The Fleeting Truth

Chapter 2 – A Glimmer

An – Yay chapter two. I hope you enjoy. I made this off a whim, but the ideas I have for it are fueling me like crazy :D


"If you'd like, you can stay here until you remember where you live."

Tohru covered her face remembering the conversation well. It was so unbelievably kind for Shigure to let her stay with him. At least until she recovered. She didn't even know what to think of it. She looked around the room trying to distract herself. It was simple, clean, and overall very nice. She liked it, though she still felt terrible imposing on a complete stranger like this. She fiddled with her feet and played with the edge of her skirt trying to focus. Now that she had time to think, she didn't have her backpack or anything. She must have been robbed too, but…

A soft knock snapped her back to reality.

"Tohru, do you mind if I come in?"

"Oh, no, please come in!"

Shigure carefully opened the door, peering around it curiously.

"Have you settled in alright?"

She smiled brightly and nodded.

"Yes, thank you so much! Please, if I can repay you in any way, just let me know!"

Shigure smiled and stepped inside.

"Yuki had to get back to the Main House, so it will just be me and you now. Though, he'll probably be coming by quite a bit to visit."

He laughed casually, and she cocked her head.

"Main House?"

His laugh became nervous and he scratched the back of his head.

"Uh, yes. He lives there, not much else to say about it really."

"Oh, so then why will he be visiting a lot? Are you two close?"

Shigure laughed and waved his hand.

"Well, not really. But since you're a girl and living in my house, he feels like he has to watch out for you."

She smiled. So Yuki was just as kind as this man. She couldn't remember any meaningful conversation with him, but she had heard that he was very sweet.

"That's very kind of him."

Silence fell between the two, and it quickly became awkward. She was about to ask if there was anything else he needed when Shigure diverted his gaze to the window and rubbed his head.

"You haven't remembered anything, have you?"

The question seemed to have two purposes. But she just sighed and looked down sadly.

"No, I would call Hana or Uo but their numbers are in my phone, and my phone was in my backpack."

Shigure sighed.

"No problem. I was wondering, would you mind going out on a walk with me? I'm sure the fresh air will help you feel better."

Tohru smiled and nodded.

"Yes I'd love to! Thank you!"

Shigure turned and led her through the house until they reached the front door. As she bent over to put on her shoes, he watched her carefully. She didn't remember a damn thing. But he wasn't going to let that dampen his spirits. He still couldn't believe how trusting she was. Just a little bit of prodding, that's all she would need. He smiled, and they left the house.


Earlier

"Listen to me, Yuki. Don't tell Hatori that she's here, otherwise we'll have even bigger problems to deal with."

Yuki's eyes narrowed coldly.

"You mean you'll have problems."

"And Tohru! Can you imagine what it would be like having a raging Hatori monster running at you?"

"He wouldn't act like that and you know it."

"There's still the possibility."

Yuki glared at him.

"I have to tell him. There's no way I'm going to disobey Hatori on something like this."

Shigure smiled, watching Yuki keenly.

"But do you want it?"

Yuki's eyes widened, surprised by the question. He looked at Shigure, who just watched him patiently.

"Do...do I want...what?"

He was timid now, not sure if he wanted the answer to his question. Shigure just grinned.

"Do you really want her to forget?"

Yuki fell silent.


Present

Tohru smiled and laughed, pointing out flowers and bugs at every step. Shigure just watched her gently, slowly edging towards a familiar part of the woods. She ran forward and fell to her knees by a small flower bush. She looked back excitedly.

"Look, Shigure! Aren't they beautiful?"

He laughed and nodded.

"They certainly are. Does everything entice you like this, Tohru?"

It had been a long time since he had spoken like this, with anyone. It was calming. It was pleasant. It was...painful...

"Oh! Look Shigure! It's a little garden!"

She ran forward, stopping carefully near the old edges. Shigure followed at his own pace and allowed his gaze to follow Tohru's finger. Weeds sprang up through once carefully tended dirt and were beginning to choke out the old vegetables that still grew. He didn't realize that it had been so long since Yuki had left. He nodded and waved offhandedly towards the plants.

"Looks like someone hasn't been by in a while. Go ahead, see if anything's ripe."

"But this is someone's garden, it would be wrong to take anything!"

Shigure smiled and shook his head.

"No, it used to be Yuki's. He's since given up on it I suppose, but we might be able to salvage something."

She nodded and started shifting through the overgrowth. She found a small bush of strawberries, and delighted, grabbed a few and inspected them.

"I love strawberries!"

Shigure smiled, already knowing the fact but still thinking it nice to hear, but his humor died the second he noticed her face. It was vacant, and her vivacious eyes were distant. He perked up and stepped forward.

"Tohru?"

"Tohru?"

She could just barely hear it above the roar. It was so loud, was it the ocean? No, too unpredictable, more like the wind. Yes, it was a fierce wind, with harsh rain, and a boy. Her eyes widened. Yuki, yes, she was with Yuki here once. But why? No, it was a dream, it had to be. He smiled at her, and the rain slid down the side of his perfect face gently. Her mother, a life, a happiness...

"Tohru!"

Heavy hands shook her and forced her back to reality. She gasped and blinked several times before finally being able to focus on the man above her. She stared for a moment or two.

"Are you alright Tohru? You weren't breathing."

She coughed and nodded, trying to smile.

"Yes, I'm fine. I'm sorry I just spaced out for a second."

She forced a giggle, and he knew. He smiled.

"Remember anything?"

She looked up at him confused, and then smiled, happy that he was changing the subject.

"Nope. But here, have a strawberry! They're nice and juicy!"

Shigure smiled through his frustration and took one, munching on it thoughtfully while Tohru let her mind ponder painfully on the vague feelings.


Day 2

Yuki couldn't believe Shigure was so bold as to take Tohru in again. He knew that story about finding her in an alleyway was a lie, but then again part of him hoped it was. The thought of someone having hurt her like that made him sick. He hadn't been able to get her out of his mind since the day prior, so he decided to stop by and check up on her. When he got to Shigure's house, the old dog didn't seem to be home, so he let himself in and wandered upstairs. He paused by her door and knocked softly.

"Ms. Honda? Are you here?"

He could hear her squeak, and he smiled realizing that she didn't know anyone had come in.

"Oh, yes, I'm here! Please come in."

Yuki walked in and bowed politely. Seeing that, Tohru jumped to her feet and bowed in return.

"It's so nice to see you again Sohma-kun!"

Yuki laughed.

"It's good to see you too, Ms. Honda."

She looked back up at him, but paused for a second. That smile was so soft and gentle. It made her happy, but she didn't know why. She suddenly felt dizzy for a moment, but caught herself quickly.

"I'm sorry, I think I need to sit down…"

Yuki stepped forward, but stopped himself from getting too close.

"Are you alright?"

"Yes! I'm fine, thank you. I just felt funny for a second."

He sighed, more to himself then anything else, and looked towards a distant wall.

"I'm sorry that you're here, Ms. Honda."

"Oh no, you don't have to apologize! I like it here. Shigure is really very kind."

Yuki rubbed his head.

"No, I mean...have you remembered where you've been staying?"

She looked down sadly and shook her head.

"No, I'm sorry. I'm trying to remember but it doesn't seem to be working. I found Uo's number and I was going to call her, but I realized that I didn't want to impose on her, so I thought I'd call Hana, but then I remembered that she has a large family. I couldn't ask to stay with them."

Yuki sighed. He really didn't like this situation. Though, he had to admit, it was nice hearing her talk like that again. He opened his mouth to talk when she burst out with a smile.

"I know, I'll call my aunt, maybe...no wait...oohh..."

She laid back on the bed, her mind going around the same endless track it had been for hours. Why couldn't she remember? She felt like there was a number or something in her purse, but of course she didn't have it anymore. The two fell quiet and Yuki stepped forward.

"Ms. Honda, can you do something for me?"

She snapped up and smiled brightly.

"Of course, anything!"

His eyes darkened and he diverted his gaze.

"Please tell me if Shigure starts acting...strangely with you, alright?"

She watched him curiously, so he continued.

"I'm just worried about you. I think he's up to something and I'm afraid you'll get hurt. So please, make sure to tell me if he starts acting funny."

She didn't understand why he was asking, but nodded happily nonetheless.

"I will Sohma-kun, you can count on me!"

She hit her hand against her chest and giggled up at him. Yuki couldn't help but smile watching her. She was just so cute. He sighed and bowed.

"Well, then I have to excuse myself. It was nice seeing you again Ms. Honda."

Tohru jumped up and bowed as well.

"Oh yes, thank you for visiting Sohma-kun."

She absently waved him farewell as he turned and opened her bedroom door. He couldn't help but smile watching her. It wasn't like he was leaving the house just yet. He contained a small laugh and shut her door behind him, sighing contently thinking back on their conversation. He stood there for a long time, eyes growing darker with every moment passed, until he finally turned and walked down the hallway and down the stairs. He had to talk to someone. Anyone, it didn't matter. The only hard part would be picking the right person to tell. He sighed and left the house, headed to the Sohma estate. In a dark edge of the hallway, Shigure watched as Yuki retreated, and he sent a casual glance towards Tohru's door. He was no fool. He'd make sure Yuki didn't do anything stupid. He smiled. As he always said, the end justifies the means.