Hey! I'm back! I hope you enjoy my latest installment! It's a bit longer and a lil angsty but hopefully not boring…please enjoy!
Disclaimer: Oh my god! I have written like a million of these things and you people still think I own Fruits Basket? Ha! Ho you must be crazy…I'm about as broke as joke.
Ch.6: Will This Be Goodbye?
At Shigure's house…1 hour later
"Wow…it seems so big in here when it's all empty like this" Yumi murmured to herself as she flicked the light on in Tohru's bedroom. The two sets of cats and rats shuffled into the sparsely decorated pink room that seemed to brighten in the newly found light, "well I guess it's safe to assume that Tohru still likes pink" Nikko said under his breath as he looked around at the blatantly feminine room. Yumi looked around the room curiously and made her way over to a small door beside the nightstand parallel to the now closed window. Yuki and Kyou stood rather uneasily near the doorway to Tohru's room; Kyou leaned against the doorframe while Yuki looked around timidly while rubbing his arm nervously.
Sure they had been in Tohru's room before, in fact they had been there just last night but it felt different now since she was not there. The room had a cold foreboding feeling now as if the very walls could sense that this room would soon be empty again as it was before they had arrived. 'It's true though isn't it?' Yuki thought to himself as he wandered over to the large western style bed in the middle of the lifeless room, and it would be true. According to Yoshino after tonight they would all go back to their own world with Tohru?
Then the walls would go back to the cold dusty planks of wood they had been before Tohru graced them with her warmth and love. Yuki felt a warm moist lump rise in his throat at the thought of his dreary dark existence before Tohru had opened up her world of hope and love to him…to all of them. Yuki ran his hand softly along the edge of the pink quilt as he glanced over in the direction of his red headed cousin, 'Kyou…what about him…he may need Honda-san more than any of us…but if she leaves…' Yuki thought. But his thoughts were cut short by a cold glare from Kyou as he was caught staring; Yuki simply twisted his mouth into a disgusted frown and turned his eyes to the window. But not before he was able to read the look of utter emptiness and distraught that shaded Kyou's deep maroon eyes.
What would become of the cat? Not that Yuki in particular cared about the other boy but still; seeing what Kyou was like before Tohru…Yuki knew this would be a terrible regression for them all. "Well what do you know…Tohru-sama has some suitcases here" Yumi called out breaking the tense mood as she reappeared from the closet with two large black suitcases. "Good…that helps a lot" Nikko sighed as he went over to help Yumi throw the two bags onto the bed and open them up. Yuki looked over at the bags a bit confused "hmm…that's odd. When Honda-san first moved in all her belongings were in shopping bags…when did she get those suitcases?" Yuki asked himself aloud. A scoff was heard from the doorway as Kyou pushed himself from the wall "well it looks like she knew she'd be leaving soon…I guess it's a good thing though. She never did belong with the Sohmas anyway," Kyou said with a halfhearted shrug of nonchalance.
Yuki glared fiercely at Kyou "idiot" was the only curse that passed the amethyst eyed boy's lips, Kyou gave him a half hearted glare back before walking over and plopping on the bed beside the suitcase. "Is this going to take long?" Kyou asked shortly with a bored sigh, suddenly a small slipper connected harshly with Kyou's face "why? It's not like you have anywhere to go" Yumi snapped as she gripped the matching slipper in her hand before placing it gently in one of the suitcases.
"What the hell is your problem?" Kyou hissed as he rubbed his abused forehead and glared at Yumi, "you are my problem…you act so nonchalant and annoyed here but we all know you're worried as well, so just try to act like you have some sense you stupid cat" Yumi replied coldly as she went back to the closet and began to remove a few blouses and skirts from the hangers.
Nikko came back from the dresser and dropped a pile of lacy looking things on the bed beside the suitcase "you know you two can help…like fold something or…I don't know go get some of her stuff from out the bathroom or the nightstand don't just stand around like the useless twits that you are" Nikko said with a hint of annoyance as he began folding what looked like underwear and putting them into the quickly filling suitcase. Kyou glared at Nikko's head as the older boy continued his folding "whatever" Kyou mumbled as he got up and went over to Yumi and started folding clothes that she had thrown on the bed. Yuki smiled to himself at Kyou's decision and went over to the small nightstand and began to go through the drawer pulling out notebooks and pens as well as a picture of her deceased mother. "Hmm…" Yuki murmured as he pulled out a medium sized brown wooden box with the words 'Tohru Sakura Honda' carved across the front in gold lettering.
Main House…Nina and the kids
"I got you!" Nina cheered excitedly as she pounced on a very surprised Hiro who was hiding behind a bush, "Hiro's it! Hiro's it!" Momiji sang as he popped up from under a nearby porch of the main house. Kisa was with him and she giggled as she watched Hiro squirm and curse underneath Nina in an effort to get free "hehe that was fun…oh Sorry" Nina giggled as she rolled off of Hiro to let him breath, Kisa walked over to Hiro to help him up. "Wow…Nina-san how did you find Hiro so fast?" Kisa asked shyly as she looked up at the older girl in admiration and Nina dusted off her pants and coat. "Well…as I said before I am a well trained member of the Kibouian special armed forces as well as a member of the royal secret police. So I've been well versed in the art of tracking" Nina said with a cocky grin as she twirled a long strand of blonde hair around her index finger.
Kisa gave Nina a somewhat surprised look "b-but…how can you be in an army…you seem so young" the small tiger said in a small timid voice. Nina smiled at the young girl "oh…well I'm not that young! I'm 16 years old! Besides it's tradition that the members of the Kibou zodiac act as the official secret police for the royal family…there are members of our squads that are your age or maybe younger!" Nina exclaimed proudly as she jumped up and down excitedly. The three Sohma children looked a bit surprised "so you guys are soldiers huh?" Hiro asked wit ha hint of disbelief. "Well then…what kind of fighting skills do you have? Ever been in a war…ever kill anyone?" Hiro interrogated mockingly as he bore his questioning brown eyes into Nina's bubbly pink ones.
Kisa tugged on Hiro's shirtsleeve "Hiro-Chan…please…don't be mean" the girl pleaded softly as she looked up at the younger boy, Nina simply giggled again "oh don't sweat it Kisa…it's fine…I don't mind telling you anything you wanna know!" Nina said cheerfully with a challenging smirk in Hiro's direction. The taller girl stretched her arms over her head lazily "well…to answer your questions…I have extensive training in surveillance and tracking and when I was younger I practiced the sword but I cant use it now…I'm very fast and I have a sharp eyes so…I basically manage castle security in times of peace" Nina shrugged nonchalantly. Momiji and Kisa seemed quite impressed "wow! That sounds cool! Your so cool Nina!" Momiji cried out as he grabbed both her hands in his own and excitedly bounced up and down with them.
Hiro growled slightly at the impressed look that Kisa was giving to this strange new girl "yeah…so what…you still didn't answer my other questions…or are you afraid to answer them because you're really making this up?" Hiro challenged the older girl as he crossed his arms over his chest. Nina smirked at the boy again "don't worry I haven't forgotten…and yes…I have been in a battle before…about 2 years ago there were major riots after the death of Kyoko-sama…I was only a level 2 class soldier then and I was patrolling one of the towns…and a fight broke out between mortal supporters and the purists…I got injured slightly but I was a lot better off then some of the others …but luckily we calmed the fight and no, I haven't had to kill anyone…ever since the injury I can hardly wield a sword properly" Nina said with a small smile.
Kisa gasped and bit her lip slightly at the revelation and Momiji stared at the girl in utter fascination "wow…that sounds horrible Nina…are you ok?" Momiji. Hiro scoffed in disbelief but was silenced by a surprising glare by Nina as she hastily undid the buttons of her dark trench coat, revealing a short sleeved black shirt cropped right above the navel with a dark gold band. Nina slid the trench coat down to her elbows and pulled up the sleeve on her left shoulder to reveal a 3 inch long tan scar on her shoulder, all three Sohmas; even Hiro gaped at the gruesome looking scar on the girl's shoulder. Nina saw their expressions and pulled her trench back on her shoulders and began to button it up.
"I got stabbed in the shoulder…it was a deep wound and it severed a few of the nerves in my left arm…it took me a year to be able to use it again…now I can never use a sword because I'm a leftie…I'm actually a little relieved though. Now I don't have to do any serious physical work he-he!" Nina said airily trying to lighten the mood.
Hiro rolled his eyes at the girl's boasting but decided to keep his mouth shut…for once, Momiji and Kisa smiled sympathetically at the girl and Momiji decided it was best to change the subject "so…Nina-Chan, your job is to protect the ruling family so…that means you protect Tohru and her family?" Momiji asked curiously as he leaned in to Nina's face causing her to flush slightly.
But Nina just giggled back at him before dropping her lips into a somewhat sad smile "well…yeah…although besides Tohru-sama and Nikko there is no one else to protect…that is until Tohru-sama or Nikko have children!" Nina said happily as she tapped Hiro on the tip of his nose with her finger before laughing and running off towards the garden "ha-ha! Come on…Hiro's it!" Nina yelled behind her as Momiji and Kisa began to stumble after her…laughing all the while.
Back at Shigure's house
Yuki stared at the box strangely 'wow…what is this. Honda-san's name is on it…and that other name... the one Nina-san kept using. I know it's rude to snoop but I wonder…' Yuki thought to himself as he stared intensely at the box. Suddenly a hand grasped his shoulder "What's in the box Yuki-san?" a curious voice whispered into his ear causing him to jump and drop the box onto the floor letting it's contents spill out onto the floor. Yuki turned around and came face to face with Yumi who gave him a surprised look which he returned with a sheepish grin and blush "oh…err Yumi-san…eh you surprised me" Yuki said as he tried to regain his frazzled composure. "Oh wow look!" Yumi gasped as she dropped to her knees in front of the box picking up a few photographs from the box.
Nikko raised his head to look over the bed at the girl on the floor with the photos he was immediately drawn to a glimmering opaque blue gem hanging from a broken chain. Nikko's eyes softened as he walked over to the place where Yumi and Yuki were in front of the box, "the soul mood necklace…I thought she'd thrown it out by now…cant believe she kept all that stuff" Nikko said as he picked up the piece of jewelry and a few papers that had fallen as well. "What's that crap?" Kyou asked wit ha slight interest as he leaned over the bed to see what they were all looking at, Yumi giggle and tossed a small polished wooden frame with a picture inside to Kyou nearly hitting him in the face.
Kyou caught the frame clumsily "hey! Watch it!" Kyou yelled at the female rat but Yumi ignored him and instead stood up and walked over to him smiling, "look…it was the annual new years zodiac banquet…about oh…maybe 4 or 5 years ago…we had so much fun that night" Yumi said wistfully took the picture from Kyou and sat down on the bed. Kyou sat down reluctantly beside the girl as his curiosity about the picture got the best of him; Yuki sat on Yumi's other side. "I remember…it was one of the last banquets Kyoko-sama attended before she passed…ha-ha the theme that year was Twin day," Yumi said softly with a sad smile as she gazed glassy eyed at the photo.
Yumi held the frame to her chest tightly and giggled slightly as a tear slid from her eye "hey…Nikko, remember…. do remember that night? Taka-san and Reiji-san spiked the fruit juice bowl," Yumi said with a smirk towards the taller blue-eyed boy who smiled in return. "Yeah of course! Mom got so drunk that she and Yoshino were jumping on the tables reenacting scenes from Star Wars" Nikko said as he desperately tried to hold back his laughter. Yumi looked up at him and laughed even more "yeah! And then Kira tried to get Tohru under the mistletoe…but ended up with Eiri instead!" Yumi said wit much difficulty before both teens fell forward in streams of unabridged laughter.
Yumi tossed the photo into Yuki's lap before she toppled forward, Nikko and Yumi both had to support themselves by leaning on each other's shoulders as they laughed uncontrollably. Kyou sweat dropped and Yuki merely shook his head before picking up the discarded picture in his lap. Kyou leaned over slightly to look at the photo Yuki held. In the photo was a young yet very happy looking Tohru smiling brightly as she had her hand slapping the head of a shorter looking Nikko who was holding her bridal style with an equally carefree smile. Both siblings wore matching red wife-beaters and loose black jeans that hung low on both siblings' narrow waists as well as black and red baseball caps.
On Nikko's left was a disgruntled looking Yumi except she had long silver grey hair and she was wearing a loose purple shirt with blue jean shorts, Yumi had her arm slung around Nikko's neck leaning on him but her face was turned towards her left as if she were yelling at something. On the ground in front of Nikko was a young boy of about 16 with shaggy caramel colored hair and beautiful hazel green eyes wearing a pair of black leather pants, a gold colored t-shirt that was cropped at the bottom and a studded dog collar. AS the boy sat Indian style, on his lap was a little girl about 9 or 10 years old smiling sleepily as she curled into his chest wearing an outfit that matched the boy's outfit.
Yuki couldn't help but smile at the warmth seeming to radiate from the photo and even Kyou's eyes soften a bit at the sight of the very young and happy Tohru. The had never known much about Tohru's childhood or family so it was strange for them to be able to see this part of her that until recently had been kept in secret. "Yumi-san…you said this was a photograph from a banquet a few years ago?" Yuki asked the other rat curiously. Yumi looked up at the two Sohmas while still holding Nikko by the shoulders to steady herself, "oh…yeah. You know the yearly new years banquet for the zodiac members to welcome in the new year and send off the old…it's tradition in keeping with the folktale…but the theme thing was Tohru- sama's idea though" Yumi said breathlessly as she put a hand on her redden cheeks, flushed from laughter.
Kyou and Yuki gave each other involuntary side glances "theme?" Kyou echoed, Yumi rolled back onto her bottom and sat cross-legged in front of the bed as Nikko stood up dusting his knees off as he did so. "Yeah…well as the God of the zodiac Tohru is in charge of the banquet and she thought it would be fun if each year's party was made into a theme…. like that year was twin day where everyone had a partner and dressed alike to the banquet" Nikko said with a yawn as he stretched his arms. Yumi nodded in agreement "yeah…Tohru-sama loves making sure everyone else is having fun so she figured the theme parties would make the banquets less boring…man, we've missed her banquets so much these last three years" Yumi said with a longing sigh as she pushed herself back up to her feet.
Yuki jerked his head back slightly in surprise at the girl's story, to him the zodiac banquet was always something that was dreaded and tortuous. But in Yumi's world the banquet was apparently nothing like he knew, Yuki felt a small coil of jealously settle in his stomach for a brief moment as he wished that he could have known such happiness and warmth in his child hood. "Wait…you…Nikko, I though you were the cat? Why are you in the picture…. isn't it from the banquet?" Kyou asked in his best nonchalant voice, but his curiosity bled through nonetheless. Nikko looked from Yumi to Kyou curiously "yeah… it's the banquet… what of it?" the older cat asked as he began placing a few of the fallen trinkets back into the box.
"I think what he means is well…with the Sohmas it's always been tradition to exclude the cat from the zodiac and the banquet…like the story" Yuki said a bit uneasily as Nikko gave him a cold look. Yumi raised her eyebrow in question "wow. That's weird, we allow all members of the zodiac…all thirteen of us, to attend. It seems rather prejudiced to exclude anyone just because of some stupid legend" Yumi said with a shrug, Kyou snorted in disbelief "Since when does the rat of the zodiac care about anyone other than themselves?" he asked sarcastically under his breath. Nikko gave Kyou a very not amused look "hey, she's a person too you know…not just the rat. Just because you haven't been smart enough to separate your zodiac identity from your human identity doesn't mean you have to criticize our behavior" Nikko said very smartly as he went over and leaned on Yumi's shoulder with his elbow.
Yuki and Kyou were immediately silenced both Nikko's actions and words "wow. That shut them up…gee you guys act as though friendship between the zodiacs is illegal," Yumi said sarcastically as she left Nikko's side and went back to the suitcase and latched the case closed. Yuki shook his head quickly to clear his mind before turning to the other rat "um…no…it's just that. It's hard to believe that the cat and the rat…are…well…friends," Yuki said cautiously. Yumi continued closing up the suitcase and placing it on the floor "well…things are different in our world then they are here" she said before giving Nikko a strange look, which he returned with a small cocky grin. "Very different" Nikko and Yumi said at the same time as Yumi picked up the suitcase and headed for the door.
Nikko gathered up the contents of the box and closed it up as he reached over to turn off the lamp beside the bed "well…I think we're done here…we better get back before Yoshi-san gets too pissed" Nikko said as he gestured for the two boys to follow Yumi out the door. Kyou, who was still silent in shock at both Yumi and Nikko's outbursts nodded at Nikko and got up with Yuki behind him to leave the room. As they all filed out of the room Kyou looked back at the empty slightly ruffled bed and couldn't help but feel his stomach knot up as he realized that he'd probably never see the inside of that room ever again. There would be no need to once she was gone, 'and she will be gone…after today…' Kyou told himself as he watched Nikko close the door to her bedroom.
Once she was gone the light in that room would never go on again, all the memories she had made with them in that house…in those walls would be forever trapped in darkness. As Kyou heard the click of the door close shut he realized that when she left… this would be the sound of the light she had brought into his soul going out, leaving his heart in darkness.
Back at The Main House
After Nina and the children had left Akito had ordered the rest of the zodiacs, both Sohma and kibouian to leave so that she and Tohru may speak alone. Here they were, out on Akito's deck overlooking the deserted rock garden and koi pond behind Akito's private quarters. Akito slumped back against the outside wall with one knee pressed to her chest as the other leg lay stretched out before her, Akito stroked the delicate white feathers of the small bird perched on her right index finger. The sun was high in the sky and slightly shaded by Smokey white/grey clouds that hung in the mild blue sky.
Her tired dark eyes glanced over at the young chestnut haired girl who sat at least 2 feet away with her legs crossed and her thin pale hands folded comfortably in her lap. The light wind causing her loose brown locks to flutter around her slender creamy neck which was revealed to the natural elements by the scooping neckline of her long white gown. Her head was resting back on the wall and her drowsy azure eyes rested their gaze contently on the small orange and white-scaled fish darting around from beneath the nearly still pond waters.
"Tell me Tohru-kun…" Akito said suddenly breaking the companionable silence with her soft thick voice, "Were you making fun of me the whole time? Mocking me as I went about these past 2 years trying to break my zodiacs to keep them from you?" Akito asked with just a slight raise in her tone that noted her curiosity and regret. Tohru blinked her eyes back into focus and turned started towards Akito "what! Oh of course not Akito-san…I would never do that…why would you think…" Tohru had started to babble on nervously but had caught herself when she saw Akito turn her head lazily to meet Tohru's gaze.
With a gently flick of Akito's hand the bird flew away chirping as it's flight began "All this time I've spent keeping tight control over their lives, trying to protect them …to keep them from trying to leave me…and here you come along and you win their loyalty and unquestioning love without even raising your voice or uttering a threatening word" Akito continued with a bitter chuckle. "You must have known all along…you being a controller of your own zodiac and all, that I was a horrible leader…that I was just so weak and careless that I had driven them away and into your waiting arms" Akito said as her voice began to shake with a mixture of emotions. Tohru wasn't sure if it was anger, regret, or sadness but she just sat and listened as Akito vented out her frustration.
"I hated you Tohru Honda. I hated you for being so damn wise and so kind. I hated you for knowing and doing everything right with them, gaining their trust and love…making me look like a fool. A fool because here I thought you were just some dumb girl who came out of the woods and took over my family, because you were able to give them everything I was incapable of" Tears began to brim her dark eyes as she continued her emotional release.
"And then today I find out that the reason you always seemed so much better than me and so much more powerful than me was because you are…you are. You weren't some normal stupid girl…you were a powerful goddess and yet you never even flaunted it to get your way…you got everything I always wanted without even having to use you power or position! I find out that you've just always been better at this than me…. that's always come natural for others to love and respect you… it's always been like that…even in our past life" Akito's words had grown softer now as the tears slid down her thin cheeks as she turned her entire body towards Tohru and leaned her head back against the wall.
Akito closed her eyes as a slight flush tinted her cheeks in embarrassment for her very weak childish outburst; it was very uncharacteristic of someone of Akito's reputation and status. But then again after discovering Tohru's true identity the balance of power had certainly shifted a bit. For the first time ever Akito had someone to hold as an equal, if not a superior in status. "That isn't true Akito-san" Tohru's voice broke through the other women's thoughts, "I never once thought I had any superiority over you…or that you were a bad leader…in fact I admire you for your leadership" Tohru said with a slight blush as she smiled sincerely at the goddess.
Akito quirked a curious eyebrow at the girl, not quite understanding what she was getting at. "I know it isn't easy for you Akito-san…because of the higher strength required to maintain and suppress parts of your curse…you have a shortened life. And I know that even when you yell and hurt the others…you only do it because you love them and you don't want to be alone and unable to protect them" Tohru said with a solemn voice. "But you see…I admire you because I couldn't do what you do. You took responsibility for your family and birthright. No matter how hard it got for you or those around you…you never gave up and you've maintained stability and safety for your zodiac…although I will admit the way you rule them is a bit to strict and dictator like" Tohru said with a nervous laugh as Akito's eyes hardened slightly at her remark, but the girl kept going.
"But you see…that's the biggest difference between you and me. We may both be gods of our own zodiacs and reincarnations of heavenly goddesses but the real difference is that you can deal with it…. I couldn't. After my mother died I tried to run away from my destiny, and deny my duties as ruler…I just wanted a normal life…I was so afraid to disappoint people that I couldn't bare to take on that responsibility…I couldn't stand the possibility that I may fail…and not just my livelihood would be at stake…I just…just couldn't do it…so I ran" Tohru said in a low voice as she cast he gaze downward in shame.
Akito looked over at Tohru in shock as she read the regret all over the girl's face, "but then I met you all…the Sohmas. I knew right after I found out that you were the rumored earthly counterparts of the Kibouian zodiacs that I had to help. I wanted to help them deal with their pain because I knew I could never be a real leader to my own zodiac…but then along the way…I-I started to feel as though the Sohmas were more than my mere redemption for abandoning my home…but my family." Akito couldn't help but smile slightly at the girl as she declared her love for the Sohmas.
"I…well…now that I have to go back…I-I want to change…I want to be able to be strong for my zodiac…and my country…I don't want to let them down…. I have to do this but…I don't want to leave the Sohmas…I know I cant stay and take my place as head of the zodiac in Kibou at the same time…and I know that the right thing to do is to leave you all but…I…It's hard" Tohru finished with an exhausted sigh as the stress on her chest seemed to have lessened lightly after her little confession. Suddenly Akito began to laugh which startled Tohru 'is Akito-san…. Akito-san…l-laughing? Not coldly or falsely…b-but…really laughing…'Tohru's mind buzzed as she stared wide-eyed at the Sohma's leader.
"Uh…Akito-san…" Tohru started to ask but Akito cut her off as she finished laughing. "Amazing…I would have never thought…Tohru Honda…the perfect girl. Everyone's rock…to think…even the great Honda-san has regrets and makes mistakes," Akito said with a bemused look on her face. Tohru gave Akito a small smile "I never said I was perfect…no one is or should ever expect to be. That's what it means to be human" Tohru said softly as she turned her face back out to the rock garden and leaned back against the wall once again. Akito shrugged at Tohru's response and fought the urge to smile back at her.
"So what now Tohru-kun? What are we going do now…once you leave my family will never be the same. They'll all become distant and depressed if you just leave like this" Akito said with a cool hint of jealously as she turned towards the sky and gazed at the passing clouds. "What do you mean? I have to leave…I cant let them down again. I mean I wish It didn't have to be this way…I wish I had a little more time to make them understand how hard it is for me to do this but…. but there's no choice…no time" Tohru sighed sadly as she wrung her hands in her lap. Then there was silence. Akito closed her eyes and leaned back against the wall, allowing the gentle breeze to cool her slightly feverish skin.
She wasn't so bad. That's the thought that ran through Akito's mind at the moment. It wasn't as though she liked the girl any more than she had before but at least now she could say she felt something more for the girl. Respect. After hearing Tohru's regrets and her seemingly sincere proclamation of love for the sickly god's family, Akito still couldn't help but feel jealousy at the attentions the girl received from her zodiac. She knew that her family loved Tohru and not her, ad she knew Tohru felt the same for them and would do anything to protect and help them as would Akito herself. But she knew she could never be like Tohru, she was to hardened And she knew that if Tohru left right now they would only try harder to leave Akito out for mourning for Tohru. Although as a matriarch of a zodiac, Akito knew that Tohru could no longer shirk on her responsibilities.
But for the Sohmas sake…for her family's sake, Akito knew she that she couldn't let Tohru leave them like that. "Well then…take more time to make them understand" Akito said curtly as she began to raise herself into a standing position. Tohru was brought back to attention at the ruffling of cloth as Akito stood and she turned to look up at the older woman. "What do you mean? I-I don't have time Yoshino-san said we have to leave for Kibou tonight" Tohru said in a panicky voice as Akito slowly reopened the sliding door that led into her chambers. Akito stopped her movements at Tohru's frantic response but did not turn around to face her "you really are a stupid girl. It's simple…the only way a person can understand someone else is to let them walk in their shoes" Akito said as she turned around to stare indifferently at Tohru.
Tohru stood up and walked over to Akito "B-but…I still don't understand…" Tohru said more confused than before, Akito took one look at the truly hopeful and perplexed look on the girl's face and she rolled her eyes. Akito sighed before a coughing fit shook her thin body causing her to hold the doorframe to steady herself, "ah! Akito-san!" Tohru gasped as she took hold of the taller woman's shoulders to hold her up. Once Akito's fit had passed she quickly pushed Tohru's hands away "the only way they'll understand is if you let them walk with you…it wont change the result of your leaving but it may help soften the blow" Akito grumbled a bit hoarsely as she crossed the threshold into her room.
After a moment of shock over Akito's cough realization of what Akito had been trying to infer to Tohru finally struck a light in the brunette's head. Tohru's eyes lit up with hope as she grabbed Akito's hand which was pulling the sliding door shut, Akito's hand stopped with Tohru's over it and the pale god looked up at Tohru awaiting her response. "But…what about school…a-and you…mean it would be alright?" Tohru asked excitedly. Akito slapped Tohru's hand away causing the girl to squeak in surprise "remember Tohru-kun…The Sohmas are very powerful and have lots of influence over many people in this city…but personally I could care less what you do…but you better take care of them" Akito said with a monotone voice before shutting the door in Tohru's face.
Tohru stared blankly at the closed door taking in small shallow breaths as she absorbed the information, a smile graced Tohru's lips as she closed her eyes and bowed before the door "thank you I will…sister" she whispered before turning and walking away down the path towards Hatori's office to inform everyone of the good news.
T.B.C…
A/N: Sorry this took so long. But I did it! Hooray for me! This chapter was longer than the other one slightly. It was very talky and angsty but I was trying to help show the change in relationships between some of the characters and give a bit of insight on some characters' pasts (Tohru mainly lol). Well hopefully I can update sooner and I hope you like it…hope it wasn't too boring! I promise the next chapter will have more action and a smidge more fluff and comedic relief! Please be kind and entice me to update sooner by clicking the pretty button and REVIEW! REVIEW! REVIEW!