AN: I'm really sorry I was so long in getting the next chapter out but I
got caught up with other things and I became stumped partway in writing
this up. But, hey, it's finally out and the previous chapters revised
which I hope everyone finds better than they were before since that's the
intention. It would be terrible if I somehow managed to make it worse,
wouldn't it? *crosses fingers and hopes that didn't happen*
Many thanks to readers who have sent comments my way - everyone's been wonderful and encouraging despite the dark turns this fic has taken. Hopefully, I'll be motivated to getting the next chapters out quicker since I think I'll be wrapping it up soon. (^^)
Mini-glossary of Japanese words/phrases used in this chapter and roughly translated English equivalent:
maa - 'well' or 'now, now, now' when strung together several times
ne - hey / right
ara - oh, my
hai - yes
furo - Japanese bath
arigatou gozaimasu - thank you very much
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CHAPTER 8: Gathering of Togetherness
Hatori heaved an inaudible sigh as he looked around at the solemn gathering seated in Shigure's living area. Usually it was a cheery room but now it was made gloomy by the absence of the girl who wasn't there as she ordinarily was and who was the reason they were all clustered together in the first place.
Upon instructing one of the servants to deliver a basin of water and washcloth to Akito's room, he had left the building, unable to do anything else, only to run into Momiji and Kisa. With uncanny instincts they had sensed that something was wrong and had immediately wanted to rush to Tohru's side. But that, Hatori was certain, would have been a disaster if they were to barge in on Akito when he clearly wanted his privacy. Sensing that they needed to do something, and wanting to forestall any foolish actions they might undertake if left alone, he'd ushered them into his care and taken them all to Shigure's which included Hatsuharu, Kagura, and Hiro who had attached themselves to the procession when they were spotted leaving.
The car ride had been silent and tense, an oppressive and weighty thing, and Hatori hadn't been able to think of anything that would break the uncomfortable atmosphere. So it was with great relief that he arrived at Shigure's and they piled out of the car. But the relief had been temporary, a brief and fleeting moment that all too quickly fled because Hatori knew that the conversation to come would only increase the tension and regretted that he'd kept his mouth shut, having thought that waiting until everyone was together before divulging this newest event surrounding Tohru would be best. However, picking up on the tension that hung in the air, he had doubts about his resolute silence as he had difficulty seeing any good it had done; it only seemed to make everyone's worries worsen.
"What's happened to Honda-san?" Yuki asked, breaking the weighty silence. "And don't try to gloss it over," he said. "Everyone wouldn't have come over like this if there was nothing wrong."
"I'm not really sure what's going on either," Momiji said, an unusually somber expression on his face. "Hari said he wouldn't say anything until he got all of us together."
"Then spit it out already," Kyou growled impatiently.
"Ha-san better hurry," Shigure commented lazily. "The young ones are getting restless."
"You keep out of this!" Kyou glared.
"Maa, that's kind of hard to do since this looks like a Jyunnishi gathering and I am, after all, a Jyunnishi too."
Kyou might have shot back a rejoinder and sparked a fight but his attention, like everyone else's in the room, was caught by the tiny voice that spoke up as it seldom ever did. It was a sad and almost tearful tone and, whether by design or not, halted any further antagonistic words from being spoken.
"Hatori-ojiisan," Kisa said pleadingly, the expression on her face heartbreaking in its worry for the older girl who meant so much to her. "Please say if there's something wrong with Onee-chan." Her breath came out in a trembling sigh. "She's not hurt is she?"
'By Akito' was the phrase left unspoken but hung in the air nevertheless, like the impending silence before doom, touching all in the room with it's dire implications. And all at once, Hatori became the focus of attention as everyone waited to hear his answer. Though the weight of the gazes leveled upon him made him uncomfortable, Hatori's expression softened as he looked down at the little girl sitting beside him.
"It's probably nothing, really." He adopted his best reassuring tone. "I just thought it would be easier to tell it once to everyone instead of having to repeat myself and answer the same questions over again. I can only apologize that my decision to remain quiet on the matter only seems to have made everyone's worries increase more than they should due to my lack of explanation. "
"Then explain it already!" Kyou burst out agitatedly. "What happened to her?"
Hatori released a sigh at the impatient glares aimed at him. "She fainted."
"Fainted!" Kyou looked worried.
"Why?" Kagura asked, concerned.
"Is she sick?" Yuki asked worriedly. He remembered another time when she had passed out. "Does she have a fever?" Then he frowned doubtfully. "In this heat?"
"Onee-chan's sick?" Kisa's voice trembled tearfully as Hiro looked on helplessly, not knowing what to do for her.
"Maa, maa, maa," Shigure broke in calmly. "Let's not overreact. We haven't heard everything Ha-san has to say yet, ne?"
Though all the eyes suddenly focusing on him with intensity made him uncomfortable, Hatori resumed speaking steadily. "She's not ill so you can ease your minds on that score, at least. I don't believe it's serious enough to warrant all the worry in this room and I apologize again for letting it build up like this with my silence. If I had known it would become as bad as this, I would have said something sooner." His only excuse was that he was rattled by the day's events and not thinking clearly but he didn't say that, knowing it would simply worry them more. He shook his head as he explained, "She only fainted earlier because she became overheated from being out in the sun too long. It's a relatively minor incident."
There was a collective sigh of relief all around as the tension in the air immediately diminished.
"Hatori," Yuki started suddenly as a thought occurred to him. "I've seen Honda-san in hot weather many times and she's never fainted because of it." Yuki's gaze narrowed. "Why now?"
It made everyone else suspicious as well and, once again, Hatori found himself under intense scrutiny. Knowing there was no helping for it, Hatori briefly related the day's events, editing out the more worrisome details to tamp down on everyone's tension. Though he wanted to spare anyone from anxiety, it was impossible as knowing that she was in Akito's hands was nerve-wracking enough and the heavy silence that fell with his last words was proof of that.
Momiji was the first to break it. "I want to see her."
"That's not a good idea," Hatori cautioned, recalling Akito's strangely possessive behavior towards Tohru.
"But I want to see her," Momiji insisted. "If there's nothing else I can do, I want to at least see for myself that she's okay."
"I want to see Onee-chan too," Kisa added softly, pleadingly.
"Akito never said anything about not visiting, did he?" Yuki asked shrewdly. "He only wanted her staying there with him. Nothing was mentioned about us keeping our distance."
"Akito won't like it," Hiro muttered, wincing at the hurt look that crossed Kisa's face.
"Who says he has to know?" Kyou snapped angrily.
"That's right!" Momiji piped up excitedly. "We can just sneak in."
"Wait a minute," Hatori said sternly. "Do you really think something like this will go unnoticed? One of the servants is bound to see and you know they'll report to Akito if they do. And even if you do by some chance manage to avoid them, her room is right next to Akito's!" He shook his head. "It'll be terrible what Akito does if he finds out you met with Honda-kun without his approval."
"Then why not get his approval?" Kagura asked, drawing everyone's attention. She smiled and shrugged into the shocked silence that fell upon the room. "You never know until you ask."
"That bastard would never agree," Kyou growled.
"He might," Hatsuharu interjected in that bland tone of his, "if he was asked by someone he likes best. Someone who has the most chance of convincing him."
Shigure's brows rose when all eyes immediately zeroed in on him. "So I'm elected to brave the lion's den," he commented drolly. "You know, I never saw myself as the type to stick my neck out for trouble."
Kyou cracked his knuckles, glaring threateningly. "I can stretch it out for you."
"Ara, what's this?" A surprised expression bloomed on Shigure's face. "Violence against a defenseless writer? What would Tohru-kun say?"
"Shigure," Hatori said sharply, halting whatever vitriolic curse Kyou might have hurled next. Hatori shot Shigure a stern look. "Stop goading him. This is no time to stir things up."
"On the contrary, this seems the perfect time since everything's already stirred up. But," Shigure said laconically into the sea of faces turned towards him, "since I seem to be outvoted, what choice do I have?"
Hatori shook his head as he gazed upon the young faces gathered around. "Are you really sure you want to do this?"
Murmurs of assent echoed each other.
Hatori became resigned as he looked around the younger Jyunnishi gathered round, youthful fire and determination written in those faces that displayed a vigorous spirit that made him feel unbearably old and jaded. He knew that they wouldn't be deterred in this goal, would probably charge forward in their course of action even if he tried to block them from it, and a part of him was glad though there was another part of him that equally despaired. In the face of their resolution and his desire to protect them as much as he could, there was only one option available that just might let them all emerge from this unscathed.
"Shigure." Hatori's tone reflected his weariness. "Make the call."
"Hai, hai, hai," went Shigure as he left.
"Do you think he'll agree?" asked Yuki worriedly.
"With Akito, it's hard to tell," Hatori replied.
"Who cares what he says?" groused Kyou, crossing his arms.
"Spoken like a true child," commented Hiro superciliously.
"Hiro-chan," Kisa admonished softly. "That's not very nice. Everyone's only worried about Onee-chan."
Hiro looked down, shamefaced, while a depressed air settled upon the room.
"Oh, come on," Kagura spoke up suddenly, a hint of exasperation in her tone as she looked at everyone. "I know this isn't the best of circumstances but cheer up a little. Tohru-kun wouldn't want everyone to be so gloomy like this and you know it."
"That's right!" Momiji nodded emphatically. "And even if we don't get approval, we can still sneak in!"
"Kidnapping," Hatsuharu said blandly as wide eyes turned to him. "In fairytales the prince can whisk the damsel away to safety."
"Haru." Yuki was inexplicably exasperated albeit amused. "Are you comparing real life to a fairytale?"
"People get kidnapped in real life too," Hatsuharu replied mildly.
Yuki sighed while Kisa giggled softly as a mix of amused and exasperated expressions bloomed across the features of the others.
Observing it all, a faint smile touched Hatori's lips as he took in the lessened tension in the room and was grateful to Kagura, Momiji, and Hatsuharu for breaking the pall that hung over them though he knew the lightened humor wouldn't last for long. Still, in times of great distress, it was important to appreciate the little moments of respite or else go insane from the pressure of it all. And he was glad for the brief reprieve granted to the youths who bore most of the burdensome gloom and hope it would shore up their spirits because he had a feeling that they would need all the emotional strength they could muster in the times to come.
"I'm glad to see everyone in better spirits that when I left."
Heads whipped around as they turned to stare at Shigure who looked back at them with an amused expression lighting his features. He seemed to delight in the immediate clamor that erupted around him as the noise level rose while everyone fired questions about his conversation with Akito, questions and demands tripping over each other until it was difficult to make one out from among the others. How long it would have gone on was hard to say as Hatori took charge, a sharp word from him causing an immediate silence while he turned to Shigure.
"What did he say?" Hatori asked while the others waited.
"He agrees," Shigure says.
Sighs of relief went all around.
"However," Shigure continued as everyone froze, "there are a few conditions. I agreed since I doubted any of you wanted to throw your chance of seeing Tohru-kun with his permission out the window."
"What conditions?" Yuki asked suspiciously.
"It'll be a formal meeting so, of course, everyone has to be on their best behavior since he'll also be in attendance."
"That's not so bad," Momiji said. "At least we get to see her."
Yuki shook his head. "Shigure, you said 'conditions.' What are the others?"
"Maa, there's really only one other one," Shigure responded
"And what would that be?"
"We have to head over there now."
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Steam rose up sensuously, twisting and weaving though the hot moist air while the sounds of water echoed throughout the quiet room. Enjoying the sensation of warm water enveloping her in a way that seemed so long ago, though it was barely more than a day past, Tohru allowed herself to relax as tense muscles loosened while she reclined in the sloped end of the large furo in which she was submerged.
Like many other things about the Honke, Tohru couldn't help but observe that even the furo bespoke the wealth of the family. It was different from the one at Shigure's, which was much smaller by comparison and constructed of the cheaper and more commonly used materials nowadays of acrylic, fiberglass, and tiles. The Honke was a place of Japanese tradition and that extended here as well as the natural aromatic scent of the more expensive Hinoki wood from which the furo was constructed arose around her with its pleasant citrus odor. And Tohru, who was unused to such luxury, could only look about her with appreciative wonder at it all despite the hard shocks that had been dealt to her during her brief depressive stay.
Besides, she thought a trifle optimistically, not all of it was bad.
Perhaps it was the lulling warmth of the water which soothed her aching spirit or the time and distance away from Akito, or even a combination of them and other things; whatever the case, she found herself more open to the idea that being here wasn't as terrible as she had sometimes thought during the dark night before. Certainly, she had never dreamed that she would have gotten to wear such a beautiful and expensive kimono or be here soaking in such a luxurious furo the likes of which she'd never experienced before.
And she also never thought that the head of the clan would have looked after her.
It had definitely been a surreal experience to regain consciousness to discover herself being tended by the one who had so terrified her prior to that and the puzzlement and awe she felt then still lingered with her even now. She didn't know what to make of it, having supposed that he would have foisted her off on one of the servants rather than bothering with her himself. Though the bruises that marked her flesh still stood out vividly on her pale skin, she felt herself softening towards him when she recalled that he had lowered himself to take care of her after her ignoble faint however much he despised her. Surely there had to be some good in that. Surely.
She rose, water sloshing and sluicing off of her as she deemed she'd been soaking in the furo long enough with her thoughts, to the point where her skin was starting to develop an unattractive pruny quality. Vaguely, as she wrapped a towel around herself, she wondered why she worried about her appearance in an almost vain manner when it probably wasn't important since she doubted she'd see anyone. After all, Akito had given her the rest of the day free although she had no idea what that entailed, only that she wouldn't see him and his was the only opinion that truly mattered.
"Tohru-san."
"Natsuki-san!" Tohru exclaimed in surprise at seeing her. A sense of foreboding stole over her, shredding her earlier optimism, when she caught the serious expression on Natsuki's face. "What is it?"
"You have to get dressed. Quickly."
It was then that Tohru noticed the armful of material that Natsuki held. Tohru knew enough now to recognize it as another kimono, no doubt to replace the one she'd ruined, except this one was of a pale green rather than pink. But it was similar to the last one she'd worn in that it was very beautiful - and very expensive.
"Oh." Tohru frowned doubtfully. "I don't know if I can accept this."
"You must," Natsuki told her. "It's what Akito-san wants. You're to put this on as quickly as you can before meeting him."
"Akito-san?" Tohru blinked in confusion. "But he told me earlier that I wasn't to see him anymore today."
"Perhaps he did," Natsuki acknowledged. "But that isn't what he's saying now."
At that ominous statement, Tohru fell silent as she allowed Natsuki to usher her into what needed to be done - dressing her. Natsuki worked quickly and efficiently with the dressing preparations while Tohru let her. After all, Akito had said to be fast about it and Tohru didn't want to create any interruptions that could get him angry with the both of them if they weren't as speedy as he liked. So Tohru stayed silent, but observed Natsuki's actions carefully so she would be able to do it herself the next time and to give herself something to concentrate on besides worrying about what it was that Akito wanted to see her for.
It wasn't before she was on her way to discovering that particular mystery as she soon found herself dressed properly in the traditional Japanese garb and facing Akito in that same room she'd left him in a short while before. She couldn't help trembling as he stalked towards her, gaze never leaving her with each step closer that he took until they were nearly standing toe- to-toe.
He tilted her chin up until she was looking directly into his eyes as he examined her. "You'll do," he told her, releasing his grip on her chin. "You wonder why I called for you, ne?"
"Hai," she responded softly.
Akito smirked. "You should thank me since I'm about to gift you with one of your fondest wishes."
Tohru just stared at him in confusion.
"You want to see your friends don't you?" Akito asked silkily. "Yuki and the others?"
Her eyes widened, breath catching in her throat, as she didn't even dare to respond.
"They'll be here soon to see you. And I, being the generous soul that I am, will allow it. With me present, of course."
"Really?" Hope warred with wariness in her voice.
At it, Akito's eyes narrowed though his tone remained soft. "Hai. So what do you say when I'm being so kind."
"Arigatou gozaimasu," she responded immediately, gratefully.
"Good girl." He smiled, sending shivers down Tohru's spine. "But there are some guidelines that you'll have to follow. You will follow them, ne? A promise is a promise, after all."
"Hai," she whispered, subdued.
"That's right." He gave a light, approving stroke of her cheek. "And don't worry. I'm sure it won't be too difficult for you."
And so Akito told her what it was that he wanted her to do while Tohru listened, attentive and quiet, not liking what was laid before her but having little other choice than to agree and accept it.
Many thanks to readers who have sent comments my way - everyone's been wonderful and encouraging despite the dark turns this fic has taken. Hopefully, I'll be motivated to getting the next chapters out quicker since I think I'll be wrapping it up soon. (^^)
Mini-glossary of Japanese words/phrases used in this chapter and roughly translated English equivalent:
maa - 'well' or 'now, now, now' when strung together several times
ne - hey / right
ara - oh, my
hai - yes
furo - Japanese bath
arigatou gozaimasu - thank you very much
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CHAPTER 8: Gathering of Togetherness
Hatori heaved an inaudible sigh as he looked around at the solemn gathering seated in Shigure's living area. Usually it was a cheery room but now it was made gloomy by the absence of the girl who wasn't there as she ordinarily was and who was the reason they were all clustered together in the first place.
Upon instructing one of the servants to deliver a basin of water and washcloth to Akito's room, he had left the building, unable to do anything else, only to run into Momiji and Kisa. With uncanny instincts they had sensed that something was wrong and had immediately wanted to rush to Tohru's side. But that, Hatori was certain, would have been a disaster if they were to barge in on Akito when he clearly wanted his privacy. Sensing that they needed to do something, and wanting to forestall any foolish actions they might undertake if left alone, he'd ushered them into his care and taken them all to Shigure's which included Hatsuharu, Kagura, and Hiro who had attached themselves to the procession when they were spotted leaving.
The car ride had been silent and tense, an oppressive and weighty thing, and Hatori hadn't been able to think of anything that would break the uncomfortable atmosphere. So it was with great relief that he arrived at Shigure's and they piled out of the car. But the relief had been temporary, a brief and fleeting moment that all too quickly fled because Hatori knew that the conversation to come would only increase the tension and regretted that he'd kept his mouth shut, having thought that waiting until everyone was together before divulging this newest event surrounding Tohru would be best. However, picking up on the tension that hung in the air, he had doubts about his resolute silence as he had difficulty seeing any good it had done; it only seemed to make everyone's worries worsen.
"What's happened to Honda-san?" Yuki asked, breaking the weighty silence. "And don't try to gloss it over," he said. "Everyone wouldn't have come over like this if there was nothing wrong."
"I'm not really sure what's going on either," Momiji said, an unusually somber expression on his face. "Hari said he wouldn't say anything until he got all of us together."
"Then spit it out already," Kyou growled impatiently.
"Ha-san better hurry," Shigure commented lazily. "The young ones are getting restless."
"You keep out of this!" Kyou glared.
"Maa, that's kind of hard to do since this looks like a Jyunnishi gathering and I am, after all, a Jyunnishi too."
Kyou might have shot back a rejoinder and sparked a fight but his attention, like everyone else's in the room, was caught by the tiny voice that spoke up as it seldom ever did. It was a sad and almost tearful tone and, whether by design or not, halted any further antagonistic words from being spoken.
"Hatori-ojiisan," Kisa said pleadingly, the expression on her face heartbreaking in its worry for the older girl who meant so much to her. "Please say if there's something wrong with Onee-chan." Her breath came out in a trembling sigh. "She's not hurt is she?"
'By Akito' was the phrase left unspoken but hung in the air nevertheless, like the impending silence before doom, touching all in the room with it's dire implications. And all at once, Hatori became the focus of attention as everyone waited to hear his answer. Though the weight of the gazes leveled upon him made him uncomfortable, Hatori's expression softened as he looked down at the little girl sitting beside him.
"It's probably nothing, really." He adopted his best reassuring tone. "I just thought it would be easier to tell it once to everyone instead of having to repeat myself and answer the same questions over again. I can only apologize that my decision to remain quiet on the matter only seems to have made everyone's worries increase more than they should due to my lack of explanation. "
"Then explain it already!" Kyou burst out agitatedly. "What happened to her?"
Hatori released a sigh at the impatient glares aimed at him. "She fainted."
"Fainted!" Kyou looked worried.
"Why?" Kagura asked, concerned.
"Is she sick?" Yuki asked worriedly. He remembered another time when she had passed out. "Does she have a fever?" Then he frowned doubtfully. "In this heat?"
"Onee-chan's sick?" Kisa's voice trembled tearfully as Hiro looked on helplessly, not knowing what to do for her.
"Maa, maa, maa," Shigure broke in calmly. "Let's not overreact. We haven't heard everything Ha-san has to say yet, ne?"
Though all the eyes suddenly focusing on him with intensity made him uncomfortable, Hatori resumed speaking steadily. "She's not ill so you can ease your minds on that score, at least. I don't believe it's serious enough to warrant all the worry in this room and I apologize again for letting it build up like this with my silence. If I had known it would become as bad as this, I would have said something sooner." His only excuse was that he was rattled by the day's events and not thinking clearly but he didn't say that, knowing it would simply worry them more. He shook his head as he explained, "She only fainted earlier because she became overheated from being out in the sun too long. It's a relatively minor incident."
There was a collective sigh of relief all around as the tension in the air immediately diminished.
"Hatori," Yuki started suddenly as a thought occurred to him. "I've seen Honda-san in hot weather many times and she's never fainted because of it." Yuki's gaze narrowed. "Why now?"
It made everyone else suspicious as well and, once again, Hatori found himself under intense scrutiny. Knowing there was no helping for it, Hatori briefly related the day's events, editing out the more worrisome details to tamp down on everyone's tension. Though he wanted to spare anyone from anxiety, it was impossible as knowing that she was in Akito's hands was nerve-wracking enough and the heavy silence that fell with his last words was proof of that.
Momiji was the first to break it. "I want to see her."
"That's not a good idea," Hatori cautioned, recalling Akito's strangely possessive behavior towards Tohru.
"But I want to see her," Momiji insisted. "If there's nothing else I can do, I want to at least see for myself that she's okay."
"I want to see Onee-chan too," Kisa added softly, pleadingly.
"Akito never said anything about not visiting, did he?" Yuki asked shrewdly. "He only wanted her staying there with him. Nothing was mentioned about us keeping our distance."
"Akito won't like it," Hiro muttered, wincing at the hurt look that crossed Kisa's face.
"Who says he has to know?" Kyou snapped angrily.
"That's right!" Momiji piped up excitedly. "We can just sneak in."
"Wait a minute," Hatori said sternly. "Do you really think something like this will go unnoticed? One of the servants is bound to see and you know they'll report to Akito if they do. And even if you do by some chance manage to avoid them, her room is right next to Akito's!" He shook his head. "It'll be terrible what Akito does if he finds out you met with Honda-kun without his approval."
"Then why not get his approval?" Kagura asked, drawing everyone's attention. She smiled and shrugged into the shocked silence that fell upon the room. "You never know until you ask."
"That bastard would never agree," Kyou growled.
"He might," Hatsuharu interjected in that bland tone of his, "if he was asked by someone he likes best. Someone who has the most chance of convincing him."
Shigure's brows rose when all eyes immediately zeroed in on him. "So I'm elected to brave the lion's den," he commented drolly. "You know, I never saw myself as the type to stick my neck out for trouble."
Kyou cracked his knuckles, glaring threateningly. "I can stretch it out for you."
"Ara, what's this?" A surprised expression bloomed on Shigure's face. "Violence against a defenseless writer? What would Tohru-kun say?"
"Shigure," Hatori said sharply, halting whatever vitriolic curse Kyou might have hurled next. Hatori shot Shigure a stern look. "Stop goading him. This is no time to stir things up."
"On the contrary, this seems the perfect time since everything's already stirred up. But," Shigure said laconically into the sea of faces turned towards him, "since I seem to be outvoted, what choice do I have?"
Hatori shook his head as he gazed upon the young faces gathered around. "Are you really sure you want to do this?"
Murmurs of assent echoed each other.
Hatori became resigned as he looked around the younger Jyunnishi gathered round, youthful fire and determination written in those faces that displayed a vigorous spirit that made him feel unbearably old and jaded. He knew that they wouldn't be deterred in this goal, would probably charge forward in their course of action even if he tried to block them from it, and a part of him was glad though there was another part of him that equally despaired. In the face of their resolution and his desire to protect them as much as he could, there was only one option available that just might let them all emerge from this unscathed.
"Shigure." Hatori's tone reflected his weariness. "Make the call."
"Hai, hai, hai," went Shigure as he left.
"Do you think he'll agree?" asked Yuki worriedly.
"With Akito, it's hard to tell," Hatori replied.
"Who cares what he says?" groused Kyou, crossing his arms.
"Spoken like a true child," commented Hiro superciliously.
"Hiro-chan," Kisa admonished softly. "That's not very nice. Everyone's only worried about Onee-chan."
Hiro looked down, shamefaced, while a depressed air settled upon the room.
"Oh, come on," Kagura spoke up suddenly, a hint of exasperation in her tone as she looked at everyone. "I know this isn't the best of circumstances but cheer up a little. Tohru-kun wouldn't want everyone to be so gloomy like this and you know it."
"That's right!" Momiji nodded emphatically. "And even if we don't get approval, we can still sneak in!"
"Kidnapping," Hatsuharu said blandly as wide eyes turned to him. "In fairytales the prince can whisk the damsel away to safety."
"Haru." Yuki was inexplicably exasperated albeit amused. "Are you comparing real life to a fairytale?"
"People get kidnapped in real life too," Hatsuharu replied mildly.
Yuki sighed while Kisa giggled softly as a mix of amused and exasperated expressions bloomed across the features of the others.
Observing it all, a faint smile touched Hatori's lips as he took in the lessened tension in the room and was grateful to Kagura, Momiji, and Hatsuharu for breaking the pall that hung over them though he knew the lightened humor wouldn't last for long. Still, in times of great distress, it was important to appreciate the little moments of respite or else go insane from the pressure of it all. And he was glad for the brief reprieve granted to the youths who bore most of the burdensome gloom and hope it would shore up their spirits because he had a feeling that they would need all the emotional strength they could muster in the times to come.
"I'm glad to see everyone in better spirits that when I left."
Heads whipped around as they turned to stare at Shigure who looked back at them with an amused expression lighting his features. He seemed to delight in the immediate clamor that erupted around him as the noise level rose while everyone fired questions about his conversation with Akito, questions and demands tripping over each other until it was difficult to make one out from among the others. How long it would have gone on was hard to say as Hatori took charge, a sharp word from him causing an immediate silence while he turned to Shigure.
"What did he say?" Hatori asked while the others waited.
"He agrees," Shigure says.
Sighs of relief went all around.
"However," Shigure continued as everyone froze, "there are a few conditions. I agreed since I doubted any of you wanted to throw your chance of seeing Tohru-kun with his permission out the window."
"What conditions?" Yuki asked suspiciously.
"It'll be a formal meeting so, of course, everyone has to be on their best behavior since he'll also be in attendance."
"That's not so bad," Momiji said. "At least we get to see her."
Yuki shook his head. "Shigure, you said 'conditions.' What are the others?"
"Maa, there's really only one other one," Shigure responded
"And what would that be?"
"We have to head over there now."
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Steam rose up sensuously, twisting and weaving though the hot moist air while the sounds of water echoed throughout the quiet room. Enjoying the sensation of warm water enveloping her in a way that seemed so long ago, though it was barely more than a day past, Tohru allowed herself to relax as tense muscles loosened while she reclined in the sloped end of the large furo in which she was submerged.
Like many other things about the Honke, Tohru couldn't help but observe that even the furo bespoke the wealth of the family. It was different from the one at Shigure's, which was much smaller by comparison and constructed of the cheaper and more commonly used materials nowadays of acrylic, fiberglass, and tiles. The Honke was a place of Japanese tradition and that extended here as well as the natural aromatic scent of the more expensive Hinoki wood from which the furo was constructed arose around her with its pleasant citrus odor. And Tohru, who was unused to such luxury, could only look about her with appreciative wonder at it all despite the hard shocks that had been dealt to her during her brief depressive stay.
Besides, she thought a trifle optimistically, not all of it was bad.
Perhaps it was the lulling warmth of the water which soothed her aching spirit or the time and distance away from Akito, or even a combination of them and other things; whatever the case, she found herself more open to the idea that being here wasn't as terrible as she had sometimes thought during the dark night before. Certainly, she had never dreamed that she would have gotten to wear such a beautiful and expensive kimono or be here soaking in such a luxurious furo the likes of which she'd never experienced before.
And she also never thought that the head of the clan would have looked after her.
It had definitely been a surreal experience to regain consciousness to discover herself being tended by the one who had so terrified her prior to that and the puzzlement and awe she felt then still lingered with her even now. She didn't know what to make of it, having supposed that he would have foisted her off on one of the servants rather than bothering with her himself. Though the bruises that marked her flesh still stood out vividly on her pale skin, she felt herself softening towards him when she recalled that he had lowered himself to take care of her after her ignoble faint however much he despised her. Surely there had to be some good in that. Surely.
She rose, water sloshing and sluicing off of her as she deemed she'd been soaking in the furo long enough with her thoughts, to the point where her skin was starting to develop an unattractive pruny quality. Vaguely, as she wrapped a towel around herself, she wondered why she worried about her appearance in an almost vain manner when it probably wasn't important since she doubted she'd see anyone. After all, Akito had given her the rest of the day free although she had no idea what that entailed, only that she wouldn't see him and his was the only opinion that truly mattered.
"Tohru-san."
"Natsuki-san!" Tohru exclaimed in surprise at seeing her. A sense of foreboding stole over her, shredding her earlier optimism, when she caught the serious expression on Natsuki's face. "What is it?"
"You have to get dressed. Quickly."
It was then that Tohru noticed the armful of material that Natsuki held. Tohru knew enough now to recognize it as another kimono, no doubt to replace the one she'd ruined, except this one was of a pale green rather than pink. But it was similar to the last one she'd worn in that it was very beautiful - and very expensive.
"Oh." Tohru frowned doubtfully. "I don't know if I can accept this."
"You must," Natsuki told her. "It's what Akito-san wants. You're to put this on as quickly as you can before meeting him."
"Akito-san?" Tohru blinked in confusion. "But he told me earlier that I wasn't to see him anymore today."
"Perhaps he did," Natsuki acknowledged. "But that isn't what he's saying now."
At that ominous statement, Tohru fell silent as she allowed Natsuki to usher her into what needed to be done - dressing her. Natsuki worked quickly and efficiently with the dressing preparations while Tohru let her. After all, Akito had said to be fast about it and Tohru didn't want to create any interruptions that could get him angry with the both of them if they weren't as speedy as he liked. So Tohru stayed silent, but observed Natsuki's actions carefully so she would be able to do it herself the next time and to give herself something to concentrate on besides worrying about what it was that Akito wanted to see her for.
It wasn't before she was on her way to discovering that particular mystery as she soon found herself dressed properly in the traditional Japanese garb and facing Akito in that same room she'd left him in a short while before. She couldn't help trembling as he stalked towards her, gaze never leaving her with each step closer that he took until they were nearly standing toe- to-toe.
He tilted her chin up until she was looking directly into his eyes as he examined her. "You'll do," he told her, releasing his grip on her chin. "You wonder why I called for you, ne?"
"Hai," she responded softly.
Akito smirked. "You should thank me since I'm about to gift you with one of your fondest wishes."
Tohru just stared at him in confusion.
"You want to see your friends don't you?" Akito asked silkily. "Yuki and the others?"
Her eyes widened, breath catching in her throat, as she didn't even dare to respond.
"They'll be here soon to see you. And I, being the generous soul that I am, will allow it. With me present, of course."
"Really?" Hope warred with wariness in her voice.
At it, Akito's eyes narrowed though his tone remained soft. "Hai. So what do you say when I'm being so kind."
"Arigatou gozaimasu," she responded immediately, gratefully.
"Good girl." He smiled, sending shivers down Tohru's spine. "But there are some guidelines that you'll have to follow. You will follow them, ne? A promise is a promise, after all."
"Hai," she whispered, subdued.
"That's right." He gave a light, approving stroke of her cheek. "And don't worry. I'm sure it won't be too difficult for you."
And so Akito told her what it was that he wanted her to do while Tohru listened, attentive and quiet, not liking what was laid before her but having little other choice than to agree and accept it.