Disclaimer: Neither Fruits Basket nor the Fruits Basket characters belong to me. They are the property of Natsuki Takaya.
The plot and all original characters are mine, I am very happy to report. Sorry, it's taken a little longer to write this chapter than I had anticipated. There have been a lot of demands on my time and I haven't had the chance to write as often as I would have liked. I also got a little sidetracked by a one-shot I did called "New Beginning". I heard a song on the Saiyuki Image album 2 and it wouldn't go away. I had to write a story using the lyrics as the framework for it. Please forgive me for the delay.
Thanks to everyone who has been reading and reviewing my story. I hope you will enjoy this latest chapter. Please read, and review if you feel so inclined.
Thank you, Otaku Mom
Chapter 13 A Dare and a Departure
The next morning Tohru was up early and started toward the beach for the sunrise. She noticed Akito standing at his window and gazing out to the sea. He looked lonely and she decided sunrise could wait for another day, it would come again tomorrow. She returned to the house and made a fresh pot of tea along with eggs and toast. A selection of fresh fruits was added as finishing touches on the tray. After all was complete she quietly walked down the hall to Akito's rooms where she placed the tray on the floor and then knocked softly.
"Who's there?"
"It's only me Akito-san. I've brought you a breakfast tray. Are you hungry? Shigure-san told me you slept through dinner last night so I thought you might be. Oh, if I'm too early, I can come back later."
"Tohru Honda-san…? This is a surprise. Bring the tray in as I am hungry."
"With pleasure Akito-san…" Tohru entered the room to find all of the curtains were wide and all of the windows open to the early morning air. A table was placed near the largest of the bay windows and Akito now sat on the window seat still watching the ocean. "What a beautiful room Akito-san! I hope all is to your liking."
"It will do." He turned to face Tohru and looked at the tray with displeasure. "Only one tray? I do not wish to eat alone Honda-san. There is enough food here for two. Go get another plate and keep me company. I wish to talk with you."
"Hai, Akito-san. I guess I didn't think. I'm sorry to have assumed you wanted to eat alone."
"Tohru Honda-san, I grow impatient."
"I'm sorry Akito-san" Tohru hurried back to the kitchen to retrieve a second plate and cup then returned quickly to Akito's rooms. She soon had two places set and was serving up the meal. Akito observed the process with a satisfied smirk; he loved obedience in the people surrounding him.
"Sit down Tohru-san; I do not like people standing when I am seated."
"Oh, of course you don't. I'm sitting, see?" Tohru sat down immediately. "You wish to speak with me Akito-san?"
"I do. Tell me Tohru-san, how is my idea of a Greek location working out for Shigure's new novel?"
"It is a wonderful idea Akito-san, especially since Kythira is the island you chose. The island and its people have an amazing history and Shigure-san is capturing it all in his novel. I think it is his best novel so far! Mii-san will be very pleased when we return."
"Is that so? And how do you know it's his best…have you read all of his novels then Tohru-san?"
"Yes, when I started working for him I read everything he had written."
"Everything? Including the ones he wrote under that other name?"
Tohru looked down at her hands and her cheeks took on a red glow. "Hai" she said almost inaudibly.
She's been alone with Shigure for six weeks and she still reacts as one innocent of carnal knowledge…how very interesting. I wonder how he has managed to let her stay so naïve. How very interesting…
"Tell me Tohru Honda-san, what do you and Shigure do when not working?"
"Oh, we walk into the village or visit all of the wonderful places on this island. In the evenings we sit and talk about the day; about what we learn; the people we meet; and the places we visit. That's my favorite time of day with Shigure-san. I feel like we are very good friends now."
"And is that enough Tohru-san; just being friends with Shigure?"
"Oh…uh…I…" Hatori walked in the open door just as Tohru was struggling with Akito's last question.
"The door was open so I came in. Good Morning Tohru-kun. Akito, how are you this morning?"
"Oh, good morning Hatori-san. I'm certain you want to check up on Akito-san. I'll just get these trays out of the way. Are you ready for breakfast Hatori-san?"
"I'll wait for Shigure Tohru-kun. There is no need for you to fix breakfast two more times."
"Okay then. I'll be in the kitchen if you need me." She made a rapid exit with the trays and shut the door behind her.
"Careful Hatori…with this kind of timing I might think you are trying to protect Tohru Honda-san."
"Have I ever denied you anything Akito?"
"Only once Hatori and it was for her sake then as well. Now would not be a good time to try it again."
"Understood Akito-san. Now let me examine you and be certain you have no more ill effects from your long trip."
"If only mother and father had been as concerned as you Hatori…" Akito granted Hatori's request and allowed him to do his job.
Tohru sighed in relief as she escaped to the kitchen. "Oh Mom, I'm so glad Hatori-san showed up when he did. I didn't want to lie to Akito-san, but I don't want to get Shigure-san in trouble. I know I want more than friendship from Shigure-san, but what does he want? Am I being selfish? And Mom, if I get my wish, what will Akito-san think when he learns how I feel? The things that happened to Hatori-san, Rin-san, Yuki-kun, and Kisa-chan were painful. I don't want that for Shigure-san too. I know Akito-san has changed Mom. I don't really think he would hurt Shigure-san, but he still frightens me just a little." She wandered over to the sink and stared out the window at the ocean as she washed the dirty dishes from her and Akito's breakfasts. "He was looking at the sea this morning; I wonder what Akito-san was thinking at that time?"
"Tohru…what's for breakfast? I'm starved!" Momiji bounced into the kitchen with his trademark enthusiasm.
"Yes Tohru-kun, what is for breakfast?" Shigure asked as he came in rubbing his eyes.
"Momiji, Shigure-san… Good Morning. Breakfast isn't ready yet but there's coffee or tea. Shigure-san, here's your coffee. Momiji which would you like?"
"Tea please, Tohru. Tohru why are you already washing dishes this morning? They were all clean last night."
"Oh I made breakfast for Akito-san. He was awake and Shigure-san said he slept the whole evening so I thought Akito-san might be hungry."
"You're such a good girl Tohru-kun, you really should consider becoming my wife."
"Shigure-san…" Inwardly Tohru was pleased with the teasing. It had been a while since she'd heard that particular line from Shigure.
"Shigure-sensei, you need to be more serious than that when you are asking Tohru to marry you."
"Momiji, he doesn't mean it. His manner is just fine, really!" Tohru turned back to the breakfast preparations. Momiji mouthed the word 'chicken' at Shigure and a wink was all he received in return.
"Ahhh…Momiji or Shigure-san, please let Hatori-san know breakfast is almost ready. He's with Akito-san."
"I'll go get him Tohru-kun. Momiji can stay here and visit." Momiji watched the dog leave…it might be his imagination but it seemed Shigure was avoiding situations where he was alone with Tohru. Why is that…
Shigure's return was accompanied by both Hatori and Akito. Tohru didn't turn away from the stove but she did issue an invitation. "Hatori-san, Shigure-san please sit down. I'll get your coffee Hatori-san."
"And me Tohru-san, may I sit down as well?" Akito's silky voice did make Tohru turn around. She spilled coffee over her hand as she turned and ended up dropping Hatori's cup. "Ow!...Akito-san I'm sorry, I wasn't expecting you, not that I'm not happy you are here but…"
Shigure was by her side instantly. "Tohru-kun are you okay? Tohru-kun…"
His touch stilled Tohru's panic as it always did.
"Yes, I'm okay. Akito-san are you still hungry? Would you like some coffee or tea?" She managed to be polite even as she was on her hands and knees mopping up the spilled coffee with her apron. The apron wasn't absorbent and the liquid spread even further afield. Shigure smiled.
"Tohru-kun, wouldn't this work better?" he teased as he held out a dry dish towel for her use.
"Yes I suppose it would. Thank you Shigure-san."
Shigure sniffed. "Tohru-kun, maybe you better take care of the food or we won't have any breakfast. I'll finish cleaning up this spill."
"Oh my gosh! But…Shigure-san, are you sure it's okay if you clean up my mess?" she glanced at the spill uncertainly.
"Tohru-kun, I had many burned meals when Yuki-kun used to cook. I'd prefer not having one here."
"Oh, right! Akito-san, did you want more to eat?"
"No, just a cup of tea will be enough Tohru-san."
With no other mishaps Tohru managed to serve up breakfast and coffee and tea for everyone. Akito didn't have much to say. He sat quietly and observed the interaction between his juunishii and the girl. She was so natural with all of them and she even managed to drag occasional smiles out of the taciturn dragon. She didn't cling tightly to anyone but they all kept returning to her over and over again; perhaps he was beginning to understand why.
Breakfast was done and the four Sohma adjourned to the sitting room to discuss plans for the time they were to be visiting on Kythira. Shigure offered several suggestions; some were accepted, some rejected. It didn't really matter to him until he arrived at his final suggestion. This was the only suggestion he really cared about. "Wednesday is Tohru-kun's birthday and I have been planning a surprise party for her. She will be 22 this year. Akito-san I hope you don't have any objections to this…"
"I have no objections Shigure…"
Akito noted Shigure's unfeigned sigh of relief and smiled to himself. His plan was succeeding beyond his wildest expectations. He knew Shigure would not have wanted to cancel or postpone Tohru's party, but if Akito had insisted, Shigure would have obeyed. The dog's first loyalty was still to Akito but change was inevitable. Shigure's love for Tohru was gradually weakening the bonds and one day Shigure would find himself free of them. Perhaps I should be angry with Shigure for this but I knew this would happen when I sent him and Tohru here. Still…I am a little jealous because I don't want to let go although I know I must. Akito also noted that Momiji kept looking toward Hatori as if he had something he needed to talk to him about.
"Shigure come with me. I want to take a walk and it's been a while since I enjoyed your company."
"Yes Akito. Do you want to take the beach path?"
"Why not, I've not taken any of them. Tohru Honda-san, join us."
"Me?" Tohru was surprised at the invitation. "With pleasure…" Her smile was wide and Shigure groaned inwardly. He really didn't want Akito detecting the strength of his feelings for Tohru and her coming with them was not going to make hiding those feelings easy. As they stepped onto the walkway Tohru noticed Nomiki coming in their direction.
"Miki-chan, good morning!"
"Good Morning Tohru—" Miki paused as she noticed the second man accompanying Tohru. Akito Sohma…he was the reason she was coming to the villa this morning but meeting him so suddenly was unexpected.
"Nomiki-san what an unexpected…pleasure." Akito's voice was frosty as he spoke. The word pleasure said it was anything but that.
"Akito-san, I am here to see you this morning. Will you listen to what I have to say?"
Tohru's worried expression and Shigure's interested one caused Akito's eyes to defrost just a fraction. "I will be civil. However; I don't wish to delay my walk so you will have to walk with us if you wish me to listen."
Nomiki's first impulse was to reverse her direction and walk away but wasn't that what had brought her here this morning, walking away from this man?
"By all means, let's not delay your walk Mr. Sohma."
Akito smiled sardonically as the four of them started toward the beach. This should be amusing...
Momiji glance at Hatori. "Somehow Ha'ri I think we just received orders to stay here and not interfere. Will it be okay Ha'ri?"
"Yes Momiji, it will. This is the opportunity you have been looking for all morning isn't it? It's obvious something is on your mind and you wish to talk to me."
"There is and I think it might be important."
Momiji explained what he had learned from Zoe about Shigure's involvement with Petra Stamatelos and expressed his concerns. "Ha'ri, I understand why he is doing this but I think he's making a mistake. No matter how intelligent we consider ourselves, we cannot control chance. He can't be certain Tohru won't find out no matter how careful he is. "
Hatori cursed under his breath. "That idiotic foolish dog! Is he trying to self-destruct?"
"Ha'ri I may understand but I won't forgive him if Tohru is hurt.How can he take a chance like this when Tohru cares so much for him. I really don't care what he does to himself, but she will be hurt if he is discovered. She will forgive him but..." The hard glint in Momiji's eyes surprised Hatori.
"I know Momiji. Let me think about it. There must be something we can do to prevent this bomb from igniting. Don't do anything rash Momiji. I will take care of Shigure."
"I know you will Hatori. That's why I wanted to tell you. Tohru's happiness is the most important thing to me and despite his indiscretion I know Shigure loves her. She loves him too. I can tell." Hatori saw the fleeting sadness in Momiji's eyes as he made that admission.
Hatori's eyes softened in sympathy. "Momiji, are you sure you don't want to press your suit with Tohru. I know you love her, perhaps more than any of us."
"I'm certain Ha'ri. She's not meant for me. I'm still young and I know there is one person out there that will love only me and I will love her too. I just have to find her, that's all."
Hatori nodded his head in agreement. "I'm certain you are right Momiji."
Momiji's sunny smile broke forth and the shadows were nowhere to be found within his eyes. "I know I will Ha'ri."
The young rabbit never ceased to amaze Hatori. His resilience and optimism under very difficult circumstances were only rivaled by Tohru whohad similarcharacteristics although she lacked h is quick intelligence. She was the only one that could probably understand Momiji, it was certain he couldn't. Right now though he had to figure out a way to knock some sense into his wayward best friend.
While Momiji and Hatori were having their heart to heart talk Shigure and Tohru led the way down the path while Miki walked a step behind Akito. "Nomiki-san this path is wide enough for two. If you wish to speak with me it would be easier to do so from my side instead of lagging behind."
Nomiki felt a shred of hope as Akito's soft voice sent a shiver down her spine. Perhaps he will forgive me; perhaps we can still become friends... "Because he is destined to die we can live..." Shigure's words had haunted her dreams last night and this morning she knew she had to try. Since being diagnosed with leukemia at the age of 14 her path was always only one step away from death. She did know how Akito felt, but she also knew how to live. Akito did not fully understand that yet. She desired to help him if she could so she had to try; the first step was the apology.
"Well Nomiki-san, suddenly you are silent. That didn't seem to be one of your problems yesterday..."
"Sometimes I say more than I should Akito-san. That's why I was coming to the villa this morning. I'd like to apologize for my rude behavior yesterday and maybe we can start again from the beginning."
"But only if I decide to accept your apology..."
"True, that is a requirement."
Tohru and Shigure turned back to look at the two of them. Akito sat down on a nearby rock. "Nomiki-san and I need to discuss her rude behavior yesterday. I will rest here a few minutes and see what she has to say. You two go ahead. We will meet you in a while."
"I can stay and keep you company while you rest. You wouldn't mind would you Tohru-kun?"
"No, not at all" Tohru and Shigure stepped back toward Akito's position.
"I insist you go ahead. Nomiki-san and I will discuss our differences in private. Now, Shigure."
"Yes Akito. Come along Tohru-kun, obviously our company is not wanted."
It came as naturally as breathing; it was something he never thought about anymore; but Akito noticed as Shigure offered Tohru his hand and she happily accepted it. The two continued down the path hand in hand.
Nomiki watched Akito as an array of emotions crossed his features while he watched them go. Jealousy, loneliness, pain, and relief were seen in quick succession.
"Akito-san...Shigure is special to you." It was a statement of fact, not a question.
"No more so than the others whose lives are linked to mine."
"You are either lying to me or lying to yourself Akito-san, which is it?"
He looked at her in surprise. "I'm lying to you of course. I make it a policy to never lie to myself. You are very bright Nomiki-san, and cute too..." The smile that lit his face astonished her.
"You blush very prettily Miki-san. May I call you that?"
"Of course."
"Then you call me Akito. As I said yesterday, I am not in the habit of explaining myself but perhaps I will do it just this once for you. Shigure is not the only one who is susceptible to beautiful women."
His mercurial change of temperament had her completely off balance. Would the real Akito Sohma please stand up?
The smile left his beautiful eyes and he was suddenly serious again. If only she could capture that smile...
"Yesterday I asked you about Shigure and Tohru Honda-san, perhaps demanded you tell me would be a more accurate description, right?"
"Perhaps..." was her noncommittal response.
"And you are right, Shigure is special to me...but she is too. It's important to me that they find each other." Akito fell silent. It was obvious he did not want to explain things in any deeper detail.
"Akito, if I tell you what I have seen of Shigure and Tohru, will you promise to explain why later?"
"No, I won't promise that. I think I am beginning to see for myself what they mean to each other. We won't speak of them again today. Miki-san, you spent time in hospital, will you tell me why?" She allowed him to divert her from her question.
"Certainly I will tell you why. Maybe this will help you understand that you and I are not that different and maybe we can learn something from each other. When I was 14 I was diagnosed with leukemia. It will kill me one day but for now the chemo therapy and blood transfusions I had in the hospital have pushed it into remission. I don't know how long I will have so I am choosing not to dwell on it. Each day I can choose to live in fear of dying, or live as if death holds no fear for me. I choose to live as if there is nothing to fear from death. I choose to enjoy life, to say what I need to say to those I love; I make the choice to have dreams and hopes and live as if they will be reality. I may not have time to make them a reality but I can't let that keep me from living. I want to graduate from high school, I want to fall in love, I want to have my own family one day and I live each day as If I have no doubts that these things will happen. But you know, Akito, deep in the night; in the darkness I am afraid. Sometimes before I close my eyes in sleep I find myself afraid I won't wake up in the morning. But the morning does come, the sun rises, and I live to enjoy life once again. Life is fun and I did mean it when I said that it is too short to waste on rude people. If I hold back any part of myself; If I am afraid to live, it's not going to add a single second to the time I have left. In the end, that course will only leave me with regrets for what I might have done."
Akito felt something within him responding to the determination in the girl by his side.
"Akito, I have a dare for you. Shigure told me your family is cursed, he told me of your fate, but for the week you are here, I dare you to live each day completely. Don't allow the past to hold you back or the future to frighten you. Take one day at a time and let me show you what I mean."
"Miki-san, maybe that is why I came to Kythira. I will accept your challenge."
"Great! Then the first thing we are going to do is get down to the beach. Let's go Akito!"
He followed in her wake.He was both amused and intrigued by her challenge. No one had ever dared challenge him before; not in this fashion.
Shigure hadn't really been happy with Akito's decision to send them ahead, but he had to obey. He looked at his hand and was surprised to find it was holding Tohru's in its clasp. Obviously it wasn't that he didn't want to spend time with Tohru; it was quite the opposite in fact, he did want to spend time with her; he wanted it too much. He was still uncertain of how Akito would react and no matter how much he submerged his old memories and plowed forward, he could not forget what had happened before; he wasn't convinced Akito had not thrown them together to test Shigure's loyalty. If he failed, then what? Did Akito have a new form of torture ready? Or was Akito really trying to let go?
"Shigure-san!" Tohru's shout of delight drew him from his melancholy thoughts and he suddenly found himself by her side with his arm about her waist. Tohru was very pleased to see the dolphins, but her happiness was increased dramatically by having Shigure by her side while she watched them. "Shigure-san, we should all come down here to go swimming today. Nikos told me yesterday that it was to be hot today. I can pack a picnic lunch and we can all spend the afternoon here."
"Tohru-kun, you have such wonderful ideas. Let's see what Akito..."
"Akito thinks it is a very good idea for today. Tohru-san, perhaps you would like to invite your friends to join us?"
Shigure and Tohru both turned in surprise at Akito's voice behind them.
"Truly Akito-san, I can invite them?"
"Honda-san, why must you make me repeat myself? I am certain you heard me the first time."
"I did but...Okay! Miki-chan let's go see who can come and give Akito-san and Shigure-san some time together. Please allow us to be excused Akito-san."
"By all means, I have things I wish to talk to Shigure about in private."
"Then we'll see you later Akito-san, Shigure-san."
Shigure turned to Akito as the girls disappeared around the bend in the trail. "My dearest Akito, shall we go sit in the shade while we talk?"
"Here by the water will be fine Shigure."
Miki and Tohru called Dmitri and Marina when they returned to the villa and both agreed to come. Momiji invited himself along when he found out they were going to Zoe's and Miki's homes to invite the others. "I'd really like to see where your friends live Tohru. I can come can't I?"
"Of course Momiji. Hatori-san, you are welcome to come with us or if you like, Akito-san and Shigure-san are down on the beach if you prefer to join them."
"I will come with you and Momiji Tohru-kun. I haven't seen much of the island and I think I will enjoy the walk. There will be time enough later to visit with Akito and Shigure. I will give them some privacy for a while longer."
"Okay. Hatori-san is very handsome today. You should wear bright colors more often." Tohru said admiringly as Hatori joined them.
Hatori did look relaxed in a short sleeve yellow shirt and white pants. Momiji chuckled as Hatori turned red, then winked at the doctor as Hatori shot him a sharp look.
"Thank you Tohru-kun." Hatori replied with one of his genuine smiles that Tohru was so good at bringing out.
The younger Stamatelos, Nikos, Zoe, and Petra all joined the group but Petros and the Sandersons pleaded prior plans. When they arrived at Miki's place, they found out what those other plans were. Sofia and Stefanos were going to Athens for the day with Petros and the Sandersons. Petros had a friend he wished to meet there and they were going to spend a little time doing some shopping and having dinner there. Kyri was very happy to join Tohru's party and they all headed back to the villa. Dmitri and Marina were already there when they arrived and all of the girls except Petra went to the kitchen to begin preparing the picnic lunch.
Petra decided the very handsome but very aloof doctor was not her cup of tea. She much preferred Shigure and his light hearted play. He was much warmer and more fun. Petra decided that spending time with Shigure and the other men was preferable to helping the other girls in the kitchen. She declined Tohru's invitation to join them "You children go ahead and have fun. I think I'll stay out here and take it easy."
Zoe prepared a retort but Nikos shook his head and she left it unspoken. Akito watched all the by-play and raised an eyebrow as he saw Petra wink at Shigure and Shigure give an almost imperceptible shake of his head. "Hatori, I have a slight headache from the sun. Let's go find your magic bag of tricks so I can be rid of it."
"Yes Akito. Shigure, Momiji, Petra-san we'll be back shortly."
Hatori allowed Akito to enter the room first and then walked to the dresser to collect his medical bag.
"Hatori, I do not have a headache. I do not need anything from that bag so do not expect me to take it at this moment. "
Hatori turned in surprise. "But Akito you..."
"Merely a pretext my dear Hatori. What I do need from you is information. I am certain Shigure is not going to tell me what is going on between him and that woman, Stamatelos-san. He may not tell me, but you will, won't you Hatori." Long slender fingers reached out and traced the doctor's jaw as green eyes squared off with steel blue eyes for interminable seconds. The green eyes dropped in defeat.
"Hai Akito. I heard it from Momiji who heard it from the youinger sister and told me." Hatori relayed all that he had heard from Momiji and Akito hissed in anger.
"That idiotic dog! How dare he carry on without my permission. He is going to ruin everything!"
"Akito?" Green eyes looked questioningly at the young man.
"Do not worry about Stamatelos-san and Shigure. If Tohru-san doesn't already know, she will never find out. I will handle this matter Hatori."
"Then I will leave it to you Akito."
Akito's smile wasn't pleasant but for reasons unknown, Hatori felt a weight had been taken from his shoulders. The Sohma head was changing...for the better.
Akito was not pleased when they returned and he saw Shigure and Petra deep in conversation while Momiji and Nikos were hanging out on the other side of the room.
"Momiji, Nikos, you two will leave now. Go to the kitchen or wherever, but leave."
Akito's voice was cold and harsh in the comfortable room. It was as if a blanket of ice had descended on the people gathered there. Nikos started to protest but Momiji grasped his arm. "No, Nikos come with me. I will explain, but please come with me." Nikos reluctantly followed Momiji and Akito turned to Hatori. "Shut the doors and windows Hatori." Hatori obeyed the command.
By this time Shigure was looking at Akito with a hint of curiosity but nothing more. Petra was watching the young man with eyes widened in surprise. Who was he to hold such power. Perhaps she should consider...Her thoughts were halted when she was faced with a blue eyed demon. "You!" He pointed at Shigure, "You stupid fool! You idiot! You are going to ruin everything. Get away from that woman now Shigure!"
Shigure moved quickly to obey.
"And you..." Akito crossed the floor and grasped Petra's long hair in his hand to pull her head back. "Who do you think you are to presume to carry on an affair with a member of my family. You will leave the villa and not show your face again for as long as Shigure is here."
"But I work here..." Petra's bravado only served to anger him more.
"Woman, you will find an excuse to leave, I would advise leaving the island or I will make sure your pretty face is never seen again. You see Hatori here, he has almost no vision in his left eye, I did that. I have put people in the hospital for less than the crimes you have committed with my family. Do you want to suffer such a fate...how would you like that beautiful face ruined forever, or perhaps lasting scars on your body...I am capable of such a thing and no one in this room will lift a hand to stop me. I will not allow this, I will not allow you to stay!"
Akito's anger had heated from white hot to a cold blue flame and Petra found herself thoroughly frightened. There was something about this man that seemed unbalanced; he seemed to be possessed. She looked to Shigure for help and he had his head bowed in uttter dejection. There would be no help there.
Unwilling to display her fear for all to see, she straightened her shoulders and removed Akito's hand from her hair and stood up.
Akito allowed the motions and stepped back. "I do not wish to spend the day with men who will allow a woman to be manhandled. We are done Shigure. Step away from the door Dr. Sohma."
Hatori stepped away from the door and Petra exited. Shigure lifted his head and amusement lit his features. He clapped his hands. "Well done Akito-san. I thought you were serious at first and I know that Petra thought you were. But still I have to admire her courage in facing you. Another time and another place I might actually have liked her.
Akito looked coldly at Shigure. "I was serious Shigure. She is another Hikaru Okikawa. If I was going to allow someone to have you, it would not be someone like her. You are mine Shigure until I decide to let you go. I am most displeased with your conduct Shigure."
Shigure stepped back just a little. "Hai Akito-san. I am sorry then. I won't let it happen again."
"See that you don't Shigure. Hatori, I am going to lie down for a short while. Wake me when it's time for the beach."
Akito stumbled his first couple of steps and Shigure moved to help him. "Don't Shigure." Momiji came in; he had seen Petra leave. He saw Akito stumble.
"Akito-san, may I help you?"
"Yes Momiji."
Hatori reopened the windows and Shigure stood staring down the hallway as Momiji assisted Akito to his room. His shoulders slumped and he sat down heavily on the sofa. "Hatori, he was angry with me, not with Petra. If a light flirtation makes him that angry, how will he feel about Tohru and my feelings for her. I am destined to continually hurt the ones who dare to love me."
"Shigure..." Hatori sat at the other end of the sofa. "For such an intelligent person, you are an idiot."
Shigure looked at Hatori. Uncertainty was mirrored in his eyes. "I love Tohru, Hatori, but I can't do this. I don't want to do this."
"Shigure, think if you have any brains left. Akito saw your solicitation toward Tohru-kun this morning. He sees how you automatically reach for her hand anytime you leave the house together. Has he thrown any fits, has he said anything to lead you to believe that he disapproves of Tohru-kun?"
"No but..."
"Shigure, is she worth taking a chance? I know you are worth it to her. But, do you really love her? I've always admired your optimism and belief that you are taking the right path. Why are you faltering now when this is probably the most important road you will ever walk?"
"Hatori, why would Akito...oh never mind. You are right of course. She is worth any risk. I'll just have to ask Akito my question when he is speaking to me again." Shigure was his arrogant, cocky self once more and Hatori was relieved.
"Momiji…"
The blonde young man turned just as he was leaving Akito's rooms.
"Petra Stamatelos-san will not be back. I am certain I put a stop to that. You may leave now."
Momiji nodded and shut the door behind him. Akito turned on his side to look out the open window and smiled in satisfaction. Shigure is not going to jeopardize my plans by his foolish actions. Now that I have seen how well matched he and Tohru-san are, I will not allow that. Will this be enough to force Yuki and the cat into action again…? That was his last thought as he drifted into slumber.
A short while later he was awakened by a knock at his door. "Who is it?"
"Akito, it's Miki. I volunteered to come wake you since we are all ready to go to the beach."
"Miki, come in." he invited.
Miki came into the room and saw Akito sitting on his bed. "Are you feeling well Akito?"
"I am, but I am quite exhausted from setting Shigure straight. Will you help me decide what to take to the beach?"
"That should be quite simple Akito. A long sleeved shirt, a swimsuit and that should just about do it. You do need the swimsuit, swimming is part of my challenge to you."
Akito smiled wryly. "I shall be sure I dress for the challenge Miki-san. Please let everyone know I will join them soon."
It was only a short while later and Akito was being introduced formally to the new members of the group and a procession set off to the beach. Tohru was walking between Shigure and Nikos when she realized that Petra was no longer with the group. "Shigure-san, I thought Petra-san was coming with us? Did we leave her at the house?"
Nikos answered her question before Shigure had the chance. "Petra told me she suddenly felt ill and was going back home. She asked me to tell everyone bye for her."
"Oh…that's too bad, I was hoping I might actually get a chance to know her better."
The conversation ebbed and flowed for a while and Dmitri announced he had a ski boat anchored near the beach if anyone was interested in water-skiing. Miki's eyes brightened and she turned to Akito.
"Oh no, Miki-san. I agreed to live one day at a time, I did not agree to risk life and limb. I will not get on water skis."
Then perhaps you would enjoy riding in the boat and watching others ski. Marina is looking forward to skiing as well. The boat will hold up to six passengers easily." Dmitri suggested smoothly.
"I believe I would like that Dmitri." Akito agreed.
Miki smiled. She had a feeling she would eventually get her way.
A/N:I enjoyed writing this chapter. I hope people enjoy my portrayal of Akito and that I have not strayed too far from his basic personality. I know...he is much nicer than expected, but seriously...six years of exposure to Tohru...why wouldn't he change, at least a little?