I am so sorry everybody for the really late update but my computer sorta exploded and I had to wait to get it fixed and then the chapter got erased to had to write it all over again. So I apologize for that. Once again thanks for all the reviews, glad you liked it. Anyways um…that's it. So enjoy and really sorry for taking so long.
Disclaimer: Pshhh no I don't Fruits Baskets you freak.
It was early noon when Tohru walked through the vast garden of the Sohma Estate. Its bright emerald strings of grass peeking from the rich soil. Flowers, hundreds of them, welcomed her with their sweet perfume. A vast pond could be seen filled with large coy fish of various colors. She sighed, absorbing the beautiful scenery that charmed her with sudden tranquility. Her hazel eyes gazed at her reflection in the still pond. She traced her fingers along the outline of the light blue kimono she wore that Ayame had made for her. Of course it was beautifully handcrafted like the rest of his garments. The kimono molded into her form perfectly—with threaded designs of lilies that looked almost tangible. She then noticed that a lot of the designs on the robes that Akito often wore consisted of lilies and orchids.
"Perhaps those are Akito-san's favorite flowers," Tohru mumbled to herself quietly before continuing to walk along the stone covered path. Suddenly the sound of rippling water caressed Tohru's ears, breaking into her train of thought.
"Water? But the pond is almost a mile away," she said while looking about her. The sound seemed to emanate strongly from the left behind a couple of cherry blossom trees. Curiosity getting the better of her, Tohru followed the mesmerizing sound. Peeking from behind the trunk of a tree she gazed at a type of hot spring—two rather large circular pools steaming into the cool air. Although in one pool a blob of hazy black could be seen in its steamy center. Tohru's eyes widened in fright and she ran over franticly.
"Oh no they might be drowning!" Tohru exclaimed while clumsily trying to discard her kimono.
She stopped undressing abruptly, her arms over her head trying to remove the shirt that was now covering part of her forehead. Slowly her pale cheeks turned into a bright red.
A stoic face with pitch black eyes stared at her, a dark eyebrow arched in slight amusement and confusion. Tohru, now a frozen tomato, could only stare at the half submerged Akito.
He remained silent slowly making his way out of the warm water, not caring that he was fully nude which erupted a gasp from the red- faced Tohru who covered her eyes before they could distinguish anything.
"I…I... I'm terribly sorry Akito-san I thought someone was drowning and I-"
"What are you babbling about?" Akito interrupted, putting on a white robe that lay on a wooden bench. Tohru remained silent fixing her clothes, her cheeks still tinted with crimson. He observed her quietly, his stone like expression never wavering. In turn Tohru froze, feeling his cold stare upon her.
"Oh I'm sorry I'll leave," she bowed to him quickly before turning away.
"Why are you in my garden?" Akito questioned, making Tohru stop. "I don't remember giving you permission to enter."
He walked towards her, causing Tohru to instinctively take a step back. There was a faint thump as her back hit the bark of the tall tree.
"Just because I give you a home and clothes doesn't mean you can prance around anywhere you want." Akito said placing a fragile hand above her head while trailing a finger along the silk kimono.
"I have to say with the right clothes you aren't too painful to look at," he smirked. Placing his other hand near her waist, trapping her, he lowered his head towards her neck. The brush of hair against her skin caused Tohru to shudder. He sniffed slightly, the scent of plums tickling his nostrils.
"Tell me Tohru-san…are you tainted inside as well?" Akito purred into her ear, his hot breathe making her ear damp.
"W…w…what?" She stuttered while flattening her body against the tree trying to distance them as much as possible. This only caused him to move closer still, just enough not to make any bodily contact.
"No, you are still pure I can see that much is true, pity no?" He chuckled.
"Um…my apologies Akito-san but I should get going," Tohru gulped while trying to move, not daring to even breathe.
"What are you trying to say Tohru-san? You don't want to play?" Akito grinned flattening himself against her enough to feel the heat radiate from her flesh. "You should be happy I'm so lenient today after you ruining my bath and all," Akito breathed harshly in her ear.
"I'm in a good mood today and as we all know what a kind person I am. I will let you off with a warning I suppose." Akito stated before dropping his arms and stepping away from her.
Tohru inhaled, replenishing her starving lungs with calming oxygen as Akito began to walk away.
"Well? Aren't you going to escort me back to the house? It's the least you could do after ruining my bath." Akito frowned in annoyance while crossing his arms impatiently.
"Oh, um, of course!" Tohru bowed quickly before scampering up beside him.
They walked along the granite path; the minutes seemed to sluggishly pass by, making the silence grow more awkward.
Tohru's mind raced as she debated whether to make small talk or remain silent. She decided that remaining silent might be rude so she cleared her dry throat quietly.
"AKITO WHICH DO YOU PREFER, LILIES OR ORCHIDS?" Tohru yelled quite loudly out of nervousness. She covered her mouth quickly, the blush in her cheeks evidently rising.
Akito coolly stared at her. "Lilies or orchids?"
"Um yes, I was just wondering since you seem to always wear them." Tohru squeaked while fiddling with her kimono, nervous by his even tone.
Again silence wrapped around them as Akito continued to walk, an anxious Tohru beside him.
"Lilies," he stated flatly, causing Tohru to turn looking at him questionably.
"Well I like flowers in general if you must know. The question you should be asking though is whether I prefer flowers over people," Akito said tartly.
Tohru stared at him innocently. "Do you?" Her question caused him to stop and turn to her. A faint snap could be heard emanating from a nearby flower bed as Akito plucked a blossom. He didn't answer her as she was quickly backed up against a tree again.
"Flowers are created from filth, they are born from it. How could something composed from dirt be so beautiful? How could something made from the world's excrement be loved and cherished by all? I have wondered that for a long time now," he whispered while picking a petal off its blossom and tracing it along her pale jaw line.
Tohru trembled, feeling the silk texture of the petal graze her skin and rest upon her lips. She watched as Akito's other hand clasped her waist, his sharp nails almost penetrating the kimono.
"I wonder the same thing about you too Tohru," Akito whispered, before plunging his lips atop hers; the petal the only barrier between their lips.
Her whole body froze as she felt Akito's tongue slither along the petal, the moisture making it become transparent.
He broke away with a grin, capturing the petal with his lips. He seductively played with it in his mouth before swallowing it, its bitter sweet taste running down his throat.
"I am ever so grateful for you escorting me Tohru-san, what a terribly kind girl you are," Akito smiled with slight wickedness before ascending up the granite stairs and disappearing.
Tohru picked up the plucked flower gently, its petals slowly falling as she caressed it before it fell apart in her hands and was scattered into the winds.
Well hoped you liked it, once again I'm sorry for the wait. I'll try not to make random objects explode so that I won't be late with the next chapter. Also I'm not sure if it's lilies, cherry blossoms, or orchids. If I'm wrong let me know and sorry for getting it wrong as well. Oh almost forgot, I am now changing the rating to M for future chapters. Not exactly lemon but there will be nudity and adult situations, just thought I'd let you know. Kay well happy reading!