Neither Fruits Basket not the Fruits Basket characters belong to me. They belong to Natsuki Takaya. Forgive me if I have misnamed Tohru's family, I could not find their names when I glanced through my manga.
It seems the closer I get to the end the more hesitant I am about posting the chapters. I do like this one, but I wonder what you all will think. I would love to know. Please read and review if you feel so moved.
Chapter 17 Valentine's Day Part One
January faded into February and soon it was Valentine's Day. The day before Valentine's Tohru happily sat on her bed wrapping the chocolates she had bought for everyone. She really did love Valentine's and the chance it gave her to present gaily-wrapped packages to all the people she cared about. Tomorrow the clinic would be closed and she was going to go visit her grandfather and his family. She had bought Valentine's chocolates for each member of her grandfather's household as well. It had been quite sometime since she had seen the kind old man and she had so much to tell him. She did make sure to call and check on him once a week, but it wasn't the same as actually visiting with him. Tomorrow would be an enjoyable day.
Valentine's Day dawned bright and clear. Shigure smiled as he listened to Tohru hum while she prepared breakfast and worked on the other chores. He really could not imagine his house without her in it. Akito had told Shigure that it would be okay if he allowed Tohru to stay there even after Yuki and Kyo went away to college. He stepped into the kitchen and Tohru looked up from her preparations.
"Shigure-san, good morning. Breakfast will be ready in a few minutes. There's a stew in the refrigerator for lunch since I will be at Grandfather's for the day. Wasn't it wonderful of Hatori-san to let me have today off? It's not my regular day off, you know, but since it's a holiday, he said it would be fine if I didn't come in this morning.
"Ha-san knows how hard you work Tohru-kun and you almost never take time off. You keep his clinic running smoothly and you always take such good care of the three of us. I think he was happy to do this for you. You ask for so little in return."
"Shigure-san, it is you who are kind enough to care for me and give me a place to live in which I can be happy. I don't do nearly enough for you and Yuki-kun and Kyo-kun. Thank you for taking such good care of me."
"Tohru-kun, Tohru-kun, it is my happiness to provide a garden in which our lovely flower can grow. Now if only you would accept my proposal…"
"Shigure-san!"
"I know, I know, but you can't blame me for trying right?" He winked at her and sat down at the table with the morning newspaper.
Tohru blushed as she sat three places on the table. "I have a couple of errands to run before I go to Grandfather's so I am going to have breakfast at one of the cafes. I'll see you later Shigure-san. Have a good day."
"Take care, Tohru-kun. We'll see you tonight."
"Hai! I will."
Tohru smiled when she looked down at the brightly colored shopping bag in her hands. Tonight she would give Shigure-san, Kyo and Yuki-kun their chocolates. This morning she wanted to see Akito-san and present him with his Valentine's chocolates. Oh Mom, I am so nervous. What if he doesn't like chocolate? What if he feels I am being too presumptuous? "Tohru-kun be yourself and take things slowly. All will be okay, you'll see."
She approached the gates and pushed them open. It seemed strange to come to Sohma House and not be greeted by Momiji, but it was still so early in the morning that the frost still sparkled on the barren branches and silent fountains. In just a few weeks the branches would begin to put forth leaves and the fountains would once more be turned on. Sohma House in the spring was such a wonderful place to be. She took the right hand path toward Akito's apartments and away from Hatori's clinic. As she approached the door she began to feel very hesitant. Perhaps it was too early to come by and Akito-san might still be sleeping. He was an early riser she knew, but this early? Maybe she would come back in an hour or two.
Akito was standing on his balcony watching the daybreak over the Sohma Estates. He heard the gates open and saw Tohru slip inside. What is she doing here? I know she asked Hatori for the day off so why would she be coming here this morning? Sonomi-san had still not arrived with his tray from the kitchens. By his calculation, he was on his own for a few more minutes. He saw Tohru turn toward his apartments and then hesitate outside his door. She turned as if to go, he would not let that happen.
"Tohru-san…"
Hearing the familiar soft voice she turned toward his balcony.
"Wait a moment and I will come open the door."
She smiled and waved her acceptance of his command. A few minutes later he was standing at the door waiting for her to enter.
"Akito-san, you are awake. I decided it was too early and that I would waken you so I was going to leave. There is a café nearby where I can get some breakfast and I left Shigure-san's without eating. I thought I would walk over there and come back here a little later."
"As you can see, I am awake. As for breakfast, join me." He activated the intercom and ordered a second breakfast be prepared as he had a guest this morning.
"Thank you Akito-san. I am sorry to put you to all this trouble."
"You are trouble so just accept that fact and lets get to the point of your visit. What brings you here this morning? Don't you have the day off?"
"Yes, Hatori-san was kind enough to allow that. I am going to visit Grandfather today, but I wanted to come see you first before I went over there. Today is Valentine's Day and I have a gift for you. Will you accept it?"
Akito looked in surprise at the brightly wrapped gift she was offering him. "For me?"
"Hai Akito-san, if you will accept it."
Just then Sonomi-san entered with the breakfast tray. "Sohma-sama, here is the breakfast you ordered."
"Place it on the table."
"Hai"
"Good Morning Sonomi-san. Thank you for taking such good care of us."
"Tohru-sama, good morning. The pleasure is mine."
"Sonomi-san, that really is too much."
"I'm sorry, but it does seem to suit you Tohru-san. Sohma-sama, please call if you need anything else."
"Whyare you alwaysso friendly with the servants Tohru-san? They are doing their job. One does not thank servants."
"I'm sorry but I don't agree with you on that Akito-san. Everyone likes to be told thank you when they perform a service well. Don't you think so?"
The two knelt at the table and began to eat. "Tohru-san, you are going to your Grandfather's you said. Call and tell him you won't be coming. You will spend the day with me."
"Akito-san, spending the day with you would be fun but I can't do that. I promised to visit."
"And you always keep your promises, don't you Tohru-san?" He ate for a few minutes in silence. "I know, I will come with you. You can keep your promise and spend the day with me."
"But that will trouble you too much!"
"I will be troubled if I cannot go."
Tohru took in Akito's adamant expression. "Akito-san," she said in a timid voice, "I can't just invite you and inconvenience my family. That would not be polite."
"Perhaps you could call your grandfather and tell him I am coming. He does have a phone, doesn't he? Besides, It would give me a chance to leave my rooms for a while Tohru-san. Surely you are not going to tell me it can't be done."
"It's not that at all Akito-san. I just don't want to cause problems."
"I wish to go. Call your grandfather and let him know you will have a guest."
"Hai, Akito-san." Tohru called her grandfather from the phone by the doorway. "Grandfather, I have a friend that would like to come with me to your house. Do you have room for one other person?"
"Tohru-san, if you have a friend you would like to invite, please do so."
"Thank you grandfather. My guest will be Sohma Akito-san."
"He will be welcome."
"Akito-san, Grandfather says it will be okay. " Akito smiled in satisfaction. He was used to getting his way.
With breakfast finished and Akito dressed to go out, the two took the limo to her Grandfather's house. Akito absolutely refused to ride a bus when it was so much easier and faster to go by car. "Kenobi-san, pick us up here at 4:00. That will be a good time will it not, Tohru-san."
"Hai, Akito-sama."
"Very good master. I will return at 4:00."
Tohru and Akito walked up the path to the front door of her former home and rang the doorbell. It was opened immediately by her grandfather. Three pairs of eyes stared at the couple from behind him.
Tohru greeted her grandfather with a hug and bowed towards her aunt and cousins. Akito bowed graciously.
"Hello, I am Sohma Akito. I am very pleased to meet you."
"Akito-san, this is my family. My grandfather Honda Tatsuya-san, my aunt, Honda Yuri-san, my cousin, Mairi-san, and my other cousin Jin-san. Jin wants to be a member of the police department when he graduates. Mairi likes to design clothes, and Aunt Yuri is one of the best cooks I have ever known. All of you, this is Sohma Akito-san"
"How do you do? I am pleased to meet Tohru-san's family. She has been a very good friend to my family."
Yuri and Mairi took a good look at the man who had accompanied Tohru. "Mother," Mairi whispered, "He's even better looking than the other two boys who came to get Tohru-chan when she came to live with us."
"Hai, Mairi, and I bet he is rich as well." Yuri whispered back. "Sohma-san, it's a pleasure to meet you. Please have a seat on the couch and I will bring some tea."
"Thank you Honda-san. Tohru-san won't you and your grandfather sit with me while your aunt and cousin bring tea."
"Just a moment, Akito-san. Aunt Yuri, may I help you with the tea tray" Tohru asked politely.
"Yes please Tohru. Mairi, why don't you sit here and talk with our guest?"
Akito looked at her coldly. "I requested Tohru-san keep me company while you collect the tea. Since when does a guest have to do the work in a house not her own?"
"Akito-san, it is fine. I don't mind helping, really."
"No Tohru-san, I insist you visit with your grandfather and me while they get the tea."
The commanding air of the guest had a definite affect on Yuri Honda. "Never mind Tohru-chan. Sohma-san is quite right. Mairi and I will get the tea things." She smiled sweetly at Akito but looked daggers at Tohru.
"Oh dear…"
"What troubles you Tohru-san?" Her grandfather looked at her with a much sharper gaze that was his usual habit.
"Oh, nothing Grandfather."
"Then please sit and tell me how you have been," he requested in his normal voice.
Akito smiled coldly as the two women scurried into the kitchen to prepare the tea.
"Honda-san, thank you very much for allowing me to accompany your granddaughter. I was quite bored in my house with nothing to do."
"It was nothing Sohma-san. Tohru-san brings such interesting guests to this house. Kyoko-san was much the same. I never knew whom she would bring with her. Often it was a former gang member she had helped escape the gang she used to lead."
"Kyoko Honda-san was a gang member?" Akito inquired with wide eyes. "Somehow that surprises me, very much."
"Yes she was Akito-san. She was known as the Red Butterfly during her gang days. Mom was the bravest and the smartest ever…"
"Tohru-san exaggerates a little, but Kyoko-san was very special. She gave up her wild ways for my son, Katsuya and for Tohru-chan."
Akito encouraged Tatsuya to talk of the days when Tohru's mom and dad lived with him and of their early lives. He realized anew that Tohru was the product of a happy upbringing although she had lost both parents early in life. It was no wonder she made each of his family members feel at ease when she was around.
Yuri and Mairi returned with the tea and snacks. Akito allowed himself to flirt a little with the other women. He knew they would not question his preferences again. Tohru watched Akito charm his aunt and cousin with ease. She talked with her Grandfather and brought him up on the news. Jin stopped studying and joined the rest of the family in the living room Akito watched his attempts to engage Tohru in conversation with a frown. His many suggestive remarks began to irritate Akito greatly. "Honda Jin-san, are you always so forward in your manner towards an innocent young lady? I request you not take such a familiar tone with Tohru-san."
Tohru was oblivious to the undercurrents between Jin and Akito. "And how will you make me listen to your advice, Sohma-san."
Akito's cold smile began to have an effect on the younger man. "I do have my ways. I don't think you would like them at all. For one, I can make sure that the police never allow you to join their ranks. Our family has much influence. You don't want to know the others."
Jin suddenly recalled all the buildings and businesses he had seen with the Sohma name on them. He came to his senses suddenly. "You are a member of that Sohma family?" he asked incredulously.
"I am the head of that Sohma family," Akito said with emphasis.
Just then Tohru turned towards Akito and Jin. "Akito-san, Jin-san, is everything okay."
"Everything is fine Tohru-san, is it not Jin-san?"
"Hai" Jin said quickly and returned to his studies.
Akito's expression betrayed cold satisfaction at his discomfort. I don't believe anyone will be giving Tohru-san a difficult time for the remainder of this visit and I won't have to talk to annoying people I don't even like.
Tohru convinced Akito to join her and the two women in a game of Rich Man, Poor Man. While he claimed not to know the game, he managed to win almost every hand.
"Akito-san, you could certainly give Hana-chan a run for her money in this game. I always thought she was the best, but now…"
"Thank you Tohru-san. I am always the best at anything I undertake."
"Hai, Akito-san, I do believe you are."
The game was done so Yuri went to prepare lunch while Mairi continued to flirt with Akito.
"Yuri-san, may I help you with anything?" Tohru offered politely. She had managed to slip out to the kitchen while Mairi was speaking with Akito.
"Will you set the table please, and then perhaps you can help me chop up some of the vegetables."
"Hai, Yuri-san. With pleasure."
Akito suffered through Mairi's company while Tohru helped her aunt with the lunch preparations. Her grandfather had fallen asleep in his chair and Jin was avoiding him like the plague. Akito found the situation quite amusing.
Yuri spoke very little until lunch was on the table. "Tohru-chan please let every one know that lunch is ready."
"Hai, Yuri-san."
Akito had to admit the meal was exceptional. He didn't care much for Tohru's aunt personally, or her cousins, but the aunt could certainly cook. The chicken udon, nori maki, and shrimp tempura were all excellent.
"Very good Honda-san. You cook well." Akito once more made the effort to be charming and Yuri and Mairi were captivated.
"Thank you very much Sohma-san."
"Aunt Yuri really is a good cook isn't she Akito-san? I learned a lot of recipes from her when Mom and I spent some time at her house before my uncle left. I am not so skilled but I am thankful toher for all she taught me."
After lunch Tohru presented each member of her grandfather's family with the valentine chocolates she had wrapped the night before. She could see her grandfather was very tired and decided it was time to leave, although the limo was not due back for two more hours. "We must excuse ourselves, we have much to do today. Take care and be safe." She hugged her grandfather good bye and she and Akito left.
Akito was very relieved that the visit had come to an end. It had been quite a chore to remain civil with Tohru's relatives. "Good-bye. It was a pleasure to meet you."he lied pleasantly.
As they found themselves back on the sidewalk, Akito looked at Tohru. "Tohru-san, it will be two hours yet before my driver returns. What shall we do now?"
"I don't know Akito-san. I'm very sorry to have cut short our visit. I really wanted to spend more time but grandfather seemed so tired. I'm sorry to inconvenience you."
"It was no inconvenience Tohru-san. I was quite relieved to go. Your relatives are very tiresome."
"Oh no Akito-san. You shouldn't say that. Aunt Yuri works very hard to raise Mairi and Jin. She takes such good care of grandfather too. I really don't think you should call her tiresome."
"You would see things that way Tohru-san. Tell me, is there a teahouse near here where we can spend some time while we wait for the car?"
"Hai, Akito-san. Come with me, please."
"The two strolled down a cherry-tree lined street. Look Akito-san, the trees are starting to grow leaves. Spring is almost here, isn't this wonderful"
Akito nodded his head in agreement as he gazed into Tohru's sparkling eyes. Perhaps spring will truly come this year.
"Here we are." Tohru stopped in front of a modest establishment with a faded elegance. The sign read "Sakura Tea Shoppe"
"Shall we go in?"
"Of course."
The proprietress greeted them politely and soon they were seated in a quiet corner of the room. "The mochi here is wonderful as is the daifuku," Tohru commented shyly.
"In that case, we shall order both and some tea. What do you think Tohru-san?"
"I think that is a good idea Akito-san. Thank you very much."
As the two waited for their order, Akito placed his hand in his pocket to be sure his purse was there. He felt the wrapped package Tohru had given him earlier that morning. He had not yet opened it. "Tohru-san, see what I found in my pocket. I must have forgotten it while we were at breakfast this morning. May I open it now?"
Tohru looked at the package in Akito's hand and blushed becomingly. "Of course Akito-san. I did make it for you after all." Will he like it mom, does he even like chocolate? I do hope he doesn't mind the heart shape. Maybe I should have bought his chocolate from the shop as I did for everyone else.
Akito opened the gift carefully. It was wrapped so beautifully that he almost felt as if it should remain that way, but he was curious what type of chocolate Tohru would have made for him. He unwrapped the box and folded the wrapping paper with care. This he placed back into his pocket. He opened the box and found a beautiful white chocolate heart decorated with pink cherry blossoms. "Thank you Tohru-san. I will enjoy this at a later time. Here comes our order."
"You are welcome Akito-san. Do you truly like it?"
"I do. I would not have said so otherwise."
The shopkeeper placed the order on their table.
"Thank you very much Sakikawa-san."
"Hai, my pleasure Honda-san."
Akito raised an eyebrow at this exchange.
"Mom and I used to come here with grandfather quite a lot. I know Sakikawa-san very well."
"I see, Tohru-san. You know today, I found I quite liked your grandfather though he often seems a little absent-minded. Does he often call you by your mother's name?"
"Oh that, yes he does it quite often now that he's gotten older. I think he really misses Mom and Dad and this is his way of keeping their memory alive. I don't mind if he calls me Kyoko-san because I like to think it means that someday I may be half as wonderful as my mom."
Akito shook his head. Tohru had a very unusual way of thinking. "I see," he said though he really didn't. "One more thing Tohru-san, have your aunt and her children always been such unpleasant people?"
"Akito-san, please don't speak of them that way. They are really very nice. It's my fault if they are sometimes unkind. After all, I am very clumsy at times and I know I am not so smart as Jin and Mairi."
"Tohru-san please don't say untruthful things such as that. I don't mind if you defend your family, but do be kind to yourself. So often, life is not kind."
Tohru looked down at the table and thought about Akito's words. "That may be true Akito-san. I will not say such things to you again."
"You should not say such things to yourself either."
"Akito-san, it sounds to me like you may be speaking from experience. Did you ever doubt yourself Akito-san?"
"Such a sad conversation. Come let's talk of something more cheerful Tohru-san." I don't know why, but I cannot stand for her to be sad. She is usually so happy. Is it sometimes an act for our benefit, I wonder?
"Hai, Akito-san"
A/N This turned out to be a really long chapter so I have divided it into two parts. The second part will be posted in a couple of days.
