Chapter Five: A Week of Surprises

On Wednesday afternoon Kandis once more met Akito at the front gates. He had walked past Kureno again, who was still stunned by the sudden change in him. As Akito and Kandis departed he sighed heavily and walked back inside the main house towards the room where he and Akito usually sat down during the day. He slid into the room and walked over to Akito's seat and sat down with another heavy sigh. Someone knocked on the door so Kureno stood up to answer it. On the other side was Hatori, who was looking for Akito.

"I'm sorry Hatori" Kureno replied with a shake of his head, "He's not here."

"Well where is he?" Hatori asked surprised, "His checkup was today."

"To be honest," Kureno said after he shrugged his shoulders, "He hasn't been here most of the week in the afternoons."

"Well where does he go? And how come you're not with him?"

"Because he told me not to go and besides he's going out with someone else."

"Someone else?" Hatori raised an eyebrow, "Who?"

"I don't know. Some girl he met. They went out Monday and yesterday and he says he's gonna continue."

"I see. Well I have some work to do so I have to go. Can you tell me when he will be back, so I can at least give him his checkup today?"

"Your guess is as good as mine. It varies really. The first day he was back about six o'clock, but yesterday he wasn't back tillalmost eight."

"Hmm. In that case I will come by at ten o'clock. He's got to be back by then. If he comes home sooner, let me know" Hatori replied as he left.

"All right" Kureno nodded as he closed the door behind him and once more sighed heavily, "I really wish I knew what was going on?"

(Next Scene)

"I'm serious Shigure" Hatori replied into the receiver, "He says he's been going out all week so far with some girl he met."

"Hmm?" Shigure said on the other line, "Interesting. Imagine our Akito going on a date with some girl. Well it's not Tohru."

"Then who could it be?" And where would he have met her? Someone on the staff?"

"I doubt it" Shigure replied thoughtfully, "I think I have an idea though."

"What is it?"

"I wouldn't worry about it Hari" Shigure said as he smiled on the other end, "She's a real sweet girl and she just might be what he needs."

"What do you mean by that?" Hatori replied frustrated.

"We'll talk later" Shigure said briefly, "I have something I have to do."

" Shigure" Hatori started to say but the novelist had already hung up on him.

Hatori hung his own phone up and sighed.

"What is he up to now?"

(Next Scene)

Wednesday Afternoon: 1:30 p.m.

Kandis pulled Akito along through the crowded streets of the city. It was the third day that they had gone out. On Tuesday they had spent exploring the vast city and the many different kind of shops. Now here they were again at the busiest time of day.

"Where are we going exactly?"Akito replied exasperated.

"You'll see," she said back with a grin on her face.

They stopped at a bus stop and waited for a few moments. Some girls who were taking the bus saw Akito and whispered excitedly amongst themselves about how cute they thought he was. Finally the bus arrived and everyone got on board. Kandis paid the driver and then the two of them walked to the back of the bus and sat down. The bus started rolling and Kandis turned to Akito.

"Well we're on our way" she replied.

"I can see that" hesaid with a frown, his arms crossed, "But again, where are we going and why are we on a bus?"

"Have you ever been on a bus before?" she asked.

"No. Can't say that I have."

"Well, then this will be just another new experience for you. I told you before" she replied answering his first question, "You'll see."

"Fine have it your way" he grumbled and turned his head.

The bus rode past the city and out into the countryside. It made several stops on the way and finally came to the stop that Kandis had been waiting for.

"This is it" she replied leading the way off the bus.

Akito followed her and then they walked to a large open gate. Akito looked up and stared at the top of the gate that had a unique crest on it.

"What is this place?" he asked.

"Follow me inside and see for yourself" she grinned once more leading the way.

Inside were many small temples but where Kandis led Akito was toa large garden filled with so many kinds of flowers.

"This is what I wanted to show you" she replied as they came to a stop.

"A garden?" he scoffed.

"Mhm" she nodded, "You know I really didn't buy that whole line that you were just in your garden that night to sit."

"What do you mean by that?" he said a bit angry.

"Well, you can sit anywhere, but you chose to sit in that garden for a reason."

"And what pre-tell Miss Know-it-all would that be?"

"It must mean that you have a connection with the flowers. There's nothing bad about that. Flowers are beautiful. Each one is unique" she smelt the purple flowers in front of her, "We have lots of beautiful flowers in Canada too, but nothing like I've seen in Japan. Like the peach blossom trees, what do you call them Sakura? That's right, it's Sakura," she said as Akito lowered his eyebrows a bit sadly, "Hey that's a name too isn't it?" she said loudly.

"Yes it is" he nodded.

"A girl's name?"

"Mhm."

"What a pretty name for a girl. Although I don't think I would ever name my daughter that. I'm not sure" she giggled, "I might. So what do you think of the garden?"

"It's all right I guess" he replied, "But I have to wonder why you brought me here of all places when there are so many gardens throughout Japan."

"I don't know. I guess I brought you here because I thought it was so beautiful. I remember the first time I ever saw it. Tohru brought me here."

"Miss Honda?" Akito grimaced a little.

"Uh huh. She brought me here when I first visited Japan. Say" she looked him directly in the eye, "Do you not like Tohru or something?"

"What makes you think that?" he asked surprised.

"Well I don't know. You always get upset when I mention her. Do you got something against her?"

"No. What's not to like about her?" he grumbled again.

"Exactly" Kandis nodded, "She's the most sweetest person in the world."

"I suppose. If you go for that sort of thing."

"You know what" Kandis suddenly frowned, "If we're gonna be hanging around each other the rest of the week, you're gonna have to smile more."

"Excuse me?"

"Smile. I know you can. You can't fool me. I've seen you do it before."

"I have not!" he retorted angrily.

"Oh yes you have. I've seen you. On the first day. You smiled and sort of laughed when you saw all the ice cream on my chin. You think maybe I didn't catch you, but you did."

"That's just your imagination," he grumbled.

"Oh really" she teased, "You're gonna have to do better than that. I am gonna make it my personal mission to see you smile again."

"You're wasting your time. I don't smile. I don't want to and that's that."

"You know what Akito? Do you want to know what your biggest problem is?" she replied seriously.

"Hmm?" he looked at her.

"You're spoiled."

"I. What!"

"Spoiled. You know selfish. You're the kind who always get what he wants and when you don't get your way you throw a temper tantrum."

"How dare you," he said angrily.

"I'm only stating facts."

"Well let's talk about you then" he replied to her directly, "You're loud, obnoxious, and a real pain" he said as he inched closer waiting for her reaction.

But she didn't frown or back off. Instead she smiled.

"I know I am."

"Huh?"

"I know I'm that way. That's just the way I am. It's my personality. Some people are drawn to that. But that's not the reason that you're the way you are. I don't believe anyone wants to really be that way. You're that way, because you're spoiled and you have been spoiled all your life."

"And what makes you an expert on that?"

"Oh come on Akito. That guy who walks you to the gate every morning, he calls you Master. I'd be willing to bet that most of the people behind that gate don't even use your first name do they?"

"What difference does that make? So I'm pampered. So what?"

"Let me ask you this, have you ever done anything for yourself?"

"What do you mean by that? Of course I have. I can dress myself, groom myself, and feed myself."

"Yea true. But have you ever cooked for yourself before?"

"No."

"Me neither" she shook her head.

"Huh?" he replied almost falling over, "What do you mean you either?"

"I mean I know exactly what kind of life you live Akito, I lived it too. Growing up I lived with my Aunt in California because I was in the movies. My Aunt is very rich and has no children of her own so she doted on me. But she wasn't there most of the time. She's a very popular businesswoman and lives in Beverly Hills in a very big house. It's filled with all sorts of servants who provided for me as well. I never knew what it was like to cook for myself until now that is. I was always called by a fancy name too, so even though we grew up on different parts of the world and we have a very different personality you and I actually have something in common Akito. We both know what it feels like to be completely alone don't we?"

Akito stared stunned at the girl for a few moments at what she had just said and pondered her words.

"Well then" she replied, "Shall we go get lunch?"

"Sure" he nodded, following her back over to the temple.

(Next Scene)

Kyo stuck his head into the kitchen as Tohru finished up her list.

"You ready to go?" he asked.

"Mhm" she nodded, "Let me just get my bag. Thanks for going with me Kyo."

"No problem" he nodded, "I'd rather go with you then you go alone."

"Me too" she smiled.

They walked to the store and bought the things they needed. On the way home they passed the clearing and park that was nearby Sohma house. Kyo stopped for a moment and stared at a couple sitting close to the pond. He took a double take and Tohru looked back at him.

"What's wrong Kyo?" she asked him with a worried expression.

"I thought I saw" he scratched his head, "Uh never mind" he walked forward, "There's no way" he thought as he moved up closer to her carrying the shopping bags.

Thursday Afternoon: 3:56 p.m.

Kandis sighed happily as she flopped onto her back.

"What an absolutely gorgeous day" she said, "Say, why did you pick to come here again? she turned to Akito who was fingering a piece of grass.

"I don't know" he replied, "I like it here."

"I like it here too. It's so peaceful and quiet."

"That's a plus. Of course it could be quieter" he added sarcastically.

Kandis laughed out loud startling Akito and then patted the ground.

"Why don't you lie on your back too?"

"What?" he looked at her as if she was crazy.

"Come on it's fun. We can look at the sky together and see shapes in the clouds."

"Very well if you insist" he sighed lying down on his back slowly.

"Wow."

"What?" he looked at her annoyed.

"Nothing" she shook her head, "You can really tell about a person by the way they lie down. Me I flopped onto my back but you were nice and gentleman like."

"So?"

"So you can tell you have had a good upbringing. That's a good thing."

"What does that make you then?"

"Full of energy and a person who likes to have fun."

"I suppose so. But all I see it as noisy."

"Hmm? Oh hey I almost forgot" she said reaching into her bag, "I brought you something."

"Huh?" he said sitting up as she handed him a small package.

"Here. I hope you like them."

"What are they?"

"Open them up and see for yourself."

"Fine" he sighed a bit annoyed that she liked to play such games, "Rice balls?"

"Mhm. I made them myself. Will you try them for me?"

"All right" he replied a bit warily taking a small bite out of one.

"Well?"

"They're not bad" he mumbled.

"Not bad as in good?"

"Yea. They're not bad" he repeated.

"Great!" she shouted excitedly making him jump in surprise, "So my first attempt atmaking these was a success then!"

"Your first attempt?"

"Mhm. And you're the first person to eat them too" she picked one up, "I haven't even tried them yet."

"Why?" he asked finishing it up.

"I wanted to see what you thought first."

"Really?"

"Mhm. Mmm. These are good. I did a really good job" she smiled as she ate one quickly.

Akito smiled slightly as she finished and chuckled.

"You're gonna get a tummy ache if you do that."

"Ah ah" she held up a finger, "I saw it."

"Huh?"

"You smiled. And you laughed too."

"No I didn't" he turned away turning a bit red.

"Yes you did. And you're blushing too."

" I am not!"

"Yes you are. Your face is beet red. It's okay if you did" she took his hand and began to shake it."

"Would you stop touching my hand!" he shouted, "I told you I don't like to be touched!"

"Huh?" she stopped smiling and moved away from him.

"Damn you're so annoying. Why do you got to be so damn annoying?"

"But I" she replied slowly.

"What do you want from me huh? Do you get joy out of being insulted? What do you see in me anyway? Why are you hanging around me like this? Why?"

"Because I um. I like you Akito. Is that so hard for you to believe?"

"Huh?" his blue eyes became wide.

"Is it so hard for someone to say that they like you?"

He stared at her as she stood up with a sad look in her eyes and he felt guilty. For the first time in his life he felt bad for someone other then himself.

"But I can see that you're not having any fun. I am annoying aren't I?" she chuckled sadly, "I know I am. I probably have been wasting your time. I understand if you want to quit now. I need to get a drink, I'll be right back."

Akito watched as she walked over to the vendor and hung his head.

"Why?" he thought, "Why did I just do that? Why do I push away everyone who tries to have a relationship with me? She never did anything wrong. She's annoying yes, but I kind of enjoyed this week and that's saying a lot. What is about this girl? Why I can't I think about anything else? Why did I say something so stupid and selfish? I really did hurt her feelings I can tell. She got so sad and I actually care. I actually care that I hurt her feelings. I've never felt that way before about anyone. Why? Why is it this girl?" he thought to himself as she came back over.

"Akito, it's getting kind of late" she replied, "I think maybe, maybe you're right. We shouldn't do this anymore. If it's not helping there's no point. I just wanted to make you happy that's all. I guess I messed up."

"Sorry" he said loud enough for her to hear stopping her completely in her tracks.

"Huh?"

"I said I'm sorry" he repeated, "I didn't mean what I said. I don't want to stop. It's not that bothersome."

"Really?" she asked with hopeful eyes.

"Yea really. Don't take what I said to heart, I had no idea that you felt that way. I thought I was being a burden to be honest."

"Oh no not at all. Okay then. Tomorrow's Friday. We have one more day. Let's make it a good one."

"Right" he nodded, "But I don't know if I."

"Yes?"

"I have to wonder. What is it you like about me anyway? I'm not the nicest of people you know. And I'm sure you know all about me. All the things I've done."

"What are you talking about?"

"What do you mean what am I talking about? Hasn't Miss Honda told you? I know she has. I know she's told you everything I have done that's wrong."

"Actually no she hasn't."

"What?"

"Tohru has nothing but kind words about you Akito and all of the Sohma family. She thinks fondly of all of you."

"That's not possible. I've done some terrible things. How could she only have kind words about me?"

"Because that's the only kind of words Tohru has. I don't think she could ever say anything unkind about anyone. Besides I've done terrible things in the past too. But that's the past. You're human aren't you Akito?"

"Huh?"

"As a human you make mistakes. We all do. We're not perfect. We're not supposed to be. A person can always be forgiven for their past transgressions."

"Not for the things I've done" he lowered his head his hair falling over his eyes, "That's not possible."

"Yes even you Akito. But the big questionher really isdo you forgive yourself?" she sat down next to him.

"Huh?" he looked up surprised.

"Because if you can forgive yourself others will forgive you. No matter what you did in the past. That's the past. It's the present and the future you need to look forward to. If you ask for forgiveness from someone and they don't forgive you, that's their problem, but ultimately you have to forgive yourself first."

"I see. I never thought of it that way. Thank you."

"Kandis" she replied.

"Hmm?"

"Or Kandi if you prefer."

"Kandi?" he raised an eyebrow questiongly, "That sounds like a food group."

"Yea I know" she giggled, "But it's my nickname. You can't really get a nickname out of your name Akito. But I don't think I would want to. I like your name just the way it is."

"Kandi huh? If it's all right with you I think I'll stick with Kandis."

"Sure. If you're more comfortable with that."

"And I have a question for you."

"Sure."

"Do we have to end it tomorrow?"

"Huh?"

"I kind of would like to continue. After all there is a lot more to see in the world."

"Really?" she looked at him excitedly.

"Yes" he looked at her warily again, "If I don't live to regret it that is."

"Oh absolutely I would love to continue! I have so many places we can go too" she pulled out a ton of brochures, "You can pick them out. See. We can even make day trips if you want to" she handed them to him in a pile, placing them onto his lap.

"Uh okay" he said with a frown, "Let's take it one step at a time. Of course this means there's going to be a delay on you getting your something pretty."

"Oh that! I was just kidding about that."

"Huh?"

"You don't have to buy me anything. I'm having much more fun doing this anyway."

"Okay."

"I have an idea" she said taking his hand, "Come on follow me" she led him to a photo booth.

"No way" he shook his head, "I don't like to get my picture taken."

"Come on it will be fun" she urged, "One exception though."

"What's that?" he asked wearily with a hand to his head.

"You have to smile. We need something to remember today by."

"All right" he consented, "If you insist."

"Great!" she shouted pulling him into the booth.

A couple of seconds later they came out and Kandis pulled the strip of photos from the slot.

"Here you go" she said, "You get two and I get two."

"I only want one" he insisted.

"Okay" she nodded, "Pick one."

"All right" he said tearing off the bottom one, "This one."

"These came out good. Oh dear it's getting late. I should get you home."

"Yea" he nodded, "We should go."

"I had lots of fun today Akito" she grinned placing the pictures in her bag.

"You know what" he grinned slightly, "So did I Kandis."

She smiled again and then the two of them walked back to Sohma house side by side Kandis talking about her classes, Akito walking casually and listening with his hands stuck in his pockets.

When he arrived home he walked into Kureno's room and asked for a small picture frame. Then he walked to his room and placed the small photograph in it. He put the frame on the table beside his bed and sat on it. He looked at the picture and smiled as he spotted her smiling back at him.

"Kandis" he thought as he rolled onto his bag, "Why do you bother me so much? What is it about you?" he thought as he closed his eyes, "That sticks to my brain and never leaves it. Not even for a second."

(Till Next Time)

Authors Note: Hello everyone I am back! I know you were supposed to have these chapters last week but I came down with the worst cold that I have ever had. I was away from my computer all week, I mean it was that bad. But I am back and you guys are getting the remainder of this book today so I'll see you later for the other two chapters!

Next Chapter: Growing Closer

Before long three weeks have passed and Kandis and Akito have spent every afternoon together. On one day in particular Kandis is going to discover how Akito feels about a certain subject and it changes how she feels about him forever! Find out what next time!