Usual disclaimer applies.
Chapter 4
Discovery Ni
The months after Akito's death were filled with painful tears and new discoveries in Shigure's home.
Tohru was still traumatized from Akito's death, and spent increasing amounts of time with the Juunishi dog. She had gone back to cooking and doing most of the domestic chores of the house, but the absence of her sunny personality left the house devoid of life.
After the incident on the roof, Kyo and Yuki spent an increasing amount of time together, kindling their newfound friendship and understanding of each other. They still fought – frequently, actually, but now it acted as a form of stress relief, and Kyo found that much of his fiery temper had died down. This led to almost insult-free conversations with the mouse- and Yuki was heartily glad for this. He had never admitted this to himself, but when Kyo swore at him or called him names, it had hurt – a lot.
"Hey, Kyo !"
"Hmmm ? What is it, nezumi ?" Yuki wasn't offended when Kyo called him this; it had become something like a nickname for him.
"Did you see that white spot between the trees ?"
The two were sitting on the roof. Kyo sweatdropped.
"Must be the damn uushi." He said exasperately, "He probably got lost....again." sigh
Yuki chuckled lightly and nodded.
Inside the house, Tohru was preparing the evening meal, automatically checking on the soup cooking on the hearth every few minutes. Her face, however, remained blank as she stared off into space.
Flashback
"Why are you doing this to me ?! Why do you continue to torment me ? Is it not enough that they all love you, you stupid girl, and hate me, the one who wants to protect them and keep them safe ?!"
"Akito-"
"No ! Get out ! Get out ! I-" Suddenly the clan head's body stiffened, and his face drained of colour. His eyes rolled into the back of his head and he collapsed on to the tatami-covered floor.
"Akito-san !" Tohru rushed towards the fallen youth's side, her hand instantly checking his breathing and pulse.
"Hatori-san !" She screamed for the Juunishi doctor.
"Hatori-san !"
"Why do they all love you so much ?" Akito whispered softly, as he regarded the crying girl beside his bed.
"Akito-san, I'm so sorry !" Tohru hiccupped, trying to stem the flow of tears.
Akito looked at her in surprise.
"...sorry ?" He said, confused, "but it wasn't your fault, it was my own –"
"No !" Tohru shook her head vehemently, "It was my fault Akito-san is now sick. I shouldn't have been so intrusive into the Sohma's lives ! It was my fault !"
The dark-haired youth now looked at the girl who was arguing her case so passionately. She looked funny, shaking her head from side to side, the brown hair and yellow ribbons flying around crazily. Involuntarily, the sides of his mouth lifted...
"Tohru-chan."
Tohru dropped the dish that she was holding. Shigure looked at the young woman in concern, noting the tear tracks that marked their way down her cheeks. Silently, he enveloped Tohru in a hug, careful to keep her hands at her side.
Tohru cried bitterly into Shigure's chest, his comforting warmth staying with her until she could control her tears.
"Thank you, Shigure-san." She whispered as she leant against him.
"It's ok, Tohru-chan..." The author crooned soothingly, his hand stroking her soft brown curls.
"Shigure-san has been very kind and patient with me," Tohru said wryly, her voice slightly hoarse from crying. The Juunishi dog chuckled affectionately.
"Anything for my flower." He said, the familiar teasing note entering his voice. Tohru smiled as well.
'Shigure-san...'
Please R&R. Thank you.