for everyone. Keiko didn’t mind studying as much as they asked, it was to help her. And she adored all the instruments she was able to own and play.

It wasn’t like they made her stay in no matter what other than to go to school. They trusted her enough to live in her own place inside the Estate. Keiko never had to ask to hang out with her friends or family. Mainly because she never really felt like she wanted to. Hanging out was in her comfort zone, but going places she had never been before along with the possibility of bumping into someone was definitely a no for her.

Setting

Characters Present

Character Portrait: Yuuto Sohma Character Portrait: Keiko Sohma Character Portrait: Miuru Sohma Character Portrait: Haruji Sohma Character Portrait: Hiiro Sohma Character Portrait: Aiko Sohma
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Haruji seemed quite content, simply by sitting at the table with others and eating the rice, as he looked quite innocent, his only worry seeming to be rice falling out of his chopsticks grasp and falling on his lap. He was glad he did not mention the family meeting; after all, the three were having such a lovely time together, without thinking about worries. However Haruji was acting too naïvely, if he thought that if he avoided the topic it would go away by itself.
As Yuuto questioned them upon their summer vacation, Haruji did not comment, either because he was enjoying the rice too much or he had nothing in particular to say about his summer. After all, he did just work and nothing much else; he’d rather not bore them with his café antics, and as such Haruji continued eating, listening to Hiiro’s own response to Yuuto’s question.
However the question gone-and-past instigated something in Hiiro’s memory, as she suddenly got up, realising that the family meeting was that day. Hiiro began to fly into a panic, as Yuuto and himself watched her worry about the event up until the point that she decided to leave, in better preparation.

”Ah, Hiiro, wait!...”
However, Haruji’s words were a bit too late, as Hiiro already left, leaving Yuuto and himself alone in the house. Soon after Hiiro’s departure Yuuta followed in a panicked state, Haruji already figuring out before then even that the goat zodiac family member was not found of the Family Head.
”Yuudyr, it’ll be alright!” Haruji began to console, however Yuuto did not seem to notice, as his panic eventually led him to transform into his goat form. He even answered a phone-call he was receiving in this form, impressive to Haruji, yet still causing concern. Haruji was never quite good with dealing with conflict, even through supporting others, and felt unsure how to react, other than smile and offer a small kind word every once in a while. He was not even sure who Yuuto was talking to however, once the phone-call ended, he left the house saying nothing, still in his goat form.

”Yuudyr, wait, you are still-!”
Haruji began scrambling from the kitchen into the front hall when Yuuto left. Opening the front door and looking down the street, Yuuto had not gone very far.
Haruji rushed backed into the kitchen, guilty about leaving the dishes uncleaned or even organised on the table, putting his shoes and coat on and, with his bag on his back, Haruji left the house, quickly locking it before rushing down the street after the rogue goat.
“W-wait, Yuudyr!” Haruji said, rushing after Yuuto, trying to keep his voice to a minimum tone, wanting to keep the streets as desolate as possible. However Haruji, not the athletic sort, had to make do chasing after his cousin at a distance, only catching up to Yuuto at the door of Hiiro’s place.

”Yuudyr, y-... you’re a goat-!” Haruji panted behind Yuuto, who was currently pausing outside Hiiro’s door after knocking upon it with his head. Haruji looked around to see if any passerby would come anytime soon, leaning over his stomach to stop the stitches he was experiencing...



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Miuru strolled casually up the street, arriving upon the Family Head’s abode in no time. It was a miniscule travel between her own home to the house in front of her, less than three minutes at least, in estimation. However, Miuru was guilty to the fact that she never quite ever approached or entered the home of the one who apparently ran her own clan, that could dictate her fate, only knowing its location by others in the past.
It was usually her father that dealt with interactions with the family, leaving Miuru out of the loop, bar her interactions with some of the other cursed members, as limited as they were to begin with. In honesty, Miuru was a bit taken aback by her father’s request, concluding that he must be quite desperate if he needed her to attend a house he, as some believe to be purposefully, hide her away from.
It was one of the reasons Miuru left quite swiftly; also she understood that the man would tear out his hair if he could not find something important. Whatever was in this notebook of his ould be considered such valuable information that Meitarou could not return himself, in fear questions would be asked, rather he would send his child, making the ordeal a trivial errand… Or that was what Miuru surmised. Her father was quite easy to figure out, on the other hand.

Miuru ate these foods of thought as she rang the doorbell of the strange home in politeness, waiting for a reply or some sorts. The reply came in the form of an eye peering out from a crack in the door, their face and identity obscured by the door itself.
"Hello. What business do you come to these estates on?" a voice questioned her, quite formal in tone, above anything else. She began to wonder how much her father ever talked about her to those within the Family Head’s home, if there was anyone besides the current Family Head living there at all.
”I am Miuru Sohma… My father… Meitarou-san… left something here… sent here to get it…”
Miuru availed to speak as clearly as she possibly could in her introduction, unsure yet to whom she spoke to. However, in the background, Miuru could swear she heard her name being called, which led Miuru’s eyes to wander beyond the hidden stranger’s face to try and look behind them. She could not see anything however but a slit-view of the house internally, making it impossible to figure out if someone, indeed, call her name…

”... Keiko?” Miuru inquired vaguely, remembering her cousin’s comment upon visiting the Family Head Aiko, which lead Miuru to believe the one questioning her was Aiko himself, unless she was utterly mistaken overall.
”... Sohma-san.” Miuru recognised Aiko by this title, calling him by his surname rather than his familiar first name; it made little sense why she was calling out these names however, to herself, her mind had figured out the puzzle and verbally expressed it. Unless she was wrong, and the gate-keeper protecting the door was not Aiko indeed, nor was who she believed called her name in the background Keiko at all. Nonetheless, it was worth a try guessing who was who in the odd scenario.

Setting

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Character Portrait: Keiko Sohma Character Portrait: Miuru Sohma Character Portrait: Aiko Sohma
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#, as written by Zalgo
”I am Miuru Sohma… My father… Meitarou-san… left something here… sent here to get it…”

Her voice was soft like the whisper of a mouse. It was his doctor's daughter, come to pick up an item left behind by her father. He had never seen her before but he had heard more than enough about her from her father. Her father had described her in glowing details, definitely creating high expectations from the start. He knew better than to expect much and he was right. The only particularly noteworthy details that stood out to him were her demure appearance and glasses.


Her father had always served as his doctor for as long as he could remember. For the earlier half of his life Aiko had seen as much of her father as he did his own. In his own way he owed her father a lot. From the oxygen tanks which kept him breathing for so many years right down to the inhaler he keeps just in case pollutants irritate his airway without her father he would not be alive today. Of course, then his father got sick and her father failed at his duties as both a doctor and a parent. It was natural for him to harbor some anger at her father for what happened the day his father died. He felt let down by his doctors inability to save him but what his father had said to him before put the entire incident in a different light.

His father didn't die just because his doctor failed him, he died because the curse had come to collect it's dues. After all, this curse afflicted him and his father as much as it did the rest of his family. He would not turn into an animal at any point but his share of the curse was just as debilitating, perhaps more so than the rest. His father's death was less sudden tragedy and more a grim inevitability, as is his own. No matter how he looked at it, he couldn't run from the fact that death was the real head of this family. his role is just to serve his purpose for as long as it has planned for him to do so.
He was the master of this curse and it's slave all the same.

As such, he did not blame her father when his father's final hour had finally past. His doctors duty was a Sisyphean task, failure being almost entirely assured. He kept him on as his doctor because he knew his doctor would strive even harder to redeem himself from his disgraceful defeat. If he couldn't be assured of his dedication and loyalty before he certainly could now.
If his doctor ever planned to kill him it would be far too obvious who did it. It would be foolish for her father to even try.


Aiko turned to Keiko, his body still in the way of the door. "You need to keep me better informed." He commanded her in a low, hushed tone so he wouldn't be heard by Miuru. He figured he could use Miuru's unexpected visit as incentive for Keiko to start informing him of everything that was going on. An extra pair of eyes and ears with which to spy on his fellow family members with was valuable indeed and by extension, so was Keiko.

Aiko opened the large wooden door to his home, holding it open as he gestured for Miuru to step inside.
"It is good to finally meet you Miuru, Please step inside. Your father has spoken quite highly of you. I've actually been looking forward to speaking with you for some time. I trust you are not too busy to speak with me while we go retrieve this undisclosed item you were speaking of?" He welcomed Miuru inside, offering an opportunity to converse with him while they looked for what she was sent here for.

He wasn't lying to her particularly when he said he was looking forward to speaking with her. He had actually been hoping to learn more about her for some time given that they have not met yet. It would be a good time to analyze her, figure out just what to do with her and where she would fit in the family order. His voice was less cold bordering on hostile and more cold seasoned with formality now since both of the people he was in the company of were rather well behaved at the moment.
He was sure his day wouldn't end with just these two so he savored the comfortably quiet people's company while it lasted.

Will she help or will she hinder? He planned to answer that question soon.

Setting

Characters Present

Character Portrait: Yuuto Sohma Character Portrait: Ichirou Sohma Character Portrait: Keiko Sohma Character Portrait: Miuru Sohma Character Portrait: Aiko Sohma
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Keiko Sohma

Aiko stood in front of the door for a moment before turning to Keiko. "You need to keep me better informed." He commanded her in a low, hushed tone. Keiko dropped her shoulders and nodded. Her heart was beating heavily as though she had let him down ... again.

No. She couldn't let her negative thoughts influence his mood. Keiko knew she needed to keep smiling.

"Anything you wish, Aiko," Keiko said in such a hushed tone as he had.

"It is good to finally meet you Miuru, please step inside. Your father has spoken quite highly of you. I've actually been looking forward to speaking with you for some time. I trust you are not too busy to speak with me while we go retrieve this undisclosed item you were speaking of?" Keiko stayed glued to her spot. Aiko may have waned to speak with Miuru privately, so she wouldn't follow unless she was told. Her eyes locked with the ground and she stayed to the side. Keiko could feel her eyes hollow and her smile disappear. Not that she was sad, but it was habit when she was in the presence of Aiko and another zodiac member. Though she expected most of the others to hate her, they grew fond of her.

Keiko was thankful for that much, but something about Aiko made her want him to think she was there for only him. She had been told about the previous Rats'. She had heard the maid's of the Estate say that none of them were as idiotically loyal as her. Her love for the Head wasn't idiotic ... was it? No. It was just as it should be. She was a servant and he a master.

Ichirou Sohma

"Oh hey man! I'm a little bit hoofy right now and Hirro's givin' me hell right now but come over when ever, hopefully I'll be human by the time you get here man!" Ichirou raised his brow until it clicked. Yuuto, the resident Ram of the zodiac had just magically poofed into his given creature. He did sound rather stressed out about something.

Before Ichirou could even answer, Yuuto had hung up in a hurry. Not that it bugged Ichirou in the slightest. It just got him curious as to what had gotten Yuuto worked up so much.

"Guess I'll find out later," Ichirou said with a shrug as he moved to the doorway. There was a lot going on around the Sohma household moment ... it made Ichirou wonder if everything was okay with everyone. It had been a while since they had all gotten together.

It was a rather lovely day, so Ichirou decided to respect mother earth and walk instead of drive. The Sohma Estate wasn't that much far all. And if he wasn't mistaken, Yuuto's house wasn't to far off that path. Ichirou had needed to take a breather anyways.

"Just don't try to convince yourself something that isn't true," Ichirou said as his mind began to wander and his feet travel to their destination.

Setting

Characters Present

Character Portrait: Yuuto Sohma Character Portrait: Ichirou Sohma Character Portrait: Keiko Sohma Character Portrait: Miuru Sohma Character Portrait: Haruji Sohma Character Portrait: Hiiro Sohma
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Haruji stood there, looking at the goatish Yuuto with concern, still looking about them, hoping no one would notice a goat loitering their streets. Thus, when the front door swung open, Haruji was taken aback, stepping back in surprise before looking at the sight in front of him. Hiiro had, indeed, gotten ready, looking quite nice for the meeting to come, her green kimono a lovely shade… Then again, Haruji was a bit biased, after all, green was his favourite colour…

He got a bit distracted with this fact, his concentration snapping back upon seeing Hiiro’s disapproving face. What was wrong?... Was it because there was a goat and a young kid floating outside her house, making quite a bit of noise? Haruji never thought of looking fancy for the Family Head, and was taken aback once more upon Hiiro’s request that they return home to get prepared. Before he could respond, Hiiro returned once more into her place, leaving Haruji and Yuuto outside, Haruji himself looking quite stunned. He lifted the sleeve of his coat up to his face, sniffing it.

”Do I smell?” Haruji asked aloud, looking down at Yuuto, who had already turned around to return to his house, huffing and puffing about Ichirou and the Family Head. Although Haruji was quite happy, at the proposition of meeting another cousin of his, it was a strange time to feel optimistic, as the Family Head meeting was stressing them all out.
Yuuto began walking away, still in goat form, towards his house, apparently not seeing Haruji’s presence at all, however this did not deter Haruji’s interactions with his goatly cousin at all.
”I’ll see you there, Yuuto!” Haruji called, going the opposite way. Desperate times called for desperate measures; he would have to return home and at least grab a tie and sort out his hair and maybe grab an ironed shirt… it was still the afternoon, which meant minimal danger, although one had to be careful; it was dangerous entering the house at any time.


The house in question being Haruji’s own home, not any of the residents of his family, no. It was quicker to climb into the first-floor of the two-storey house, into his room, the window always open for his return. It would take a while to return to his loving grandparents and after he explained the whole situation it would late in the evening. They cared, yet they spoke too much and, after all, all Haruji wanted was a tie.

To get into his bedroom, Haruji climbed up the drainage pipe that ran along the side of the house, swinging into the window with the ease of a professional. He knew for certain his father had a tie or two in his room, which was the place Haruji planned to take the tie from. His own bedroom in the house was quite sparse; one bed, an empty desk, a small wardrobe; there wasn’t much to come home to. Even his father’s room, a room someone actually lived it, was equally as empty, everything in its place and neatly kept. Haruji threaded carefully, sure no one was in the house yet still cautious.

It took him little time at all to find a tie, a lovely dark, rich colour of green. He almost laughed, thinking how it would compliment Hiiro’s kimono, yet it felt out of place to laugh in that room. Instead he put the tie on with no problem, smoothing the creases in his white shirt with his hand; he was still in his work uniform, which was plain in itself, put it would do. Haruji also took his coat off, making him less messy-looking than before; he would carry it with him instead, not trusting leaving it in the house.

Once he made sure his hair was fixed, his shoes quickly polished and his shirt tucked into spare black trousers he found in his own wardrobe, Haruji was forced to leave the house from the front door, fearing of getting dirty on his descent down the pipe. The kid didn’t take his time once outside the house, walking quickly away as fast as he could until he could not longer see the house on the horizon behind him. He survived the infiltration that day; which was lucky, since he did not wish to spoil the day with any unsavoury interactions… even though he knew he would, eventually, return that week to do as such. However it was not the time to think about the future, when the present already had to be addressed.
As he was closer to the Sohma estate than Hiiro or Yuuto’s living places, Haruji decided to head there instead, believing he would meet them there. He did not rush down the avenues towards the house, his beige-brown duffle-coat folded and held at his side, looking quite formal indeed with his shirt and tie. Hopefully it would meet Hiiro’s expectations.

As Haruji continued to flatten the mess of hair he had with his hand, Haruji paid little attention to what lay in front of him, eventually bumping into someone in front of him, nearly falling over. Attempting to preserve his pristinely black trousers, Haruji caught his balance just in time knowing, since he did not transform into a rabbit, whoever he ran into was male.
”I’m so sorry!” Haruji cried, bowing down as low as he could without kneeling on the concrete side-walk, not taking the time to even look up to whom he was speaking to ”I wasn’t looking where I was going, and I’m in a bit of a rush and-”

Haruji kept his bowing position, continuing his apology, yet to realise that he had bumped into his cousin Ichirou who was also on his way to the Sohma estate...





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If Miuru was surprised by Aiko’s warm-enough welcome into his abode, she did not express it, nor did she express any gratitude of sorts for said warm welcome; she simply took a step in when offered, with a soft ”Thank you” as she went along.

She took a moment or two, once inside to respond to the latter half of Aiko’s greeting, slightly distracted by the sight of Keiko in the house also; although the silver-haired senior had made it evident that she was visiting, it was another to meet her there; it was a new experienced, visiting the house with little escort of external forces. It almost seemed that Keiko was moreso a deer rather than a rat, a deer caught in the headlights, frozen on the spot and looking down at the floor in a suspicious manner. Miuru raised a quizzical eyebrow at this behaviour, yet did not carry on with her curiosity within the conversation.

Instead she turned her gaze once more on Aiko, not quick with an answer, acting like a sponge, intaking the atmosphere she had taken a step into. It was heavy, yet it was not uncomfortable being there; besides, she wasn’t there for frivolous matters that the atmosphere would obstruct her goal. Ignoring the compliments that were simply relayed from her father to which, in her eyes, were unreliable, Miuru decided to finally get to the point of her visit.

”... I do not mind speaking with you whilst searching for the item. My time is not bound, Sohma-san... “ Miuru stated as clearly as Miuru could, remembering to always address the Family Head with respect, despite the fact that her father would prefer she went home as quick as she could. Miuru knew little of the Family Head, yet her father had already drilled her, in fear, before, to always show respect. Perhaps it irked her a twitch, showing respect to a stranger, however said irritation was quickly soothed by the fact that, since she knew little of Aiko, outside of rumours, she had little cause to not show him respect, especially since he did care for the family as their Family Head in many ways, explained to her before that incident.
At the thought of respect towards the Family Head, Miuru turned her stare to Keiko once more, who remained frozen in the spot she stood in.

”Keiko… fancy seeing you there…”
Her statement was quite confusing, especially since Miuru did, indeed, know of Keiko’s visit to Aiko, however in her monotone voice the small joke probably lost, if you could call it a joke at all. It was meant to “lighten” the mood, which was difficult, in such a dead-pan and serious tone.

Nonetheless, Miuru entered further into the house towards Keiko, giving a respectful nod to the Family Head on her way, her green irises slowly surveilling the room, wondering where her father had dropped his precious notebook.

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Character Portrait: Keiko Sohma Character Portrait: Miuru Sohma Character Portrait: Aiko Sohma
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#, as written by Zalgo
”... I do not mind speaking with you whilst searching for the item. My time is not bound, Sohma-san... “

He was quite pleased with how the girl was behaving so far.
With any luck I can learn more about her and have no other obstacles in this already miserable day. His thoughts dwelled on all the happenings of his day, shaded by his already sour emotions while he watched Miuru silently explore the foyer with her eyes alone. "Excellent. Perhaps I can serve as your guide through the house for the time being while we search for said item and discuss various topics. Naturally as it is your first time here you must be unfamiliar with the setting, no doubt a hindrance to finding this possession belonging to your father." He offered his assistance as any good host would, showing fine manners to his guests despite his feelings towards them.

His feet glided along the floor silently as though he were walking along air, bringing him over towards the doorway on his left leading into the adjoining hallway. Before he was to take her along for the tour he realized others would be arriving soon, deciding there what he'd have Keiko do seeing as she was just standing there. "Keiko, if it is of no trouble to yourself would you please welcome the other members inside and tell them I'll be joining them shortly?" He asked of her, knowing well enough the answer before she even needed to speak. The mask of politeness he wore around others existed only to hide his real one, one which if discovered he knew would make trying to compel the other members to heed his words a far greater task.

He reacquired Miuru within his line of sight and in a most deliberate yet subtle motion he gestured for her to follow him into the house for a tour of his abode. "Do follow myself for the time being. It would be a shame for you to get lost here." he suggested to her, trying to sound and seem welcoming when at best he could accomplish mildly creepy.

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Character Portrait: Keiko Sohma Character Portrait: Miuru Sohma Character Portrait: Aiko Sohma
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Keiko Sohma

Keiko… fancy seeing you there…” Keiko bowed to Miuru and smiled.

It’s nice to see you again as well, Miuru.

Aiko continued his conversation with Miuru and Keiko went back to her apathetic state, simply waiting further lead.

"Keiko, if it is of no trouble to yourself would you please welcome the other members inside and tell them I'll be joining them shortly?"

Of course, Aiko. It is absolutely no trouble at all!” Keiko bowed again, this time to Aiko and turned for her leave. She felt as though it would be better for her to wait in the front entrance and she could guide everyone from there. It made things a lot easier and they could all converse freely as she stayed posted at her station.

She was still in her school uniform, which somewhat made her feel even worse. She was sure everyone else would be nicely dressed to meet Aiko, but she hadn’t even bothered to take time to change. It seemed as though Aiko was used to seeing her in her uniform, but the formal part of her nagged at how indecent and rude it was for her to wear such common clothes in the presence of such a higher up.

Out of habit, Keiko kept her hands folded neatly in front of her and her eyes to the floor. She would only see the others feet when they arrived, but that was all she needed. At the moment, she was the doorman, all she had to do was say hello, show them to the room and inform them of Aiko’s momentary absence. It wasn’t a special day, not that Keiko was aware of, so not that many people should have been showing up. Most the Zodiac would have been getting off of work and going home. Who could have had business with him didn’t even cross her mind. Keiko wasn’t very in the loop, everything she knew about them really came from Ichirou. She occasionally saw Miuru on the way home from school, and Pippa did go to the same school as her, but other than that, Keiko was at home, studying or in the park with Ichirou. She couldn’t even recall the last time she had seen or even talked to anyone else in her family.

Most of her life had been revolved around Aiko. Then there was what time she dedicated to Ichirou. She shared a loving bond with 14 people and she willingly got to know two of them.

Another reason to add to the ‘Why They Should Hate Me’ list …

Setting

Characters Present

Character Portrait: Ichirou Sohma Character Portrait: Keiko Sohma Character Portrait: Miuru Sohma Character Portrait: Haruji Sohma Character Portrait: Aiko Sohma
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Haruji was uncertain whether he felt flustered due to the fact that he bumped into someone, or simply relieved that it was a man and not a woman; nevertheless, he kept his head down whilst apologising, his eyes slightly closed, his face red out of humiliation.
“No worry about it, kid,”
Haruji opened his eyes, recognising the voice, and saw the face of Ichirou Sohma up close to his, the Rabbit Zodiac member was given such a fright to warrant staggering back a step or two. Not that Ichirou was scary in the least, of course, no; however Haruji did not expect it to be the person he just so rudely bumped into. As Ichirou began to get to his feet, Haruji began to regain his composure, unsure what to do other than make sure he looked presentable.

“Haru!” Ichirou began, the fall not spoiling his mood in the slightest, it seemed.
“Ichirou-kun!” Haruji sputtered, his face a mixture of happiness and surprise, however whatever he wished to say was cut off by his cousin squeezing his face, as if he was a doting grandfather greeting his grandson. Haruji didn’t complain, however; it could have been a lot worse, and it was good to see Ichirou, especially since he survived the accident with no qualms. He seemed rather fine, in fact, and as lively as ever, towering above Haruji, despite the fact that both were in their early twenties.

“What are you doing zoning out here! That’s dangerous for a soft little guy like you.” Ichirou began, after the face-pinching. However Ichirou did ask a good question; what was Haruji thinking, zoning out there? In his rush he neglected his surroundings and, thus, endangered not only himself but the Sohma name.
”Sorry Ichirou-kun; I guess I was in a hurry, and kinda didn’t pay attention at all, heh…” Haruji responded, giving a sheepish grin whilst flattening out his messy-hair. However it seemed like Ichirou was in a world of his own, slipping into a contemplative state that made Haruji take a step closer to his cousin, with a quizzical expression. Sometimes, of the odd occasions Haruji did actually meet up with Ichirou, he often seemed to be doing such, especially in the park; as if he was in a deep state of thinking.

”Ichirou-kun?” Haruji asked, waving a hand in front of Ichirou’s face, receiving the response of ”“Maybe I’m just being narrow minded,” in return. Haruji was unsure what to think of this, so instead of words, Haruji gave Ichirou an uncertain smile; bright and big, yet slightly confused on what Ichirou had stated. Ichirou gave a gingerly smile of his own, realising that, whatever he said did not quite fit the conversation and hustled on to change the topic.

“So are you heading to the Sohma Estate? I was hoping to get some fresh air and hang out with Yuuto, but I have a feeling something is going to happen.”
At the mention of the Sohma Estate, Haruji’s face lit up, as if he just remembered what he was rushing for in the first place, however his expression somewhat dimmed at the proposition of ‘something happening’. Haruji was never a fan of conflict, nor was he an expert by any means; he was usually the one in the background, meekly trying to find a middle-ground, even if both oppositions denied that there was any.

“Yeah, I’m heading to the estate just now! Although, last time I checked on Yuuto he was a bit, uh, busy, so he might be a bit late but… but you don’t think something will happen, right?”
Haruji’s expression darkened ever so slightly once more, into a small frown, as if he never considered the dangers of wandering into the estate and the issues that could be brought up. Hiiro was pregnant, with lone motherhood a potential future. Yuuto disdained the Family Head to the point of pure hatred. Haruji was a bit oblivious and, if not a bit, ignorant to never realise the dangers of waltzing in with an innocent mindset. His small frown almost developed into a rare large one, however Ichirou’s continued dialogue distracted Haruji a bit more.

“I just hope it’s a blessing and not another curse.”
The optimism in the statement, although laced with a bit of pessimism, lightened Haruji a bit more. The Family Meetings shouldn’t always be feared; sometimes it was good to meet up with everyone again. Whether Ichirou meant it like that or not, it brought a big smile to Haruji, as he seemed to perk up in less than a second. Before Haruji could interject, however, Ichirou carried on.
“We should have a bonfire or something Haru! We can have everyone come! That way we can get to know each other more! What do you think?!”
Haruji’s face was similar to a child’s when confronted with sweets at a candystore; the notion of a bonfire brought on the notion of barbeque, and barbeques meant cooking, which meant good food to him.
”Ichirou-kun, that is the best idea ever!” Haruji exclaimed and, in excitement, began to run down the path of Ichirou, stopping after a step or two ”Come on! We have to tell the others!”

It was difficult to negotiate with someone whose eyes seemed to sparkle right in front of you, and was also almost skipping down the road ahead of you. It was difficult not to think of Haruji as a young high-schooler interacting with his much older cousin; his own flimsy expressions and behaviour was quite childish. Despite Haruji’s innocent demeanour, however, he himself quite understood his actions, almost accepting that the world seemed a bit brighter by acting bright...




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Miuru, herself, felt a bit suspicious of the Family Head Aiko Sohma; from what she had heard, he was suppose to be… well, not polite and welcoming into his abode, that was for sure. Keiko’s behaviour was quite suspicious also, yet Miuru had yet to comment on it. For all she knew, this was the norm, and said normality was nothing that her opinion should oppose upon. Unless they started blood sacrifices in the middle of the lounge together, Miuru did not concern herself with how they held themselves; at least they let her in to begin with. After all, it was her own father’s silliness that caused her presence, which was equally as suspicious; she wondered how longed he planned for this meeting, or if at all; maybe he was losing his mind, and she did not even know about it. Whatever the case was, Miuru’s current cause was to find the notebook and survive whatever meeting was occurring; it could have been worse, honestly, to Miuru.

"Excellent. Perhaps I can serve as your guide through the house for the time being while we search for said item and discuss various topics. Naturally as it is your first time here you must be unfamiliar with the setting, no doubt a hindrance to finding this possession belonging to your father."
He did speak an awful lot, despite the fact that Miuru spoke so little. Whatever, he was going to provide her a guide, if not through someone else; she could nosey around a bit for the lost item, at least… The only bit that concerned her was the ‘discuss various topics’ sections. Miuru was not so lost in her own psyche not to establish the solid fact that she was flawed in conversation skills. However the Family Head seemed ever so eager to speak, if not even a bit, and Miuru found little ground to refuse a little chat at least.

”Thank you for cooperation…” Miuru noted, pushing the bridge of her spectacles up her glasses, her behaviour formal, rigid and her ordinary, in regards to Miuru’s interactions. The Dog Zodiac member obientant tailed along the Family Head as he began to motion further in the foyer, Keiko still curiously in her spot, deserving another blank stare from Miuru. It did not seem she was joining them on the tour either, as Aiko requested her to “welcome the other members inside” before turning once more into the house, permitting Miuru with words and indications that she was welcomed there in a sense. His welcoming, although warm in one aspect, seemed quite awkward, in the least, as if Aiko was rowing against the tide.

Miuru didn’t seem to care much, however, about this, and it meant little whether he was smiling or frowning, laughing or shouting at her; if he was willing to let her get inside to retrieve the item, that was enough for her. Not even Aiko’s note of “getting lost” in the house stir any remarks on Miuru’s empty face, as she simply lay her eyes on the smaller cousin of hers, her face hard to read beyond ‘indifferent’.
”I… I shall not stray.” Miuru confirmed with a nod, following Aiko into the house, her eyes scanning the area around her ”I… simply wish to find… notebook…”

It seemed like that was the only description Miuru had for her father’s lost item; ‘notebook’. She had a feeling that she would know it once coming across it, and hoped that no one had been going through it. Miuru had yet to figure out what was concealed within this secret notebook and, although Miuru had no solid ideas, she was beginning to slowly realise what may lay within it. It was either a registry of medicines and dosages given to patients or… no, he was not stupid enough to bring it outside of his house, Miuru hoped. This made her eyes seem all the more livelier in comparison to her face, searching as though there was something to be hid...

Setting

Characters Present

Character Portrait: Miuru Sohma Character Portrait: Aiko Sohma
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”I… simply wish to find… notebook…”

Aiko picked up on this detail almost immediately.
Ah, the notebook of her father no doubt and I don't believe it's just his personal thoughts on paper. Aiko did surmise as he led Miuru down the illuminated yet still surprisingly dark hallways. It was as though the bulbs only lit the small few feet of space within the portion of the hallway they were situated in, leaving the gaps in between lamps with little else but shallow darkness.

"First up, here is the kitchen. As you can see, my chefs have made hors d'oeuvres in preparation for when more
of the family arrive." He revealed a rather large and well kept kitchen stocked with state of the art kitchen appliances and utensils. The chefs there were working quite well, preparing the appetizers for the family with great skill. The chefs did communicate between each other frequently but all of it was strictly business. They did not speak of outside concerns,
joke around or even smile. It was a grim atmosphere indeed. Alas, he did not stay for long, continuing down the
darkened hallways to their next destination.


Down one hallway in particular the wall which held no doors was lined with portraits of all the former heads of the family, all in chronological order. "You can see the portraits of my father, the family head and each family head preceding him.
My ancestors have all had their place found upon this wall." He informed Miuru as they traveled down the hall. The way in which each portrait was drawn and arranged made them all look like they were watching them, their eyes following them all the way down the hall until the portraits themselves were out of sight. There was a blank opening at the end of the line,
a nameplate set at the bottom had yet to be etched.

"It is quite interesting. As I've heard you are but a year older than myself yet we have only now met. Not to say that there were not valid explanations on both our parts as to why a meeting such as this never came sooner but I have seen almost each of the older family members, your father included, at least once before." He conversed with her as they arrived upon their next stop within the manor. The sliding door opened to reveal a large Japanese rock garden. It's overwhelmingly grey hue was bathed in the noonday light, a light which made Aiko avert his gaze while standing askew of the opening as to not be directly within the path of the light. The garden was beautifully arranged, the rocks arranged in a flowing pattern which evoked an almost fluid feeling of flowing and ebbing despite their immobility. This arrangement worked well with the walkway which was suspended over the rocks like a bridge over a river.


There was one feature within the garden that stood out quite distinctly. A large ivory coloured table which stood upon a single pillar in lieu of legs. At the very edge of the table was another long ivory colored rod attached to the table's rim. At the top of the rod there was a long curved bar which bore a distinct similarity to a rib separated from it's ribcage affixed to it. "This is the garden. It's a purely aesthetic segment of this house although it does serve a purpose quite close to me. You see, I tend to feed the crows which come here, hence the table. I do enjoy watching them come and dine." He explained to her. His face was still colder than the stone of the tallest mountain's peak and yet despite his grave appearance his tone almost grew warm as he spoke of his hobby. Of course, that warmth did fade to nothing as he continued to speak.

"Your father has always been quite loyal, always serving my family to the best of his ability. He's been there for us in
the best of times... And the worst of times." His tone did harshen, a slight menacing element becoming part of his voice. "I've spent many years speaking to people well older than myself. I've only ever had seniority over others in title and training alone. Though you are indeed a year older than myself I intend to speak with you as an equal, if not in position within the family hierarchy then at least in age. That way I hope to foster a lack of need for such reservation as you've shown so far. Such intent is not ill welcomed, no?" He proposed his intentions to her, at least a part of them. The appearance of honesty was necessary in all things. To create a sense of sincerity in his words would make control so much easier as his father had taught him. His father was masterful in manipulating the other members of his family, selling them every word he spoke as though it was dogma, an absolute which was undeniable. Aiko knew he was not the man his father was. His only hope was to be even a shadow of the person his father was.

As such, to create trust between himself and Miuru would be a necessary step in transforming this newcomer into a valuable member of his retinue. After all, even as intelligent and dedicated as Keiko was she was still only one person. Kaida's counsel proved wise in the past but she did not serve him as Keiko did. Even if Miuru were to simply be motivated to not oppose his dictations that would be enough. He planned to work her into becoming another servant but should that fall through a friend would be a welcome position for her to fill as well. As it already was, he had few friends within this family
and the more he could garner the better. "I've spoken much already. How about yourself? How has life treated you
in these many years we haven't spoken?" He wanted to hear more about her. The more he could get her to open up the better and with each detail she releases to him their relationship could only grow.


As a person, he regarded her in only a slightly better light than the rest. Her natural shyness and quiet nature pleased him and the fact she was taller than him was of no consequence. He was used to looking up in order to speak with others. Her being almost his age and yet standing two feet over him was a mild novelty, something to be noted and sorted away to the back of his mind. As for her beauty, well, she was a female member of the Sohma family. Little else needed to be said in that regard, although her dress sense was quite plain, like vanilla. Still, the more audaciously dressed members of the family tended to be the more troublesome he found. The way she dressed was welcome enough.

Tucked deep within the back of his mind was that niggling fear which reared it's ugly head from time to time. The need for an heir. Just who would help him bring the next head of this family into this world? And how? The very thought of someone else's body heat within close proximity of his person repulsed him deeply. Even if I were to find an appropriate candidate for such deed any form of intimacy would be close to impossible he believed.


His concerns were many, each fear saturating him thoroughly.

Setting

Characters Present

Character Portrait: Ichirou Sohma Character Portrait: Miuru Sohma Character Portrait: Haruji Sohma Character Portrait: Hiiro Sohma Character Portrait: Aiko Sohma
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"Oh, there you are! Wait up!"
When it seemed that Haruji and Ichirou were to return to the road towards the Sohma estate, they so happened to meet up with Hiiro, who she, herself, was making her way towards the estate, just as planned.
”Hey Hiiro!” Haruji began, giving a warm smile in Hiiro’s direction, however it felt as though the Snake Zodiac member was a bit occupied with herself. Although she looked quite beautiful in her sanguine kimono, with her hair and make-up nicely done, she seemed… well, very stressed out. Well, that was a given; after all, they were heading over to the Family Head, where Hiiro was planning to tell Aiko Sohma of her lone pregnancy. However her earlier, optimistic behaviour threw Haruji slightly off reality, and it was only when he saw Hiiro in her anxious state. Nonetheless, Hiiro continued on, still looking quite occupied with her own introspective-self.
"Do you know where Yuuto went? Is he heading over to the Sohma Estate, too? My gosh, why are you so far away?! It's hard for me to--"
At the mention of Yuuto, Haruji recalled what had happened earlier, also hoping that his goatish cousin had returned home safely. Yuuto, also, seemed quite occupied at the time; a family meeting was turning out to be quite a hectic and panicked affair. This was proven more evident, as Hiiro, once again, spaced out, almost as though she had forgotten she left a cooker on at home there and then.

”Hiiro?” Haruji inquired, taking a step towards his red-haired cousin, however it seemed as though she could not hear him, caught up within an intense thought of hers. It didn’t take Hiiro long, however, to snap out of it, looking a bit worse-for-wear from whatever she was thinking of. She was quickly to regain some composure, however, at the sight of Ichirou; she must’ve been wondering why Haruji was bouncing down the street only seconds before by himself! Nonetheless, Hiiro hastily brushed aside her odd behaviour as [color=#]”hormones”[/color], and was hastier to leave their company in search of Yuuto.
”Hiiro, hold on!” Haruji began, taking a step or two forward after her, however, once Haruji realised that it was futile to follow her, the young man let out a pensive sigh, rubbing the back of his head. Indeed, family meetings were chaotic indeed.

“Well, I guess Aiko is getting a ton of visitors today … I hope Hiiro is okay by the time she gets there… Did I do something?”
Haruji turned around to see Ichirou scratch the back of his neck, looking as mystified as Haruji; well, Haruji, at least, some part of the story, however he was starting to get the feeling that he knew quite little about Hiiro, despite how close he thought they were. Or, again, the family meeting was getting to everyone…
Oh, you did nothing!” Haruji exclaimed, facing Ichirou with a nervous smile ”It’s… just a rough day, I suppose, hahah…”

Haruji’s laughter trailed on awkwardly, however he was capable of still maintaining a smile.
”Anyway, we better head for the house! Otherwise the meeting will begin without us!”
Without another word, Haruji continued down the path the same as earlier, with a joyful step, however, unlike earlier, his doubts were eating more and more at him; will it be alright? Haruji couldn’t care less what the Family Head did to him, no; he had enough physical and mental lashing to gain a tolerance for it over the years. It unnerved him, however, to think of others in that situation… and yet there was no solution to the problem without conflict. It felt as though they were running into a rabbit trap, yet there was no where else to go, other than the Sohma Estates.

”Come on Ichirou, get a move on!” Haruji added cheerful, trying to boost his courage up as much as possible...


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And so the journey through the Family Head’s house began and, despite everything, Miuru would be lying to herself if she did not ever fester a curiosity for what lay inside the mysterious house. Such stigma and rumor had hovered its property over the years, a house Miuru had yet to step into until that very day, however it did not live up to the suspicious expectations that were thrust upon it. Whether or not it was the environment itself or simply Aiko’s calm and efficient way of guiding, Miuru could not tell, yet her eyes seemed more active than they usually do in a normal day. Who knew when she would be able to return to the house, to satiate her curiosity, and thus the girl planned to make the most of her visit, even if she did not seem to be enjoying the guide externally.

Her interest contrasted the dark atmosphere that garnered the house like a heavy piece of cloth, as not only the hallways contained an almost eternal darkness, but also the people within were more shadow like than human. They did there job with efficiently, yet there was no liveliness in the work.
Not that Miuru was complaining, no; she never did hold a sentiment for a lively environment, yet even she noted that it was all a bit strange, if not even abnormal. She simply nodded as Aiko moved on from the kitchen, as if she was only noting the layout, and nothing more. It was hard to navigate through the hallways, as the light was dim and weak in the house. It was also a strange thing to note, but with Aiko’s lead, it caused little hassle.
She wondered how her father could walk these halls; most likely due to experience, yet Miuru doubted the man’s eyesight quite a lot… yes, the same father who sent her on this odd errand. She had yet to fully figure it all out, as she kept silent and kept the time not wasted on words to think about [i]why
she was there; to find a notebook. Why? Well, it was important. But then again, he could have went in her stead, what was so important about that day-

"You can see the portraits of my father, the family head and each family head preceding him.
My ancestors have all had their place found upon this wall."

Miuru snapped back in concentration, naturally following Aiko around without even thinking. She was grateful that she did not fall over or even bump into the host in her deep thought; whatever was occurring within her household, she had to focus on the task on hand. The family portraits, indeed, hold Miuru’s interest, however whether or not it was the intense style of the portraits or not, it was uncertain. Nevertheless, Miuru took a closer look at the paintings or, at least, as close as she could without it being considered rude; they stared right back at her, each portrait containing the illusion that the figures within them watched passersby. There was only one portrait left empty, with no inscription to the nameplate.
“Who…” Miuru whispered, however it was barely audible, and Miuru did not elaborate on the question; if it was of importance, something would have been said.

"It is quite interesting. As I've heard you are but a year older than myself yet we have only now met. Not to say that there were not valid explanations on both our parts as to why a meeting such as this never came sooner but I have seen almost each of the older family members, your father included, at least once before."
Aiko’s question did not catch her off guard, especially since it was the first time he approached their lack of acquaintance in their brief company. Aiko, indeed, echo a question Miuru also asked herself, however Miuru had an inkling why; the rumors surrounding the Family Head were suspicious at best, her father protective of his now sole child. Yet she could hardly answer him with such an answer, especially since Miuru was uncertain of it herself.
”I… I participate a lot… school activities…”
It wasn’t untrue; Miuru was, indeed, often caught up in sport events held by the school, however it was not the best answer to the question. The Dog Zodiac member felt there was none available to her at the time, thus kept her suspicions to herself. All she knew, herself, was there was a reason why her father did not quite allow her with the Family Head, albeit Miuru had yet to decide which reason it could be.

It seemed like the question was put aside, for the moment, as Aiko escorted her out in the garden, a glaring bright light of the afternoon that was welcomed from the dark corridors of Aiko’s abode. It was, indeed, a beautiful garden, in many regards; laid out well, yet still maintaining a natural imagery. The rock garden did impress her to some degree as Miuru, colour-blind to some degree, never understood the aspect of having a green garden.
The grey, stone garden space, although dull to some, was a welcomed changed, which was expressed by adjusting her glasses on her face. The ivory table situated in the garden drew her attention, like a bright centerpiece of the painting, the rib-cage fixture interesting her the most, especially the one bone that had gone awry… There was something familiar to the statue, which lead her to think back on what her father once told her… Did the current Family Head not have difficulties, in regards to his rib-cage? Alas, her father never indulged her with the details, believing that she had no use of said information…

This is the garden. It's a purely aesthetic segment of this house although it does serve a purpose quite close to me. You see, I tend to feed the crows which come here, hence the table. I do enjoy watching them come and dine."
Aiko once go interrupted her train-of-thought, and although his face did not seem lively in surmising an activity he claimed he enjoyed watching, there was some sort of enthusiasm in his voice… Miuru thought anyway.
She found he spoke a lot, and was hard to read thus, as if the more words he spewed, the more it concealed… Or perhaps Miuru had grown too accustomed to brief, broken conversations. Most likely the latter, regardless, whilst talking of the crows his tone did… seem to change. Or, rather, it was a different aspect to a stranger she knew through stories in the years before that moment. However, the further they trekked in this conversation, the more in-depth they were journeying…

"Your father has always been quite loyal, always serving my family to the best of his ability. He's been there for us in the best of times... And the worst of times."
All through the tour, Miuru rarely looked up, beyond looking at the floors or walls, rarely even made note in her behaviour to indicate any interest or the like. However, at the mention of her father, Miuru looked up at Aiko straight on in the face; her expression, of course, did not change, however it was evident that he had her attention. Despite her ponderings of him, Miuru could care less what others thought of her father, however at the mention of “the worst of times”…

"I've spent many years speaking to people well older than myself. I've only ever had seniority over others in title and training alone. Though you are indeed a year older than myself I intend to speak with you as an equal, if not in position within the family hierarchy then at least in age. That way I hope to foster a lack of need for such reservation as you've shown so far. Such intent is not ill welcomed, no?"
Miuru’s “reservation”; she gave an audible sigh, supposedly a substitute for a laugh, however, to strangers, it sounded more like a sigh of thought. She found Aiko quite suspicious in his comment, as she found suspicion in anyone who found her distant, to some extent; Miuru shifted her glasses on the bridge of her nose, in the process of thinking.
He did speak some truths; they were, indeed, around the same age, in comparison to other members of the Sohma clan, it was odd, in fact, that they had not bonded one way or another due to this alone.
Of course, probably due to his ailments, that would be impossible, however, was it so strange to request friendship from one almost equal in age? What was the protocol for these situations? Miuru continued to fiddle with her glasses, looking less likely to be thinking, moreso simply fidgeting for one reason or another.

”I… … An acquaintance would not be… ill welcomed…”
Miuru almost repeated Aiko, however avoided the topic of being equals; this was the Family Head she was conversing with, she could not simply waltz about whilst paying no attention to her surroundings. It almost seemed that Aiko caught onto her lack of conversation, which was little to none; now faced the challenge of interacting.
"I've spoken much already. How about yourself? How has life treated you in these many years we haven't spoken?"
Miuru mused the questions asked of her. How strange to ask how she were, was she not standing in front of him patiently?
Alas, it was a question… she was not asked of lately, or in the same manner posed. Her mother avoided her at all costs, becoming just another tenant in the house; her father inquired about her well being, but it was moreso to check if she did not go wild in front of others once more.
As such, she gave another little sigh, a replacement for a smile, and looked at Aiko’s face as she spoke; it was polite enough to do so.

”I… am well, Sohma-san… There isn’t… really much to life…”
Miuru finally stopped messing around with her glasses, having calmed down a bit more. It was not as challenging as she thought it would be, conversing to the Family Head. If all she needed to do was to say she was fine to interact with him, Miuru found the job easy.
”Yourself… Sohma-san… is there… life here?”
Miuru never comprehended how odd a question she posed, nonetheless she meant it, to some degree; despite the beautiful garden, a full-working staff and a large home… something felt amiss. Or, rather, just like the chefs before, it felt as though there were shadows, not humans, wandering the house… although that was a far too elaborate thought on the situation to actually express. Miuru had yet to realise that what she had just said was rather elaborate and, daresay, quite gloomy, regardless, since Miuru was having a little “streak” in dialogue, she continued.
”Father… is a stick in the mud… Mustn’t be much company…”
The notebook had yet to escape her memory, of course; as much as the conversation was quite nice, she was still there on a job, an errand. Yet there was no need to rush it; there was another errand in hand, to see another dimension to her father… For she did find him quite to be a stick-in-the-mud, regardless of the smiles and cheer he acted upon.

Whether she found Aiko to be a stick-in-the-mud… she did not know. The atmosphere around him was quite heavy and distant, however they were never things Miuru would actively complain about, for she would be similar, in the regards of being somewhat aloof. Yet he talked quite a lot or, rather, quite a lot to Miuru’s standard. As she thought before, it felt that he was hiding something away from her, through his questions and narration. Almost as though this was one half of a stranger… Then again, as a stranger, in some aspects, she found Aiko hard to judge.

Speaking of Aiko, it seemed he was thinking, to some extent, to himself, as it took a while for Miuru to respond to his questions, even when they were brief and simple.
”... … …I… can hear the cogs in your brain… turning from here…”
Miuru threw in that last remark, almost like a bad attempt to lighten the mood, however which would probably be blown into the wind, due to the fact that Miuru kept her monotone voice whilst saying it. Yet her remark remained the same; being quite brave, she wondered what he was thinking of. A brave thought, and an almost hypocritical one, as many could ponder the same about herself. Regardless, Miuru had little idea of whether she would ever be allowed to meet the Family Head again, and a notebook could always wait.
Let her curiosity be satiated before she returns to her “happy household” environment...

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Character Portrait: Miuru Sohma Character Portrait: Aiko Sohma
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”I… … An acquaintance would not be… ill welcomed…”

This was good in Aiko's eyes. His proposal was well received enough which was a step in the right direction. Any and all feedback was crucial in guiding his approach to bonding with her and knowing a method had some hope of progression was even more beneficial. As she spoke he noticed an odd psychological tick of hers where she would adjust her glasses despite having adjusted them no more than a minute ago. To people more comfortable with being around people the finer details often found themselves lost on them. Ticks, odd habits, speech, all these factors were observed for the sake of better guiding one's own conversation seeing as how a person like himself has had trouble in the past with properly conversing with other people in ways that go beyond simple master and servant routines.


”I… am well, Sohma-san… There isn’t… really much to life…”

A very standard answer. Not very informative, seemingly par for the course of this conversation. If there was one detail he could immediately take away from just talking with her it was that she didn't much care for talking. Despite the lack of desire to express much detail upon looking deeper into her words there was more to be gleamed from such simple responses. He noticed a slightly more depressed tone given the phrasing of her response in comparison to some of the other family members. When she said there wasn't really much to life he deduced that that could either mean she's bored of her routine life and looking for more or perhaps something of a more depressing train of thought. Alas, it was all but speculation, tenuous in nature.


”Yourself… Sohma-san… is there… life here?”

His expression changed ever so slightly to a bit of a puzzled look. His gaze turned towards the rock garden momentarily, pondering if she was wondering about the presence of life in a garden comprised almost entirely of stones. His stone cold expression of indifference returned as he assumed she wasn't being literal as to the location and meaning. He did consider the more figurative meaning of her question after his temporary understanding of the matter. He could not deny that his house was rather grim in nature, influencing those within it. Miuru had continued speaking but his thoughts did not turn from that aspect of her inquiries.


”... … …I… can hear the cogs in your brain… turning from here…”

He had heard such a folksy metaphor before although it was from someone much less bearable in temperament than herself.
"I would dare wonder what the mechanism of a brain would sound like. Seeing as how the components comprising the brain are entirely soft and unlike a cog in many ways I imagine the onomatopoeia for a brain in the process of thinking would be akin to a squishing noise." His response to her dry attempt at humorous levity was delivered in a similar seriousness.

The silence that followed was palpable, thick like an encroaching molasses. He did consider her conversation, replaying the words inside his head and taking apart the words in sequence. He looked up to the sky whilst shielding his eyes from the light, appearing to be looking for something. He searched for the dark moving shapes and listened for the tell-tale sound of crows wings flapping. He knew they wouldn't be here, not now at least, but his heart did hope.
I shouldn't expect for them to be present right now. They always tend to come around the later portion of the evening when there is food to be had.


"I cannot lie and say such atmosphere was an accident. My father did take great pains to keep the staff on focus at all times, as he was focused on his role all the time as well. I do not disagree with his reasoning." He answered her question in a manner most direct, not really beating around the bush so to speak. With a motion to Miuru indicating his wish for her to follow he walked ahead, talking as he took her deeper into the darker recesses of his household.

"Your father is perhaps the only real lively person still found commonly within these walls. Since the passing of my father his tone has been more somber yet still somehow optimistic in some sense. Unlike the others in this house, his job is secure and he keeps his spirits aloft by bringing up his family often. Perhaps too often, but I digress." At this point the darkness of the halls they found themselves in had effectively overtaken the light. The light was only strong enough to allow for one to see one's own hands in front of them. Besides that and the dim lamps set at the ends of the halls, only bright enough to reveal the corner they were set in, it was as black as night in there.

Aiko found himself navigating the halls just fine, his memory and natural aptitude for navigating the dark helping him serve as an effective guide through the long winding halls of this house. He made sure to look back over his shoulder at Miuru, making sure she was still close behind him and hadn't lost him in the oppressively dark halls. chances were likely that even if she happened to stray from her guide he could still see her long after she'd cease to be able to see him. His time spent in utter darkness honed his vision to be well adapted to such sparse lighting.


Without warning he stopped, turning to face a door which was concealed by the darkness to all but himself and others familiar with the layout. He slid open the door to reveal what was likely a welcome sight by this point: A decently lit medical room. It sported a plethora of medical equipment ranging from common medical supplies to machines costing in the upper thousands. If it were not for the fact all this was set up to accommodate one person this house could have rudimentary reconstruction done and be transformed into a capable hospital.

There were some medical charts and information posted along the walls, mostly lists designed to better serve the doctor but there were other aesthetic attachments to the room as well. There were a couple pieces of art hung up here of a very dark nature. The Anatomy Lesson of Dr Nicholaes Tulp and The Anatomy Lesson of Joan Deyman. Two starkly grim pieces of art by Rembrandt, a dutch artist who lived during the renaissance. These pieces would be ill suited for anyone else due to their disturbing nature but Aiko found them very suitable. The theme of medical science taking great leaps in a period of scientific enlightenment felt appropriate to him. On top of that the dark portrayals within were very thought provoking, a fuel for his dark dreams. "Here is the infirmary. I believe it is likely you will find the notes you seek here." He stepped into the room
and invited her inside.


She was not the only one searching the room for the files. He was curious as to the gravity of her fathers mishap. He had some suspicions but in order to confirm it he needed to see the evidence first. Of course, there was still the matter of Miuru, his daughter, still in his presence. He was not sure how soon he would have another opportunity to converse with her. To learn as much as he can about her he needed to capitalize on the moment before he let her slip.

Perhaps he could buy more time, time which could yield valuable insight.
"Since you are here I take this opportunity to ask you this: How well do you know the other members of this family?
To be more specific, the other zodiac members. I ask because a few may be showing up later this evening and,
should you desire, you are invited to the meeting." He extended the invitation to her. It was a dangerous gamble to bring her along to this meeting depending on who arrived. While seeing her interact with the others would be interesting indeed he too would need to interact and she would be there to spectate such interactions. He was going to be on stage, metaphorically speaking, and the faith others had in him was to be decided there.

Today is looking to be a long day.