He entered and closed the doors with minimal noise. Immediatly, he wondered if he had made a mistake by coming here. He didn't belong in this place. He never had.
That was when he spotted Akito, leaning in the open doorway that lead outside. For the most part Akito hadn't changed, as far as looks. Same short black hair. Same type of kimonos. On the other hand, Akito was much taller and it disturbed him to see how thin the clan leader had become.
Takig a breath, he called out to Akito, softly yet loud enough to hear. Akito turned around quickly and lit up with surprise and joy.
Heading toward the boy, Akito said. "Hotaru! You came. You don't know happy you've made me."
Hotaru held up a restraining hand, stopping Akito who was only a few feet away.
"What's wrong, Hotaru? I thought you would be excited to see me to. It really has been too long." Now Akito walked up to him, running fingers through the firey hair. "My beautiful phoenix has finnaly returned home."
Hotaru smiled sadly. "It has been a long time, I suppose. You're looking well, Akito-San." He lied.
Akito beamed up at him, like a small child. "You're looking well to, which is good to see. And I can't believe how tall you've gotten. I used to be taller then you. Now I have to look up to you."
As much as Hotaru hated ruining one of Akito's rare good moods, it was time to get to the point. If he didn't do it now he knew he would lose his courage.
Pulling away, he knelt on the floor. "Akito-San, about your offer.."
Akito cut him off. "Yes. I see you finally took it up. You will make such a wonderful addition." Akito mused, fondly stroking Hotaru's hair.
"No." A firm voice came from the bowed head.
"What do you mean 'no'?" Akto asked with a deadly calm, kneeling in front of Hotaru.
Hotaru stared Akito right in the eye, fierce and defiant. "I mean never. Not even if you were to beg. I know you remember perfectly well about my one condition, first Kyo is allowed in.Though, even if you did agree to that I still don't think I would, after hearing you talk like this. 'Addition?'" He shook his head in pity. "We really are nothing but possessions to you, are'nt we? A security blanket for a spoiled child who crys and crys."
Suddenly, Hotaru felt a sharp slap to his right cheek. Without a sound, he touched the stinging flesh gingerly.
"How dare you! How dare you presume to give me orders! And how dare you talk down to me! You should be greatful that I'm so generously inviting you in! You and no one else! Especially not that monster!" Akito ranted, enraged.
In a flash, Hotaru was on his feet and pulled Akito up with him. Holding Akito firmly by the shoulders, he said with great intensity. "I don't think so, Akito-San. How dare you? How dare you call Kyo such a name? Monster is it? If you can talk about a wonderful person like that then, it seems you must be the true monster. And how you've hurt the others. Well, I'm not even going to get starteed on that. Just know this, I will not become one of your toys. In fact, don't be surprised to never see me again, Akito-San." Both times, he used th honorifics in an almost mocking tone.
Without waiting for a reaction, he turned to leave the Main House for the last time. He vowed then and there never to return to it's dark halls.
It was obvious that Akito had been stunned to silence. No sobs or angry voice, screaming for him to come back, followed him out. In the end, he prefered it that way.
