Author's Notes: Well, Chapter 8 was relatively short so I felt like I should include this chapter tonight as well. Please keep in mind that I am an eternal optimist andI must admit that my point of view may be an idealized one. I can't begin to imagine how anyone can be around Tohru for two years and not find their attitude toward life changing for the better. Please read and enjoy.
Chapter 9 Tohru and Akito
Tohru had given much thought to both Hatori's and Shigure's views on Akito and the manner in which he spent his time. She realized it didn't really matter what the two men might believe, it was what she believed that was important and she did believe that Akito was a very lonely person in need of a good friend. Each of the Sohmas had been that way to one extent or another. She just needed to find the key that would encourage Akito to unlock that silver-lined cage he had created for himself. She could hear her mother's words.
"Tohru-kun, sometimes people imprison themselves behind bars making it impossible for them to experience happiness and impossible for them to allow happiness in others as well. I met a boy like that one time. It made me very sad and I was powerless to do anything."
She decided that someone as young as Akito should not spend his life being afraid and embittered. Now that she had recovered her memories it somehow did not surprise her that Akito had been the young boy who had saddened her mother's heart.She resolved to do her best to help him learn about happiness.
Today, was the first day to put her plan into action. It was her day off from the clinic and she had promised Akito she would come for a visit. It was a beautiful day and the temperature was quite mild. With just a light jacket, a person could stay warm. She only hoped she could convince Akito of this.
Shigure wandered into the kitchen as Tohru put the finishing touches on thebatch of rice balls and thecrab croquettes she was preparing for him and his two cousins. "Tohru-kun, what is that wonderful smell?"
"I am going to visit Akito-san today, and if all goes well, I won't be back in time for supper. I didn't want any of you to be hungry tonight so I prepared some food that Kyo will be able to heat up for the three of you."
"Wonderful. It smells so good. Won't you consider marrying me Tohru-kun. I could live the rest of my life with you doing the cleaning and cooking and being perfectly happy with the results if only my beautiful flower would take me up on my offer."
"Shigure, what do you think you are doing" demanded Kyo as he walked into the kitchen.
"I'm proposing to Tohru-kun of course unless you want to propose to her Kyo. Alas,you and Yuki are too shy to take that step soI figure my proposal is the only way to keep her around here indefinitely," he said with a wicked grin.
"Shigure-san, you mustn't make fun of me this way." Shigure's impromptu lines had flustered her greatly.
"You stupid dog. Would you listen to what you are saying,"
"Tohru-kun, I am only trying to look out for the three of us and since neither Yuki nor Kyo will do so, I simply feel I must."
"Shigure-san!"
"Just kidding, Tohru-kun." With a laugh Shigure headed up to his study to finish the pages he had promised his editor.
Tohru sighed in relief. "Oh Kyo-kun, he almost had me convinced he was serious this time."
"Tohru, you silly, even Shigure isn't that big of a pervert (I don't think). He is ten years older than you after all."
Tohru answered Kyo's grin with one of her own. "I know you are right of course, Kyo. Where is Yuki-kun today?"
"That damn rat,why are you always so worried about him? He decided that he needed to go to the library to study a little more before he came home today. He will be home in time for supper." Just then he noticed the rice balls and the crab croquettes. "Are you planning on being out for supper tonight?" he asked in concern.
"Why yes, I am visiting with Akito-san and am hoping I can convince him to come out with me to the park and to that one restaurant Ayame-san always visits. I don't know if I'll succeed, but I would really be happy if he could learn how much fun it is to live."
"Tohru, are you sure that's wise. I don't trust Akito one damn little bit and you shouldn't either. I know, I'll come with you."
"Kyo, do you really think that is a good idea?"
"No, I suppose not. It would probably only make him angry and then you might get hurt."
"Oh, Kyo, thank you for worrying about me, butit really isn't necessary. Akito-san has been very nice to me lately and I don't think I need to be afraid of his temper. It's true that he sometimes gets very angry but he hasn't been angry with me in quite a while. All should be well."
"I don't like it Tohru, but I know you will do what your heart tells you is true. That's what your father always did. Master tells me that's why your mom loved him so much. Just be very careful, please."
"I will Kyo-kun. Please make sure the food gets heated properly. If it's left up to Shigure-san and Yuki-kun, it may not survive the effort."
Kyo laughed with Tohru. The rat burned everything he tried to cook and Shigure was too lazy to lift a finger so it would be served cold. If it came to a choice between eating the food left to Shigure's or Yuki's tender ministrations and him doing the cooking, he would take his cooking hands down. That was one thing he did very well. Tohru was better, but he was okay.
"Good bye Kyo-kun, please tell Yuki-kun I will see him tonight."
"Bye. Make sure you are careful."
"Hai, Kyo-kun, I'll be fine."
Shigure watched in concern as she headed for Sohma compound.Be Safe Tohru-kun.The only thing he could do was call Hatori and give him a heads up on Tohru's plans for Akito this day.
"Momiji," Hatori called after his conversation with Shigure, "come here a moment."
"Hai, Ha'ri-san."
"Tohru is going to attempt to talk Akito into going to the park with her and then to that restaurant that Ayame always frequents. Will you let Tohru in and escort her to Akito's as you usually do? Afterwards, find a way to get over to the park without being noticed and keep an eye on those two. I really don't like the idea of Tohru-san being alone with Akito that far from the compound."
"Yes, Ha'ri-san. I'll find a way to keep an eye on them. I don't like her being alone with him either.It's impossible to predict what he might do or how he will behave."
Momiji hurried out to the gate to watch for Tohru's approach. Soon he saw her coming. "Tohru, welcome" he called as he swung the gate open for her.
"Hello Momiji. Thank you."
"No problem Tohru. I know you know your way around here now, but I do enjoy the chance to visit with you on the way to Akito-san's. Besides, this way I can make sure all the guys that think you are the prettiest, sweetest girl ever leave you alone."
"Oh Momiji, no one feels that way about me."
"You are wrong Tohru. I can name at least three people you know very well who feel that way and another six or seven that you don't know so well."
"Oh Momiji, you must be imagining things. I don't think that can possibly be true."
"I know it is but I won't argue with you."
Just then they arrived at Akito's quarters. Tohru turned to knock and then turned back to Momiji. "I'll see you later."
"Okay Tohru, later."
Tohru was surprised when Akito himself opened the door.
"Akito-san, good afternoon. Where is Kureno-san today?"
"I sent him to run a couple of errands for me. Won't you come in Honda-san?"
"Yes, thank you."
Tohru looked around and noticed Akito was completely alone in his rooms on this day. "Where is Sonomi-san? She is usually around when Kureno isn't."
"Sonomi-san? Oh, the maid. She had an emergency in her family and is on the other side of the compound. What's wrong Honda-san, are you frightened of being alone with me?"
"Of course not Akito-san. As a matter of fact, this will be the perfect day to ask a favor of you."
"A favor, of me? Why would I grant you any favors?"
"You aren't going to make this easy are you? That's okay, I didn't really think you would. However it just might be possible that you will have fun."
"Fun? What could I possibly find fun in granting you a favor? But you are fortunate today, I will at least allow you to ask."
"Remember that lovely tea that you treated me to a few weeks ago?"
"Yes, I remember. Why do you ask and what has this to do with the favor you wish to ask?"
"If it please you, I want to return the favor by sharing some of the places mom and I loved with you. I would also like to treat you to lunch at one of my favorite places. The only problem is, while the bus will take us there, I don't think it would be very comfortable for you, Akito-san. I was wondering if maybe you would have your driver take us there?
"Why would I do that Miss Honda? Why would I leave my comfortable room and accompany you on a pointless outing?"
Tohru knelt gracefully. "Akito-san please forgive me if I am presuming too much, but I thought that you might enjoy getting out on such a beautiful day. Do you not get tired of living all your life in just these few rooms? You rarely go out. Wouldn't you be interested in doing something new, Akito-san?"
"Not particularly. Do you not like visiting me here in my rooms. Are they not attractive enough for you? Do you find me boring because I spend most of my time in my rooms?"
"Oh no Akito-san that's not what I mean. I don't mean to offend you. I am very sorry if I have made you feel that way. Just tell me now and I will visit with you here. We don't have to go out, but I can't help but think that you might find it fun to do so…"
Tohru waited quietly, fully expecting Akito to refuse her plans. Perhaps she was out of line after all. She was very afraid she had made him angry.
"Miss Honda, look at me" Akito commanded.
Tohru raised her eyes to look at him.
"Being in these rooms every day does grow tedious. I find that your plan for an outing does interest me after all. How is the weather, will I be chilled if we go out?"
"It's a beautiful warm day Akito-san. A sweater should keep you warm but bring a jacket in case it becomes cooler, please"
Akito called his driver and bade him prepare the car.
"Please wait in the outer room while I clothe myself appropriately."
"Hai, Akito-san."
Tohru returned to the outer room and awaited Akito. "Mom, I did it. I convinced Akito-san to go on an outing with me. I just hope it will help him learn why life can be so much fun."
About 15 minutes passed as Tohru waited for Akito. He finally came out in a gray sweater and casual dress pants, a darker gray blazer flung carelessly across his shoulders.
"Will this suffice Miss Honda?"
"It's perfect! You look beautiful Akito-san. uhmmm…I'm sorry I am getting carried away again." Akito really did look gorgeous in casual dress. "it's amazing how similar he and Yuki-kun are in looks," Tohru thought.
"If you are done staring Miss Honda, shall we go?"
"I'm sorry. Okay, let's go."
As the two of them were leaving, Kureno was just turning up the walk. "Kureno, let the family know I shall return later"
"Yes Akito-san" Kureno turned to watch as Tohru and Akito got in the limo that was kept on stand-by for his usage. He wondered what magic Tohru Honda possessed that convinced Akito to go on an outing. It was really quite unusual.
Tohru waved to Kureno when she saw him turn to watch them leave.
"Where to, Miss Honda? This is your plan."
Tohru gave the driver instructions for getting to the park where she and her mom had spent so many pleasant hours. The driver looked to Akito for confirmation. When Akito nodded his head, they drove straight to the park. "Return in two hours and wait for me here," Akito instructed the driver. He then turned to assist Tohru out of the car. She accepted his assistance and watched as the driver left. "Now, Miss Honda, what do we do?"
"Well...I know, Let's have tea and some lunch first." Tohru said with a smile. She softly touched his arm and pointed at a nearby coffee shop. "They have the best potsticker plates there…uhmmm…if you don't like potstickers they do have other food," she added.
"You are in luck Miss Honda, I do like potstickers," Akito admitted.
"I'm so glad you do!"
The two of them entered the shop and ordered the special. As they waited for their meal, the waiter provided them with tea. "Shall I pour?" Tohru asked casually.
"Yes, do so."
Tohru pulled tea for both of them and engaged Akito in idle conversation while they waited for their plates. She was amazed at how interested he was to hear about Yuki, Kyo and their studies. She told him about how she felt sorry for Shigure's editor sometimes and about how much she enjoyed helping Hatori at his clinic.
Akito allowed her to ramble on and listened attentively. He really did know how to be charming when he was in the mood.
Tohru was quite surprised at how easily she had been able to talk to Akito. Usually, she wastongue-tied and struggling for words. Perhaps they really were becoming friends.
"Miss Honda, we have known each other a long time have we not?"
"Yes, Akito-san, it has been. Just a little over two years."
"I will address you as Tohru-san. I have heard many of my juunishi address you in such a fashion and it pains me to think that I am not as much your friend as are they."
"But of course, Akito-san. Please do. I would very much like to be your friend you know."
"Yes Tohru-san, I do realize that and I think that perhaps you are my friend. Did you know that you look very cute today?"
"Oh, why thank you." Akito watched the blush on Tohru's face and chuckled softly.
Tohru smiled her wide innocent smile at him and her eyes sparkled happily. "I am very happy you accepted my plan for today Akito-san. Isn't the food wonderful?"
"It will pass. What are we going to do next?"
The waiter brought the check and Tohru was getting ready to pay for the meal when Akito turned and handed him the money for the check.
"Akito-san, this was to be my treat to you!"
"Tohru-san, I would not be a gentleman if I were to allow you to pay for our meal. I do insist on doing this."
"Hai, Akito-san." She said with a smile. "Let's go to the park now."
The two of them began to walk toward the park. "Just a minute Akito-san" and Tohru stopped him while a line of ants crossed their path heading to an unknown destination. "Look, the ants are getting ready for winter. I bet their home is over there under those bushes" she commented. She stepped over the ants and Akito followed her example. "Akito-san, have you ever been on the swings," she asked next.
"No Tohru-san. I have never been one to swing."
"But you must Akito-san. It is so much fun and you feel so free as you swing up in the air and return again. You must try it."
"I must not do anything that I do not want to do."
"Hai, but please come Akito-san. Let's see who can swing the highest."
The park was not very crowded as school was in a session. There were a few young mothers with small children, but it was mostly empty.
Tohru laughed as the two of them began to swing. Akito caught himself smiling at her antics and had to school his expression. He could not be enjoying himself with this person; it was not part of his plan. After a few minutes he forgot he wasn't supposed to enjoy himself and became embroiled in a race to see who could get the highest, the fastest. The two of them found themselves laughing as the swings slowly came to a halt.
"Akito-san, I think you won that race. You got much higher than I did."
"Of course I did Tohru-san. I will not allow myself to be defeated by you."
"Akito-san, what is your favorite flavor of ice cream?"
"Strawberry"
"Really, mine too. Just a minute." Tohru raced across the park to the ice cream vendor. "Two strawberry cones please."
She returned to the swings and handed one to Akito. "You paid for the meal so I decided to pay for dessert."
"Thank you, this is very good."
"So far we've had lunch, ice cream, watched ants crossing the road and raced each other on swings. What else do you have in store for me today, Tohru-san?"
Tohru looked around and spied the slides. "Come on Akito-san, you'll like this too. Please don't tell me you've never been on a slide."
"I've never been on a slide." Tohru looked at him in surprise. "Then it's time you did," she said with much enthusiasm.
Akito found himself following her down the slide. After three trips down the slide, he said "Enough Tohru-san, I do not wish to do this again."
"Hai, Akito-san. Then let's go for a walk."
Momiji observed from a distance as Akito and Tohru took advantage of the swings and the playground slide. It would not do for Akito to realize he and Tohru were followed. The trees in the park hid him from their view, but he was able to see all that was going on. Tohru chatted animatedly with Akito and pointed out various aspects of the outing to him. He couldn't hear the conversation but he could imagine it. The most surprising part of this expedition was that Akito had humored Tohru today and had truly listened to her words. Long ago Momiji's natural optimism had failed where Akito was concerned. Akito had driven wedges between Kana and Hatori, Hatsuharu and Rin, and Kisa and Hiro with no remorse. After the hurt Akito inflicted on Kisa, Momiji had given up all hope that he might someday change.But now, now that optimism flickered back to life. Around Tohru, Akito seemed different. It seemed he had almost accepted her as a friend even though she was an outsider inside the Sohma's secret world. Tohru's influence had changed the lives of all the other Sohmas for the better, and now Akito's seemed to be changing as well. He wished he could join them but he suspected that Akito would never accept the idea that Momiji's presence was sheer coincidence when this neighborhood was not one frequented by those of the Sohma. Akito was beginning to change, but he had not changed that much, this was certain. As the two set off on a walk he followed at a discreet distance.
It was later in the day now and parents and their children had begun to fill the park. This might be the last warm day before winter set in and they all wanted to enjoy it. Tohru stopped by the Merry-go-Round and gave the children a spin until they shouted with excitement. She waved to the parents and trotted off to join Akito once more.
Akito walked beside Tohru and listened to her many exclamations. "Oh, what a beautiful flower. Isn't this blue flower lovely, Akito-san?"
She pointed out the blue sky, the children playing with their parents, students tossing Frisbees for their dogs to catch. "Isn't it amazing the many ways people have fun, Akito-san?"
"It is quite tiring Tohru-san. Let's go in this teashop and rest. I am beginning to feel chilled."
Tohru was immediately contrite. "I'm sorry Akito-san, I didn't think about the fact that you might be getting tired. That was very inconsiderate of me. Sometimes I get too enthusiastic. Let me go find your driver while you rest here"
"Tohru-san, I insist you have tea with me. I can walk back to where my driver waits after I've had a chance to rest."
"Hai, Akito-san."
Momiji waited across the street from the teashop.In the distance he notedwhere Kenobi-kun had returned with the limo. Soon Tohru and Akito would be walking to where he was parked.
The weather was cooling and cloudswere moving in as Tohru and Akito slowly made their way to where his driver had been ordered to wait. He saw Akito falter and Tohru guide him to the park bench. It wouldn't be much longer and they would be headed back. Momiji realized it would be prudent to make his exit now and return to Sohma house. It had been an interesting afternoon and he had seen nothing to worry about in Akito's behavior towards Tohru. He figured nothing bad would happen in the short time they were left without surveillance. Was it possible the Sohma head was really changing?
Tohru saw Akito's step falter and was immediately concerned. "Akito-san, do you mind if we sit here for a few minutes. I am still quite tired from all the walking we have done."
Akito nodded his head. He felt too weak to actually answer the question. He was very glad the girl did not notice the stumble in his last few steps. She was tired too. It made him feel better.
Tohru sat quietly with Akito and watched the children with their parents. They all seemed to be having a wonderful time. It was at times like this that she missed her mom the most.
"Tohru-san?"
"Hai Akito-san."
"Go find my driver and have him move the car to a closer location. I do not wish to walk all the way back to where I left him."
"Hai Akito-san, I will go tell him. You will wait here, won't you?"
"Of course. What other reason would I have for you telling him to move in closer."
"Oh yes, silly me. I will be back in a short while Akito-san."
Akito sighed as she left and allowed his weariness to gain a foothold for a short while. If he was not careful he would fall ill, again. How he hated this curse and the weakness it caused in his body. He had pushed himself too hard today. The chance to rest was needed. He dozed for a few minutes while he waited for Tohru and his chauffeur to return.
The next thing he knew, Hatori, his driver and Tohru were all coming toward him. Hatori called his name in concern.
"I am quite okay, Hatori. Just a little tired."
"Akito-san, you should not push yourself so hard."
"That's the problem Hatori. I am always being told, don't push yourself too hard, don't play on the swing, don't slide, don't go out to dinner…don't, don't, don't because I might get sick! It is no wonder that I have no joy in life. Hatori do you never think about what all these do nots can do to a person. It can make one insane. Leave me Hatori, I don't need your concern. I can walk to the car on my own.
Hatori backed off in surprise. Akito had never expressed such sentiments so openly before. He realized it just might be a good thing. Always before Akito had accepted every offer of help with no problem because it was his birthright. He had always liked being waited on hand and foot, but now…now he was changing. Hatori thought the change an improvement although he had not enjoyed Akito's anger directed at him.
Hatori glanced over at Tohru and saw the shock on her face.
"It's alright Tohru. This is a healthy anger. It's not like Akito's usual tantrums. It will be fine."
"Are you certain Hatori-san?"
"Of course."
The two of them waited by the car as Akito walked over with an occasional hand of assistance from Kenobi-san.
When Akito was seated in the car, Tohru wrapped a soft rug around him.
"Akito-san, the evening air has gotten cold, please accept this warm blanket."
"Thank you Tohru-san."
Akito leaned back and closed his eyes. He was quiet the whole journey to Sohma House.
Hatori was caught off-guard. What was going on here. Was Shigure right, could Tohru work her magic on Akito as she had on all of his other family members? It was odd in and of itself that Akito should even say thank you. Perhaps there was hope for the Sohma head after all. Tohru bade good night to Akito and Hatori and made preparations to go home.
"Tohru-san"
"Yes Akito-san?"
"It was fun today. Good night."
"Good night, see you tomorrow."
"Tohru!"
She turned to see Momiji walking towards her. "Momiji-kun, good evening."
"I'm going to see you home Tohru. Ha'ri said it was okay, and I can spend the night too. Won't that be fun!"
Tohru grinned widely. "Hai Momiji-kun, it will be."
Momiji saw Tohru to Shigure's house and after she said good night and excused herself, he knocked on the door to Shigure's study.
"Come in Momiji" Shigure called.
"Shigure, you are not going to believe what I saw today…"
Shigure smiled as Momiji settled down on a mattress in his study. So, Tohru had talked Akito into accompanying her today and apparently he had a good time. It would have been fun to see Akito swinging he thought. Humming a happy tune he made his way to bed. "Tohru-kun, I do believe you may work the miracle I still dream of…"
10
