My Akigure Week contribution for the prompt : Camellia.
I'm sorry for the mistakes, English is not my mother tongue. I hope you like it.
Disclaimer : Fruits Basket belongs to Natsuki Takaya.
Camellia
Shigure left Hatori's house. He had told him that Akito was sick again.
'It's due to the stress,' the doctor had told him. 'So don't go annoy her.'
'Me, annoy her !' Shigure exclaimed, looking falsely hurt.' I didn't know you thought so badly of me.'
He took it as a joke, as always. But Hatori was right to be wary. Shigure could be sly and manipulative, even with the woman he loved. He knew it and she knew it. It was stronger than him. She had hurt him when she had chosen Kureno, so he wanted to hurt her back.
He walked past a blooming camellia and stopped to look at it. It's already the season, he thought. He remembered a particular event that had taken place years ago. It felt like it was in another life, before she chose Kureno. She had asked him if he loved her. More than anyone, he told her. And he had to admit that was still an unwavering truth.
He took a camellia between his thumb and forefinger and cut it. He closed his eyes and inhaled the scent of the flower. He could not help thinking about her, he could not help loving her. What he felt for Akito was stronger than the bond between the Junishi and their God.
He decided to take a detour before leaving the main estate. Several servants greeted him as he walked briskly to Akito's bedroom. He slid the door gently. The room was dark, the curtains were drawn and he could see Akito lying in her futon. Shigure walked over and saw that she was sleeping soundly. He knelt down next to her and brushed a few strands away that was falling on her face, gently stroking her cheek. She did not wake up. He put the camellia next to her pillow. He stood up and left the room.
The end