Title: In Everyone's Life There Comes a Time

Characters: Ayame + Hatori (unrequited),implied Shigure/Ayame
Genre: Humour with a hint of Lemon
Rating: T

Author's Note: This ficlet started out as a drabble and grew. Thanks to everyone who reviews what I post. I really do read what you write, I just don't have time to respond.

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In Everyone's Life There Comes a Time

Back in from the onsen, Hatori prepared to settle down with a good book while Ayame got dressed.

"Tori-san, you should smile more often."

He knew better than to ask, but he did anyway. "And why is that?"

Ayame turned to him and beamed with the hint of a blush. "Because it adds warmth to Tori-san's already devastatingly handsome features."

Hatori sighed. Not this again.

"And it's good for you."

For once, the dragon took notice of what his flamboyant cousin had on. "Ayame. Why are you wearing a dress?"

"Ah! I didn't want to tell you in case you'd be jealous! I'm meeting Gure-san to help him with his latest torrid romance. It inspires him when I dress the part of one of his heroines."

"..." Hatori decided he did not want to know. Not that it took much imagination to guess when it came to his two best friends.

Ayame wobbled to the door in six inch heels. It was difficult not to watch him go. "Be careful."

"Ah, Tori-san! I know because of your kind nature you do worry about me, but there's no need! Women's couture cannot get the best of the graceful and beautiful Souma Ayame!" He laughed his 'I'm so charming! Love me!' laugh and strode to the top of the stairs. "Well then, good-bye, my Tori-san! I'll miss you!"

With a blown kiss and a wink, the Snake took one step and disappeared from view in a tumble of satin and lace.

"Ayame!" Hatori raced to the stairs just in time to see his cousin sprawled, skirt over his head, silk boxers in the air, before he vanished in a puff of smoke. A chagrined serpentine head poked out of the collar of the dress a moment later.

At first, Hatori just stood there, silent. Then his body began to tremble. The serpent blinked as Hatori collapsed onto the top stair, deep belly laughs erupting from the Dragon.

Bruised and battered, Ayame frowned. "Tori-san hidoiii!"

Shigure poked his head out into the hall. "What on earth did you do to Haa-san?"

"I fell down the stairs," the small snake replied with dignity.

Hyena-like laughter joined the raucous guffaws coming from the landing.

Ayame pouted and began to slink off. "I'm going to be gloriously nude in a moment, and neither of you will be allowed to enjoy it."

That stopped the Dog's laughter dead. He started to chase after the drama queen. "Awww, Aaya. Don't. You know we love you."

"Hmph."

At the top of the stairs, Hatori continued to laugh until his stomach hurt. Ayame seemed fine, but he would give him a once-over before bed to make sure that there were no strains or hairline fractures. Composing himself, he picked up his book and headed back to their room, a small smile still etched into his reluctant features. On the way, he passed Yuki, who gave him a decidedly odd look.

Curling up with the book Shigure had given him for his birthday, Hatori slowly relaxed into the chair by the window. He loved his two best friends. Needed them like air. They could always make him forget, even if just for a little while.