Title: Secrets Kept
Rating: T
Author: FactVsFiction
Pairing: Momiji/Tohru
Notes: The first chapter! Okay so just a couple of things to note. I'm relatively new to this show/manga. I've only seen the Anime so please forgive me for inconsistencies. In this fiction Akito is MALE. Also note that the pairing (Momiji/Tohru) this is an AU fic. Anyway! Enjoy!
Disclaimer: Don't own it!
SECRETS KEPT
"Oh! Miss Honda!. Forgive me I didn't recognise you!" said Hatori bowing respectfully to the young woman before him. "Excuse my disrespect but you are looking amazing."
A soft blush spread across Tohru's cheek bones but she took the compliment gracefully. More than just her looks had changed over the past weeks. "It is no disrespect at all." She said softly. "Thank you." She bowed to him.
Hatori shook his head in amazement. Of course Shigure had spoken of his 'little flowers' blossoming but he had never expected something quite so pronounced.
Tohru Honda was a pretty girl. Easily catching the attention of more than one of the Sohma boys. But gone was the girl, before Hatori stood the woman.She had grown taller emphasising her slender frame and ample curves. She stood with a grace and elegance that most women would never achieve in their lifetime. Her long brown hair cascaded to mid back held with delicate clips instead of ribbons. Her sea green eyes had lost their little girl excitement but still sparked with a happiness that was contagious.
Tohru Honda was a woman worthy of mutual respect.
"What brings you to the main complex, Miss Honda?"
"Oh!" she bowed again. "Forgive me Hatori-san, Kyo-Kun and Yuki-Kun are training in the mountains at the moment and Shigure-san noticed that I was becoming bored. Ayame-san has invited him to the lake for two weeks. Naturally I insisted her go and not worry about me."
"Shigure-san requested of Akito-sama that I be allowed stay here and Akito-sama agreed that I live and work in the servants quarters."
"You don't mind that!?" asked Hatori, quite shocked.
"Oh no, I don't mind earning my keep."
"You're certain?"
"Quite.Forgive me Hatori-san but I must go and change. I was made aware that Akito-sama is not fond of street clothes. Could you point me in the right direction?"
"Oh of course! If you need anything at all Honda-san do not hesitate to ask. Oh and feel free to make use of the gardens in your hours off."
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"Kiora!"
"Y-yes master Sohma." bumbled the servant.
"We have a new chef?" Akito drawled lazily.
"Y-yes Master Akito. W-was something not to your liking?"
"Bring them to me." He barked.
"Y-yes Master!" squeaked the servant bowing and scurrying from the room.
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"Honda-san! Honda-san!" Tohru turned to the servant.
"Hai?"
"Honda-san Master Akito has requested you in the dining room."
There was immediate uproar as the cooks helped her remove her apron as they spouted words of advice and encouragement to her.
"Be careful, Honda-san dear Akito-sama is very fond of youthful girls and you are beautiful." warned one servant.
"And don't speak until spoken to" said another.
"And never make eye contact..."
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"Sohma-Sama requested to see me?" asked Tohru, bowing low.
"Yes" he drawled. "Stand up straight woman!"
Tohru snapped her back straight, hiding all traces of fear from her eyes. She knew Akito loved control.
"You were head chef on our meal?" Tohru's eyes flicked across Hatori and a young blonde man she didn't recognise.
"Hai" she replied evenly.
Akito smirked. "A strong woman. You hide your fear well. I like that... I wonder.. just how brave are you...?"
Tohru looked him determinedly in the eye.
"I see... The meal."
"Hai" she answered.
"It was very good." Tohru allowed a small smile light her features.
"Thank you."
He dismissed her with a wave of his hand.
Akito looked thoughtful. "She was very beautiful. We've never met... Who ordered such a beautiful woman confined to the kitchen.?"
"Ah - you did, Akito-san." said Hatori. "Momiji" he addressed the blond man. "You may be excused." Momiji shot to his feet and bowed out of the room only too happy to be out of the heads presence.
Akito turned calculating eyes on Hatori who squirmed. "The rabbit agrees with me." he threw carelessly. His eyes narrowed.
"I know every Sohma Hatori. Which leads me to believe that you allowed an outsider in my house!"
"Master Akito you gave permission! Honda-san..."
"Hon-"
"Hai, Master Akito!" said Hatori earnestly. "Miss Tohru has bloomed in past weeks."
"That she has. How are the Rat and the Cat taking it?"
"I don't believe they know yet. They have been in the mountains for weeks..."
"Yes... She saw the cat's true form and stayed... dared look me in the eye! She is a brave woman. Hatori allow Honda-san the chance to work where she wishes to."
"Hai, Akito-san."
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A/N: Review!!
Becca!