Disclaimer: Neither Fruits Basket nor the Fruits Basket Characters belong to me. They are the property of Natsuki Takaya.
Beyond that, the plot is my own as are any original characters that may be introduced. I do my best to keep Shigure and Akito in character, but may deviate at times to further the story.Without more ado, please read and enjoy. Reviews are always welcome. Constructive criticism is also welcome. I know there are ways in which I might improve my writing and my reader's enjoyment.
Chapter 2 The Unveiling of Akito's Plan
The next morning after breakfast Shigure walked to Sohma House. After the huge delicious breakfast Tohru had prepared, he felt the need to walk some of it off. It's a minor miracle I haven't had to buy a new kimono with all of her wonderful cooking.
Akito stood by the window leaning on the sill as he added the finishing touches to his plot. Was the dog going to be fooled with his misdirection? Did he really want to allow Shigure a chance at happiness with someone from outside? He considered these questions carefully.
The misdirection would definitely work. He knew Shigure was as bored and as impatient with the current inaction of his two cousins where the girl was concerned as he was. The second question was a little more difficult. He had always been the primary focus of Shigure's feelings. To allow him or any juunishi a chance at happiness outside of himself did go against the grain. However, on the plus side, if he could force Shigure to take his happiness, then he would have succeeded in making his dear Yuki and the Cat miserable. There was also the possibility that Shigure and the girl would be miserable as well. Especially the girl, she wanted everybody to be happy and once she made a choice there were going to be some unhappy people. Yes, it was a fair trade in his mind. Having given due consideration to the most important issues, he decided the plan was a good one and worth implementing.
Kureno knocked and entered Akito's room. "Shigure-san will be here momentarily, is there anything more you need Akito-san?"
"No, I won't need you again until after lunch."
"Very well Akito-san. In that case, I shall excuse myself." Kureno bowed formally and left the room.
He is so very polite, much like Honda-san Akito thought with some amusement.
Shortly after Kureno's exit, Shigure entered. "Akito, I am here." He announced unnecessarily.
"And so you are Shigure." Akito spoke with a measure of fond exasperation. Shigure was his favorite of the juunishi. He would admit that to no one, but nevertheless, it was true.
"What was it you wished to talk to me about?"
"An unimportant matter but one that might afford me great amusement."
"And that would be…"
"You don't have to sound so bored, this could prove interesting to you as well."
"Interesting…? I could use more liveliness in my life. Please continue."
"To begin, you just finished your last novel and submitted it for publication, correct? This means you are now considering ideas for a new one. Am I correct on this as well?"
"Yes on both counts Akito, but since when has this interested you, and what does it have to do with your idea?"
"I am interested in everything my juunishi do, but in this case I am a little more interested than usual. I grow bored, Shigure. Wouldn't you agree that Kyo and Yuki have been keeping their feelings for Tohru Honda-san to themselves for far too long? It's been three years since those three graduated and neither of them is any closer to declaring his feelings for her. I wonder if their feelings go deep enough to do her justice? Don't you sometimes wonder the same thing?" Akito glanced slyly at Shigure as he voiced the questions he had been saving for this moment.
The shutters dropped on the thoughts that had taken refuge in Shigure's eyes, but not before Akito read them. They were there; the same thoughts that he had just voiced. Good…the dog had been thinking along the same line as him. Victory was within his grasp.
Shigure continued the conversation, his expression taking on its customary blandness. "I am afraid that this time even I am not following your logic Akito. In what way are Yuki's and the cat's feelings for Tohru-kun related to the topic of my new novel?" (I know you don't know that I have already begun a new novel and it does make a connection so what are you thinking Akito?)
"There is and there isn't a relationship. I have been endlessly amused at the cat and the rat as they've competed through the years. But now, now it's the same old tiresome routine day in and day out. It bores me; I desire new entertainment and I will have it. I have a plan for pushing those two into confessing their feelings and I will use your new novel as the catalyst."
"I am intrigued. What exactly are you thinking?"
"As you know, there is an old saying that 'absence makes the heart grow fonder.' My thought is that if we remove Tohru Honda-san from the picture, Yuki and/or the cat may figure out that she is essential to their life. It is my thought that they will realize they can't continue in the current fashion and finally admit that they really don't want to live it without her."
"Remove Tohru-kun from the picture? How do you propose to do that?" Shigure asked warily.
"That's where your new novel comes in!" Akito exclaimed gaily. "I have recently found myself interested in Greece and have done some research. Would you not agree that Greece could be the perfect setting for your novel regardless of it being your true literary work or one of those smutty romances you are so fond of writing when you get bored? In particular, I was thinking of the Isle of Kythera. Here is my preliminary research. I think you will find it quite interesting."
Shigure looked askance at the thin sheaf of papers Akito was holding.
"Take it Shigure. It is not an asp and it will not bite." Akito spoke impatiently. "I put a lot of effort into this and I will not allow you to disregard it."
Shigure accepted the papers and perused them as he listened to Akito expand upon his plan.
"You and Tohru Honda-san as your research assistant will take a trip to this island to do some research for your new novel. Of course this is at a time when my dear Yuki and the stupid cat will not be free to leave Japan. They are both still in university and I will not allow them to miss their classes. I do still have the final say in everything you and they attempt. The two of you will be gone fortwo to three months…I will allow you to choose the return date, Shigure…those two will be extremely jealous and realize how important Honda-san is to them. During your absence, I will have the pleasure of watching them burn with envy. Upon your return, I feel certain at least one if not both of them will confess his feelings. Of course, if both of them admit their feelings, then the fireworks will really fly. I am certain this will add a great deal of interest to my currently boring existence."
"I see. This will breed new animosity amongst Yuki-kun and him. I am not sure my house is ready for that." Shigure spoke cautiously, but his eyes carried a speculative gleam. "That would indeed add to your interest, but in the process Tohru-kun may be hurt."
"I am counting on you to follow through on my plan Shigure. While I may have accepted Honda-san into our lives, I care not if she is hurt. You will take this trip and you will take Honda-san with you." Akito spoke harshly and with a certain degree of anger. Shigure knew that the Sohma head had already made the final decision and there would be no arguing with him on this.
"Hai, Akito-san. It shall be as you decree." Shigure agreed with the plan even as he realized the impact it would have on his dear flower. Tohru-kun would certainly be hurt once more by the Sohmas and he was powerless to prevent it. It was then that he recognized the fact that while he wanted her for himself, he was reluctant to have her hurt. He was in deep, it was time he admitted this if only to himself.
"I knew you would see it my way Shigure. Kureno has the travel arrangements made and the informational brochures ready for you. I took the liberty of arranging for a villa and an interpreter during your stay. Today is Thursday and you will be leaving on Monday." Akito's silky voice laced with satisfaction suddenly grated on Shigure's nerves.
"Hai. I'll see you later."
Akito smiled as the dog left the room. Shigure was angry with him, he could tell. That was an uncommon occurrence. Usually his emotions were well hidden but since he had fallen for the girl, he was much easier to read. This was going to work out even better than he had believed. Not only were his dear Yuki and the Cat going to be on an emotional roller coaster, so was the imperturbable dog. This was going to be fun!