Toharu was surprised to find the a corner of a small envelope sticking out
from her bedroom door "What's this?" she asked curiously letting her book
bag slide to the floor turning the door handle Toharu pushed the door
gently open and plucked the small envelope off the floor. Walking into her
room Toharu sat at her desk and examined the envelope. It was addressed to
her in thick flowing back kanji, sliding one finger under the flap Toharu
opened the envelope and pulled out a small sheet of paper folded in half
about the side of a business card, flipping the note open she read with
wide eyes the delicate flowing script
Toharu,
You will come to see me
at four this afternoon. Tell no one,
come alone,
~Akito
Her eyes widened , Akito? The beautiful handwriting was his? Why did the head of the Sohma clan want to see her? Toharu nervously glanced at her clock it was three, if she was going to make it to the main house in time she would have to leave soon. After a quick change of clothes Toharu quietly snuck down the stairs and out the door. She could hear the normal chatter floating out from the living room, Kyo and Yuki were at it again arguing about some small thing and Shigure was of course putting in his two cents occasionally. Toharu caught the buss with little waiting and pondered during the ride how something could take so long and yet be over so quickly.
Exiting the buss Toharu stood in front of the gate for a few moments before slipping quietly inside. It was beautiful really, late spring left her touches all over the main yard with sakura petals falling like delicate pink snow to coat the ground and sweeten the air. Her footsteps sounded unbelievable loud as she walked across the courtyard and Toharu wondered how such a beautiful place could be so sad. In a house stetting this large one would expect the sounds of daily life to liven the air, but the Sohma house was silent no children played outside nor housewife's gardening or doing laundry. Despite her best efforts Toharu could not help but notice how much like a graveyard the place felt.
Reaching the doors Toharu paused again before going in, was she ready to face Akito again? Last time she had met the volatile head of the house things had been explosive to say the least, but like it or not she would have to go in, the risk of making him even angrier by being late was something she would not hazard. Only a complete lunatic would porously make the head of the Sohma house upset. Toharu extended a hand to slide the door open as a soft darkly velvet voice shattered the eerie silence somehow without making it feel any less like the cursed place it was.
"Come into the garden."
The voice purred softly and Toharu glanced around nervously stepping back from the door. The garden? Which garden Toharu's mind spun as she attempted to place the direction the voice came from and wondered how many gardens a house this massive had.
"The garden is around the corner of the side house Mrs. Honda, you didn't know?"
Toharu winced at the condescending sarcasm in the silken tone; Akito knew very well she didn't know the layout of the Sohma house very well. His words were carefully structured to drive home the fact that she did not belong in this place. Toharu hurried around the corner of the side house only slowing her steps as she rounded the corner, Toharu didn't want to appear flustered in front of her 'host' she was sure that would only make things worse. Plastering her usual smile on her face (although it was a touch more nervous than usual) Toharu took in the seen before her.
Akito Sohma half reclined on the small garden porch, pale robes off the softest blue and white clothing his almost frail form. Propped up on cushions Akito smiled coolly at her and gestured to a small tea setting and the empty mat opposite of him "Sit." It was more of an order than a request. Toharu walked over feeling the weight of Akito's ebony gaze every step, dropping to her knees properly on the mat in front of him Toharu's nervousness got the better of her and she found herself talking to try and relive the
" I got your message.."
she started brightly. Akito pored tea into the cup infront of Toharu and she noticed it's deep red color and bitter sent, perhaps it was a medicinal tea? Akito's voice sharp and cold as a blade of ice cut in
"Obviously."
Akito snorted as if Toharu was a fool, after all if she hadn't gotten his summons why would she be at his house? Akito set the teapot down and gazed at Toharu expectantly, it took her a moment to realize what he was waiting for then scooped up the pot and poured tea into his cup much less gracefully than he had, although she did manage not to spill any. Setting the teapot down with a soft relived sigh Toharu tried to remain sitting upright properly and watched as Akito lifted his tea up to his lips and took a small sip all the while watching her over the rim.
"You have often said Mrs. Honda how you wish to stay with our family, are your words still the same? Despite any consequences that may follow?"
Toharu took her own warm cup into her hands marveling at the thinness of the expensive porcelain cup, the delicate form of a bird was painted across the cup and the Chinese kanji for bird or Rooster clarified underneath "Yes!" she stifled her outburst and tried to precede with more..ah decorum "I mean yes, everyone has been so kind to me. And I have..well I've come to feel like the Sohma's are family to me." She glanced up to see black rage in Akito's eyes, but strangely enough it cooled, and he smiled slightly a disturbing act for Akito.. as his smiles usually sat as a harbinger to disaster. The head of the sohma house nodded and inclined his head gently toward her untouched tea, Toharu blushed at her rudeness and lifted the cup to her lips and took a sip. Then nearly spit it out all over Akito! IT was terrible! As bitter as it had smelled and slightly thicker than normal tea giving it a upsetting consistency. Toharu took one look at Akito however and forced herself to swallow the liquid. Akito smiled again and brushed hair out of his face with a flick of his hand, continuing to sip his tea. Silence rained in the courtyard for several minutes then while Toharu battled to not only keep down the first swallow of the bitter tea, but finish the contents in her cup too!
Finally, feeling quite ill Toharu finished her tea and set the cup down, the gentle tap of the cup being placed on the tray was echoed by what Toharu realized was Akito setting down his own cup.
"Very well." Akito purred dark amusement evident in his face as Toharu glanced up.
"What?" Toharu said startled and was even more shocked when a moment later the Sohma clan head grasped her jaw in a grip far to strong for his frail looking frame and in an instant leaned forward placing his lips on her own.
Toharu froze in shock her mind unable to deal with the knowledge that at that moment Akito was kissing her, and it wasn't a light peck either.Toharu felt his tongue slide along her lips then dart into her mouth and a sharp pain before he pulled back. Keeping his lips next to her ear Akito chuckled
"Welcome to the Family Toharu."
And then blackness crashed down on her, and Toharu was swallowed up in it. Toharu was dreaming she knew this, standing in wide-open field long grasses rippled under the star-studded sky.
"Excuse me"
a voice said from around her feet and Toharu glanced down to see.a large dog talking to her.
"Toharu blinked at the dog "Ah, yes?" she said sounding strange even to her own ears. "You had better hurry if you are late you will not get into the party." The dog stated mater of factly and started to walk across the meadow. Toharu felt completely confused and followed along behind the dog.
"Excuse me, but what party would that be?"
The dog kept walking but glanced over his shoulder at her "God's party of course, you received an invite didn't you? That is why we are all here."
"We?" she echoed and infront of the dog shapes began to solidify and Toharu could make out the zodiac animals in front of and behind the dog and her in line.
She was in the Zodiac party Toharu realized, the one from the story. but why was she in line?
" But why was I invited?" she asked the dog urgently as they neared heaven's gate. "Because it wouldn't be a party with out you. "
Toharu gaped "But I'm not.." and was compelled to look down. Bright light enveloped Toharu and her scream was drowned into nothing ness. Toharu groaned and shielded her eyes with an arm, the setting sun sent glaring rays onto her face and she sat up feeling dizzy to find herself sitting up against the front gates of the sohma house facing the road. Something shifted in her lap and Toharu glanced down to see the tea cup from earlier with a folded piece of paper inside. Shakily Toharu opened her second mysterious note for the day and read it.
The necessary arrangements over your custody will be made, all Sohma's must in their proper place. The cup is now yours to take care of, risk no harm to it.
The note needed no signature; Toharu recognized the flowing style from the first note. Cupping the cup to her chest gently Toharu rose shakily to her feet and went to the buss stop wondering what she would tell everyone when arrived home..?
Toharu,
You will come to see me
at four this afternoon. Tell no one,
come alone,
~Akito
Her eyes widened , Akito? The beautiful handwriting was his? Why did the head of the Sohma clan want to see her? Toharu nervously glanced at her clock it was three, if she was going to make it to the main house in time she would have to leave soon. After a quick change of clothes Toharu quietly snuck down the stairs and out the door. She could hear the normal chatter floating out from the living room, Kyo and Yuki were at it again arguing about some small thing and Shigure was of course putting in his two cents occasionally. Toharu caught the buss with little waiting and pondered during the ride how something could take so long and yet be over so quickly.
Exiting the buss Toharu stood in front of the gate for a few moments before slipping quietly inside. It was beautiful really, late spring left her touches all over the main yard with sakura petals falling like delicate pink snow to coat the ground and sweeten the air. Her footsteps sounded unbelievable loud as she walked across the courtyard and Toharu wondered how such a beautiful place could be so sad. In a house stetting this large one would expect the sounds of daily life to liven the air, but the Sohma house was silent no children played outside nor housewife's gardening or doing laundry. Despite her best efforts Toharu could not help but notice how much like a graveyard the place felt.
Reaching the doors Toharu paused again before going in, was she ready to face Akito again? Last time she had met the volatile head of the house things had been explosive to say the least, but like it or not she would have to go in, the risk of making him even angrier by being late was something she would not hazard. Only a complete lunatic would porously make the head of the Sohma house upset. Toharu extended a hand to slide the door open as a soft darkly velvet voice shattered the eerie silence somehow without making it feel any less like the cursed place it was.
"Come into the garden."
The voice purred softly and Toharu glanced around nervously stepping back from the door. The garden? Which garden Toharu's mind spun as she attempted to place the direction the voice came from and wondered how many gardens a house this massive had.
"The garden is around the corner of the side house Mrs. Honda, you didn't know?"
Toharu winced at the condescending sarcasm in the silken tone; Akito knew very well she didn't know the layout of the Sohma house very well. His words were carefully structured to drive home the fact that she did not belong in this place. Toharu hurried around the corner of the side house only slowing her steps as she rounded the corner, Toharu didn't want to appear flustered in front of her 'host' she was sure that would only make things worse. Plastering her usual smile on her face (although it was a touch more nervous than usual) Toharu took in the seen before her.
Akito Sohma half reclined on the small garden porch, pale robes off the softest blue and white clothing his almost frail form. Propped up on cushions Akito smiled coolly at her and gestured to a small tea setting and the empty mat opposite of him "Sit." It was more of an order than a request. Toharu walked over feeling the weight of Akito's ebony gaze every step, dropping to her knees properly on the mat in front of him Toharu's nervousness got the better of her and she found herself talking to try and relive the
" I got your message.."
she started brightly. Akito pored tea into the cup infront of Toharu and she noticed it's deep red color and bitter sent, perhaps it was a medicinal tea? Akito's voice sharp and cold as a blade of ice cut in
"Obviously."
Akito snorted as if Toharu was a fool, after all if she hadn't gotten his summons why would she be at his house? Akito set the teapot down and gazed at Toharu expectantly, it took her a moment to realize what he was waiting for then scooped up the pot and poured tea into his cup much less gracefully than he had, although she did manage not to spill any. Setting the teapot down with a soft relived sigh Toharu tried to remain sitting upright properly and watched as Akito lifted his tea up to his lips and took a small sip all the while watching her over the rim.
"You have often said Mrs. Honda how you wish to stay with our family, are your words still the same? Despite any consequences that may follow?"
Toharu took her own warm cup into her hands marveling at the thinness of the expensive porcelain cup, the delicate form of a bird was painted across the cup and the Chinese kanji for bird or Rooster clarified underneath "Yes!" she stifled her outburst and tried to precede with more..ah decorum "I mean yes, everyone has been so kind to me. And I have..well I've come to feel like the Sohma's are family to me." She glanced up to see black rage in Akito's eyes, but strangely enough it cooled, and he smiled slightly a disturbing act for Akito.. as his smiles usually sat as a harbinger to disaster. The head of the sohma house nodded and inclined his head gently toward her untouched tea, Toharu blushed at her rudeness and lifted the cup to her lips and took a sip. Then nearly spit it out all over Akito! IT was terrible! As bitter as it had smelled and slightly thicker than normal tea giving it a upsetting consistency. Toharu took one look at Akito however and forced herself to swallow the liquid. Akito smiled again and brushed hair out of his face with a flick of his hand, continuing to sip his tea. Silence rained in the courtyard for several minutes then while Toharu battled to not only keep down the first swallow of the bitter tea, but finish the contents in her cup too!
Finally, feeling quite ill Toharu finished her tea and set the cup down, the gentle tap of the cup being placed on the tray was echoed by what Toharu realized was Akito setting down his own cup.
"Very well." Akito purred dark amusement evident in his face as Toharu glanced up.
"What?" Toharu said startled and was even more shocked when a moment later the Sohma clan head grasped her jaw in a grip far to strong for his frail looking frame and in an instant leaned forward placing his lips on her own.
Toharu froze in shock her mind unable to deal with the knowledge that at that moment Akito was kissing her, and it wasn't a light peck either.Toharu felt his tongue slide along her lips then dart into her mouth and a sharp pain before he pulled back. Keeping his lips next to her ear Akito chuckled
"Welcome to the Family Toharu."
And then blackness crashed down on her, and Toharu was swallowed up in it. Toharu was dreaming she knew this, standing in wide-open field long grasses rippled under the star-studded sky.
"Excuse me"
a voice said from around her feet and Toharu glanced down to see.a large dog talking to her.
"Toharu blinked at the dog "Ah, yes?" she said sounding strange even to her own ears. "You had better hurry if you are late you will not get into the party." The dog stated mater of factly and started to walk across the meadow. Toharu felt completely confused and followed along behind the dog.
"Excuse me, but what party would that be?"
The dog kept walking but glanced over his shoulder at her "God's party of course, you received an invite didn't you? That is why we are all here."
"We?" she echoed and infront of the dog shapes began to solidify and Toharu could make out the zodiac animals in front of and behind the dog and her in line.
She was in the Zodiac party Toharu realized, the one from the story. but why was she in line?
" But why was I invited?" she asked the dog urgently as they neared heaven's gate. "Because it wouldn't be a party with out you. "
Toharu gaped "But I'm not.." and was compelled to look down. Bright light enveloped Toharu and her scream was drowned into nothing ness. Toharu groaned and shielded her eyes with an arm, the setting sun sent glaring rays onto her face and she sat up feeling dizzy to find herself sitting up against the front gates of the sohma house facing the road. Something shifted in her lap and Toharu glanced down to see the tea cup from earlier with a folded piece of paper inside. Shakily Toharu opened her second mysterious note for the day and read it.
The necessary arrangements over your custody will be made, all Sohma's must in their proper place. The cup is now yours to take care of, risk no harm to it.
The note needed no signature; Toharu recognized the flowing style from the first note. Cupping the cup to her chest gently Toharu rose shakily to her feet and went to the buss stop wondering what she would tell everyone when arrived home..?