Author's Note: Hey all I'm trying to update this story as quickly as I can; for I really myself would love to keep this fic updated as quickly as possible. So far, this fic in top priority in my writing list, but that's taking a toll on having my other fics rewritten, updated, etc... So if I don't update that quickly, it's not that I have given up on this story, it's that I'm updating another current project. I just wanted to let you all know that incase I take a bit on updating in the future chapters.
smcandy: Actually the last chapter was longer lol but anyways Thanks again for the great detailed review, I'm glad you agreed with me.
DISCLAIMER: I DON'T OWN FRUITS BASKET IT RIGHTFULLY BELONGS TO NATSUKI TAKAYA, I'M JUST A FAN.
CHAPTER 4
Tohru felt as her heart had stopped beating as soon as Akito uttered such words, and grasped a lock of her hair. She didn't know what to respond, but she did realize Akito was awfully close to her; too close. She wanted to push him away and leave the room immediately, but he had just ordered her to stay where she was.
"Akito-sama...please." Tohru said in a slight desperate tone, hoping he would consider her and let her go.
Akito twisted his lip slightly in a pensive manner. He let go of her hair, as he lied back down, and faced the wall. "Make me some leek soup then, but completely on your own; and I mean completely. You'll have to go pick out the leeks from the garden, and make it from scratch; for I can't tolerate pre-prepared food."
Tohru's interest immediately was piqued. For a moment what Akito had said, made her realize they had something in common. They both preferred natural and foods made from scratch. The revelation made her feel excited all of a sudden, and she felt like she couldn't wait to go into the garden she had no idea existed until now.
She got up, and with a bow headed for the door with a slight spring in her step. Gardening always cheered her up in a unexplainable way, she was delighted that the Honke had one. As she strutted down the hallway, she unknowingly passed Hatori without even noticing. Hatori who had just finished at long last with Ayame's call; felt stunned at Tohru's upbeat mood.
"Tohru, where are you headed?" He asked, wondering what had her in such a pleasant state that was in complete contrast to yesterday's sadness. The sudden change of actions worried him, and made him a bit suspicious if Akito had something to do with it.
Tohru turned in her step once hearing Hatori's voice. "Oh Hatori-san, I meant to tell you as soon as I saw you again. Akito seems to be sicker then usual. He's coughing alot, and his temperature is must be high, he's even sweating a bit. Please can you help him, I can't help but feel it's somehow my fault since he was out in the storm yesterday looking for my things. He found them for me but if that meant getting him sicker I should've never asked." She said as she looked down with a guilty look on her face. It was now that she realized that Akito was out in a storm yesterday for her sake, and all she did in return was say thank you. She suddenly felt even more determined to make him feel better.
Hatori widened his eyes. Akito being out in the storm looking for someone else's things; that was unlike him. He strictly recalled Kureno reporting to him that he did in fact pass the message to Akito. More importantly Akito now was sicker, and who knows just how much. The doctor then started to fear that it could indeed turn into something far worse. "Thank you for telling me Tohru, I'll be sure to do everything I can to get him back to his usual state of health." He said as he quickly headed to Akito's room, completely forgetting his question towards Tohru.
Tohru was now alone again in the hallway. It was now she realized that she had no idea where to head towards. The only place she had been besides Akito's room was the washroom, and Hatori had leaded her there. She noticed a figure emerging from the washroom she had gone into yesterday. It turned out to be the same maid that helped her out previously. Relieved she saw a familiar face, she quickly walked up to her.
"Excuse me, but I don't know if you remember me from yesterday. I'm a new servant here at the Honke, and Akito-sama ordered me to prepare him leek soup myself. Where is the garden, and the kitchen?"
Hatori on the other hand was having a handful with Akito. As soon as he entered his room, Akito was clearly in a sour mood. Throughout his examination, not only wouldn't Akito answer; but he rebuked and even slapped Hatori away when he would get too close to him. In the end, Akito ended up getting up from bed, and exiting his room out through the back veranda.
Hatori sighed in exhaustion. Clearly Akito was back to his temperamental self, he didn't know if to feel relived or dreadful for the change back. Why though, that was the question still etched in Hatori's mind. Why risk himself in a storm looking for Tohru's belongings of all things?
Akito strolled slowly out on the veranda. Both irritated and exhausted by Hatori's constant annoying questions, and almost lecture. How exactly did Hatori expect him to say exactly why did he go out in the storm? The answer to that question alone, he himself didn't even know. Even more-so he wasn't about to go through with hearing Hatori tell him not to do so and so, when Hatori should instead keep his mouth shut toward his superior.
'First Shigure and now Hatori, it appears my zodiacs are starting to get a bit out of line lately.' Akito thought to himself, as he then remembered that the rabbit's curse was now lifted. He scowled at the memory. Did they truly think they can now break the curse and leave him here to rot, while they left to pursue their lives as far from the Sohma's estate as possible? He'll have to take charge of this situation and rid them of their useless thoughts. As long as he was still alive, he'll make sure to make their lives a living hell.
Lost in his menacing thoughts, a slight movement nearby caught his eye. He heard a faint humming melody that was somehow familiar to him in a way. As the source of the sound got closer, he realized it was a person humming that tune. It turned out to be Tohru herself, who was holding a basket full of fresh harvested leeks. She had a cheerful smile on her face as she continued walking towards the kitchen; humming as she went.
Wearing that yukata and being completely at ease doing chores; she appeared as if she had been living here for years. On top of that it looked like she was actually enjoying her stay here at the Honke. As he watched her disappear behind the kitchen door, he was beyond confused at this girl's actions. Didn't she mind staying here and being his personal servant? One thing was for sure though, if his zodiacs ever knew where she was exactly; that definitely would keep them under his control.
He smiled as he thought this. He hadn't realized before-hand, but having his zodiacs precious outsider here in his lands made his "pets" willing to succumb to his will for her sake. Yes this "outsider" would be the key to receiving what he desires.
Meanwhile Tohru felt fresh and rejuvenated from her return from the Honke's garden. She had never seen such a grand place both indoors and out. The Honke's grounds were more like a small private park. It was filled with cherry blossom trees, Japanese maple tress, and a grand koi pond that was decorated in a way that appeared to be a emperor's. It had even a small bridge running across from it; which Tohru took delight in crossing.
The garden itself was a sight, it was surrounded and lined with shrubbery and elegantly cut bushes. All the planted fruits and vegetables were lined in order and tilled to perfection; they were even marked. The soil was dark, rich and appeared to be extremely fertile. It had such a rare deep color that Tohru wished the color existed in other items. She had taken her time admiring and enjoying pulling out the leeks, as well as herbs that she knew were great in medicinal purposes.
She wished she could stay longer but felt that, that would be taking advantage of Akito's state, and left as soon as she finished. Now that she was in the kitchen, she felt overwhelmed. The kitchen's size was bigger then her school cafeteria and many servants were rushing back and forth preparing all sorts of meals. To Tohru's best guess, this kitchen didn't only serve to Akito and Hatori but to every other Sohma that lived in the grounds. It was no mystery as to why it's size.
She suddenly felt like she was in the way amongst so many people, but she couldn't disobey Akito orders when he strictly commanded her to do it. She hesitantly stepped forward, and touched the shoulder of the nearest servant. "Umm..pardon me but I'm a new servant here, and Akito-sama ordered me to cook leek soup for him."
It was like she said a word that froze time. The moment she finished her sentence, every servant paused what they were doing and looked her way. There faces deciphered as alerted, and surprised. Suddenly they all filed out of the kitchen in a hurry as they either took or left their things.
Tohru quickly gasped afraid she said something out of line. "Oh wait please, I didn't mean to..." It was no use, Tohru was the only one left in the kitchen alone. She could do the soup on her own, but she didn't want to go around searching in a kitchen she hadn't been in ever before. It would take her twice as long in a kitchen as big as this one. She then heard a light tapping on the kitchen entrance door.
"Let me guess, everyone left you alone as soon as you mentioned his name." A feminine voice responded with a giggle, as she opened the door with a coy smile. It was again the same maid from before. Tohru suddenly felt like she was depending on the woman's kindness much too often, and interrupting her work.
"Is it a coincidence I keep finding you when you're in need?" She said as she shook her head, continuing to smile.
"Oh I'm so sorry; I really don't mean to take up your time." Tohru said quickly as she bowed in apology.
The maid looked at her display and shrugged. "I happened to be on break. I'm not even supposed to be in here. I'm just a cleaning maid, and maids that are assigned to that have no business in the kitchen. We are to stick to our quarters, and the rooms we clean. All the other areas besides that we are not to enter, but as soon as a saw the commotion in the kitchen I knew it had to be you. So you're new Akito's personal servant?" She asked as she crossed her arms, her face changing to that of a knowing one.
New? Tohru wondered what she meant by that. Had Akito had other servants tend to him before her? She had always thought Hatori was the closest one to him. "Umm...yes I am. I had no idea there were others before me though?" She asked, hoping the maid would answer her question.
"Well I wouldn't call the previous ones personal servants, but yes there used to be assigned one maid exclusively to tend to Akito's every order and command. She would be the only person besides the doctor and Kureno to enter his room. Having that job however, prevented any of the other staff from having any contact with her. Since her job is dealing with Akito, the staff is told to treat her as they treat Akito himself. Limited contact. You're lucky enough I'm still talking to you." She said as she pushed her braid back off her shoulder.
Tohru feel into realization now. Being Akito's personal servant, made her automatically isolated from the other staff as he was. She was different from the other normal staff, yet also different from Akito, Hatori and the other Sohmas as well. She was to live life as Akito lived it, but different as well. This revelation suddenly made her feel alone, more then ever before. It scared her.
The maid took her silence, as a response, and looked around the kitchen. "Well then, I might as well show you around the kitchen since it's your first time. Don't expect me to know everything though; I hardly come in here myself."
After Tohru got settled into the kitchen she was left on her own once more. She was extremely thankful for the maid's kindness; after-all she was indeed putting herself at risk by talking to her. As she took Akito's soup out on a food cart, she also placed on the platter some apple slices. She wasn't sure exactly how Akito preferred apples, so she sliced them some with the peel, others without. She also took a whole apple for herself, it wasn't her most favorite fruit but she knew it was one filled with nutrients. It was sure to make her stomach feel better.
On her way down the hallway, she encountered Hatori leaving Akito's room with an exhausted face. Clearly Akito put up a hassle. She smiled hopefully up at him. "How sick is he?"
Hatori looked up hearing her voice, and immediately smiled fondly. "From the little I could get out of him, the rain yesterday didn't do him any good. He's caught something more severe then a cold; if he drinks his medication hopefully it won't turn into bronchitis or pneumonia with his current condition. I recommended him to watch his temper, and not scream or yell that much. I also told him to stay in bed, but that didn't go that well. He immediately got out of bed, and left his room as soon as I said it." He said as he rubbed the back of his neck, clearly tensed up from stress.
"He's outside? Hatori-san you don't think he'd eat this soup outside would he? The warmness of the soup and the fresh air could do him some good. He told me to make it for him earlier." Tohru said already picturing eating under the cheery blossom trees. It was something she'd enjoy as well.
"Well you can't be sure if he really was serious. With Akito, you can never be sure exactly what he means. He could very well have sent you to do that for him, just for he can spill it on you. It's not the first time it's happened after-all. Plus it appears to me that he's not in a very cooperating mood today." Hatori said quickly, already imagining a very different picture to what Tohru herself was imagining.
Tohru took in what Hatori told her. "It's not the first time it's happened after-all."The thought quickly made Tohru want to ask him the following question. "Hatori-san has Akito-sama had other servants tend to him as I'm doing?"
Hatori widened his dark indigo eyes, and frowned. "I won't really say the previous ones have been like you, they hardly entered his room except for bringing him his food. Each one didn't last too long; he'd get upset with them for one reason or the other, and lash out at them. Soon after he'd fire them. It was a more like routine, finding new servants for him. It eventually got to the point that we didn't bother hiring anymore girls, and Kureno took up the job."
Tohru quickly jumped to conclusions. "Did my coming here, make Kureno-san lose his job. I couldn't possibly be able to do that. I'm so sorry." Tohru immediately started apologizing. Kureno up to now, all she knew of him was that he was a Sohma, and most likely part of the curse. She hadn't even seen him still up to now, and felt guilty for getting in the way.
Hatori chuckled a bit and smiled. "Oh don't worry Kureno just was doing that because it was of need. He has enough already to do with Akito. He's actually the closest person to Akito besides me. Trust me Tohru, he was happy to get the extra task of his hands. You're doing him and I a big favor doing the brave thing you're doing. Just try to keep your distance from Akito ok." Hatori said slowly, trying to warn her against Akito's actions. Deep down he really didn't want Tohru to stay under Akito's command, but if she had decided with it; the best thing he could do is try to protect her at all costs.
She smiled and thanked him, as she strolled out to the veranda; hoping Akito really did want the soup. Once outside, she looked to where he could be. Her first guess was the koi pond, but it turned out he wasn't there. She next checked the garden; not there either. She then saw a heavily wooded area, she wouldn't think Akito go in there; just incase however she decided to check anyway. As she neared the wooded area, she looked back to where she came from and realized she couldn't see the Honke anymore. Fearing she was lost, she tried to find her way back when she was stopped in her tracks by a voice.
"Unless you wish to kill yourself, don't take another step." The voice came from a few feet in front of her. She couldn't see who it was, because there was a deep thicket, and the grass was extremely long. The voice sounded like Akito's but why would he be here in this jungle?
"Akito-sama?" Tohru asked quickly, hoping it really was him.
The thicket began to stir, and soon after Akito was visible. He wasn't exactly moving towards her. It was more like he just moved a bit for she can see where he was. He was apparently sitting down with his knees bent towards him, and was staring at something she couldn't spot. Deciding that he wouldn't move from that spot after all, Tohru slowly picked up the platter and moved towards him despite the warning.
"But Akito-sama I brought you the soup you asked for. As you ordered I made it completely on my own from scratch. It's still warm." She said as she pushed past the thicket. She was scared and nervous due to his statement, and even more-so what Hatori had told her earlier. She thought however if she kept her distance, it would be alright.
After getting through the immense forestry, she realized why Akito had said such a thing. There flat ahead of her, was a wide and vast marsh swamp surrounded by sinking sand. Tohru had personally never seen one in reality, and only heard of them in stories of jungles, western cowboys, and fairytales. Now realizing the danger, was Akito actually protecting her?
"Akito-sama I-"
"So you brought me the soup, well then hand it over." Akito interrupted her, as he looked towards her, and casting his gaze away from the marsh.
Tohru quickly complied and uncovered the platter, revealing the still steaming soup as well as the apple slices. Akito quickly looked up at her in question.
"I thought you were bringing me just soup?" He said flatly, as he continued eyeing the fruit.
Tohru quickly responded. "Oh these are just apple slices, I wasn't sure if you liked them or not, but my mom always used to say An apple a day keeps the doctor away." Tohru said with a smile, as she remembered her mom saying it often.
Akito continued to stare at the apple slices. He noticed some had been peeled of their red peels, and smirked as he thought only a true airhead would go through such trouble. He grabbed a slice, and thought of what Tohru had said. The doctor away.He continued to smirk at the thought of Hatori being away, although he knew it was a childish saying and not at all true. As he took a bite of the moist fruit, he then noticed Tohru had begun eating a whole red apple of her own.
As he sat there gazing at her, as she continued taking bites from the apple. The bright red against her pale skin was a contrast in color good enough to remember. He thought how ironic it was for her to be eating a apple. Lost in his thoughts, he hadn't realized Tohru had stopped eating and was staring at him back; her cheeks immediately turning bright pink.
"Is something the matter Akito-sama." She said, now feeling uncomfortable with how he was openly staring at her eating.
Akito snapped out of his thoughts, and smiled sarcastically. "An apple, you couldn't have picked a more suiting fruit. So do you consider yourself a sinner my fair Eve." He said as Tohru immediately dropped the half eaten apple in response. Akito continued. "It's only fitting. Shigure deceived you, and his best friend is a snake. Both of them are disgusting shameful devilish perverts, and now you are here with their god to received punishment after you disobeyed his warning to stay away. It couldn't be a more fitting story." He said casually as he picked up the apple she dropped. "I guess I'm a sinner as well then. Since you brought me apples to eat." He said as he bit into the apple.
Tohru was stunned. How could Akito make such a reference? She couldn't help though but find it eereinly true. It fit all so well, that it shocked her to the point that she couldn't think anymore. She felt herself broken into a million pieces, and lost all hope for forgiveness from her mother. Now as she stared at Akito as he bit into her apple, she couldn't help but get terrified. His eyes were like two dark orbs staring straight into her soul. She deserved such ostracism from a person like him, and she wouldn't disobey his commands after he extended his private oasis Honke away from the outside world that caused her anguish.
Akito watched as her face turned into that of a ghost, and chuckled deeply. As he then glanced at the soup, he added. "I thought I told you to feed me." He said as set the apple core down.
Tohru slowly moved towards him, and reached for the spoon. As she broke it up to his lips, and he drank. He cringed a bit, and said with a flat tone. "Hot"
Tohru looked at the rest of the soup. There was plenty more left and just with his first taste, he complained of it's heat. Out of ideas, she did what first came to her mind.
Akito's eyes widened, as he watched her blow softly on the scooped soup on the spoon. In his mind came the idea, of exactly how long she'd last cooling herself every spoonful. Thinking of it's very torture, he decided to go through with it, instead of rejecting it.
With each and every passing spoonful, it continued as the same. Tohru's expression didn't falter or change as she continued getting more spoonfuls. There were times Akito purposely pushed the spoon aside, spilling it's contents; exclaiming she blew too hard on it, and he didn't want to eat her backwash. Even so, still Tohru didn't relent which surprised Akito.
...
The sun shone brightly on Tohru's hair and face, as the fresh scent of morning dew around her filled her senses. She yawned and stretched her arms as she sat up from her sleeping position. It was a bright, sunny new day with no sign that a storm had happened recently. As she blinked her eyes, getting used to the morning sunshine she saw that she was outside; in fact she still saw the food cart and platter nestled in the long grass. What had happened yesterday, now that she thought about it. She didn't remember ever returning back to the Honke yesterday. She was still outside in the dense woods, she had found Akito. With Akito on her mind, she wondered where he was. She looked towards the marsh, thinking there was no reason for Akito to fall into it. She couldn't help, but worry though. Here she was alone in the woods, with no idea how to find her way back.
She remembered faintly feeling very tired, as she was feeding Akito. She also remembered a faint voice saying. "Well..well..well who would've thought you were such a heavy sleeper."
She was brought out of her thoughts when she heard a faint melody, it sounded beautifully and ancient and she quickly wondered where it was coming from. It was a soothing melody that calmed her. It had a distinct tone to it, which made the instrument used almost impossible to recognize. Following its sound she decided it would somehow lead her towards the Honke, and grabbed the silverware and food cart.
Instead it lead her to a grove-like area, where the ground was covered in mulch, the shrubberies were cut in exquisite designs. There was a stoned path leading to a grand weeping willow where the music playing was heard louder. She noticed, the tree had a wide gaping hole in it's trunk; big enough for more then one person to fit inside. The melody was coming from inside, and from what Tohru could see; there was indeed a person visible in the tree.
Swayed by the gentle tune, she walked closer; curious to who was making such lovely music, when the answer shocked her. Inside the tree, sitting in traditional Japanese tea-preparing style was Akito himself. He was playing a instrument unknown to her. It appeared to her as a sort of harp, but longer and wider. Instead of being upright it was instead horizontal. She recalled seeing the instrument in her Ancient Japanese history class books. How Akito knew how to play it though, baffled her.
"So she finally awakens, I had no idea you had the nerve to sleep in a man's presence. It's no longer a mystery on how men can easily take advantage of you. Consider yourself lucky, I'm not interested in the likes of you." Akito spoke up without bothering to look away from his instrument, obviously already aware of her presence.
"A-Akito-sama you play beautifully, although I've never heard that instrument being played." Tohru said, as she continued to watch how his hands gently glided over the strings. It was astonishing to think those very hands, had pulled violently on her hair once, and had hurt many other people in the past. She hadn't even the slightest clue that Akito had any type of talent, or interests; despite now thinking herself as foolish to think such a thing. Clearly a head of a powerful family would be given twice the better education, and taught on the most prestigious hobbies compared to a commoner as herself.
"I'm not surprised that someone like you has not heard it before, or even know what it's called no less. A instrument such as a yamatogoto is unknown to many due to it being a ancient one. Other instruments better known by people like you are either a kugo or a harp; both those instruments are modern versions of this one, but neither of those carry the use, or value as this instrument." He explained as he continued playing, still not looking her way.
Interested in this piece of information he had given her, made her realize that Akito for the first time she had ever seen; enjoyed something, perhaps maybe had a passion for music even. Out of all things, the least she expected was for Akito to love music. There was no doubt however in her mind that it was true, as she watched him continue playing with a grace she thought couldn't exist in a person that striked terror in many people she knew hearts; including her own at times. His eyes were lowered in a calm manner, as his ebony locks swayed with the slight breeze.
Tohru for a moment thought she was staring at another person. Instead of being the feared Sohma head, he appeared to her as a young, and handsome royalty figure; with regal talents to be awed upon; not just a prince but emperor heir. The title fit him perfectly. According to the curse's legend, the god of the zodiacs was the Jade emperor who called upon the rat to set up a feast for his animals. Looking at Akito now, a emperor he truly was. If Yuki was called Prince in school, she couldn't even imagine what they called Akito when he was in high school. His long black lashes looked up suddenly, and stared at her in question.
Tohru blushed quickly when she thought how she must have looked to him. She was dumbly staring at him for no reason, and wasn't saying anything either. Akito was after-all very different from Yuki; he of course wouldn't tolerate swooning fangirls the way Yuki did.
"I-I'm sorry I didn't mean to stare, it's just that I just thought it was a coincidence you knew how to play a ancient unknown instrument. With you being the god of the zodiac, it fits that you know ancient history so well." Tohru said quickly, trying to cover her embarrassing thoughts.
Akito frowned. "Of course it's a coincidence, it was meant for every god of the zodiac to be taught all the ancient arts of the Jade Emperor from the curse. Knowing how to play the yamatogoto, and writing calligraphy was just the start of it. I was fed ancient literature, legends, mythology, and Japanese folklore since the cradle unlike the rest of you." He said frustrated and pushing the large instrument aside.
Tohru felt a bit saddened at how Akito expressed the first thing she had heard about his childhood. All she knew before was since he was old enough to understand, he was told he was going to die soon. That alone she couldn't even imagine how it would be growing up hearing that being told that every day. It was heart wrenching.
"Akito...you mean you didn't enjoy any of what you learned...not even school. It must have been easier at least graduating with so many talents, and being so smart. You had to be popular at least." She said, trying to hid the sadness in her voice.
Akito stood up with an hmph. "Do you actually think I went to school. I wasn't even allowed to leave the Honke grounds until after I graduated. I was taught by a tutor on my own, I had no such thing as classmates. It was all at the Honke. As soon as I started school, I was given the yamatogoto to learn to play for the New Year's banquet. The instrument being known to be used for telling of Japan's origins was thought to fit nicely with my case and condition; as it had been for the previous cursed zodiac heads.
Soon after I was taught calligraphy, then it was flower arranging, then came origami, and eventually tea preparing. While my zodiacs complained of being trapped, of wanting to have more freedom; they were out in school, joining clubs they chose and going off to college. What was I doing on the other hand, I was here; being taught the lifestyle of the Edo period to live as them as the previous cursed heads had. I was to learn, and do everything the previous gods had to learn; no more no less. No matter how much I wanted to learn and do something different, I couldn't. It was decided, yet still my zodiacs thought they were the ones trapped." Akito yelled out in anger, looking straight at her in fury.
Tohru couldn't take all the new information. Ever since she moved in with the Sohmas, she'd been told and had seen how awful and saddening the effects of being cursed by the Zodiac had been; on Kyo, Yuki, Hatsuharu, Kisa and Hatori. She never though, knew the full extent of Akito's curse; how he was raised and felt. With these few things Akito had related, she saw how truly Akito had a prestigious education, but a very lonely, and isolated upbringing despite having a whole estate filled with people obeying and fearing him.
"Ak-Akito-sama I..." She stumbled over her words. She couldn't find exactly what to say as a reply to all of what Akito just said, and was at a loss for words. She did only what she felt like doing; crying, crying for his sake unlike many others who and had the chance. She thought of Akito's parents, she had never heard of them from anyone or seen them since she got here. Didn't they care, didn't they ever care for their son. She recalled Momiji's mother. Could it be that Akito's mother also...
Akito watched as she cried, and it was like an instant replay of the time she went to see him after the cat showed its true form. She had cried then for his sake, and again she was crying; crying for him. He couldn't help but feel uncomfortable with her crying over him. If she were crying over anything else, he would of taking pleasure in it; over him however, that was something no one had ever done before, meanwhile this outsider had done it twice so far.
"Because right now Akito, you're alive. I want to get to know you, please tell me how you feel."
He frowned as he remembered those very words. "There's no need of crying over me, it's useless. If you're trying to get my pity, I'll tell you as of now you won't have it." He said with a mono-tone, as he walked away. Tohru decided it was best to follow him back.
Once they got back, both of them were met with a very surprised and worried Hatori. "Akito, Tohru where have you been all this time. I had Kureno out searching for you." He said slightly out of breath.
Akito passed by him casually. "Hatori, you're my doctor, not my father. You're in no position to ask me where I was." Akito said this in his casual mocking tone as he continued on to his bedroom and shut the shoiji door behind him.
Hatori unfazed by Akito's usual moody insults, only sighed a bit and turned towards Tohru. "Tohru, I don't intend to pry, but what were you doing with Akito." From the looks of it Tohru and Akito had been together all this time, that alone put Hatori's worries on alert.
Tohru looked up at the young doctor with a sympathetic look. "Hatori-san, can I ask you a question about Akito-sama."
Hatori stood looking at the young girl's sad look, and wondered exactly what she meant with that. He thought however, he might as well use this moment to his advantage. "Of course Tohru, as long as we talk in my office. I don't think it's best to speak of such a matter out in the open.
Tohru nodded, and followed him to his office. His office wasn't exactly near Akito's room, but not as far away as the rest of the estate inhabitants lived. It was perfect for him, small, quaint, and perfect for easy access to all of his patients. As Tohru stepped into the office she felt a bit scared being alone in a room with a grown man. After-all her trusting nature had lead her to her doom with Shigure. She quickly tossed the thought, as Hatori was a very different person from Shigure. He had most likely done these type of things with his other patients.
As Tohru looked around the office and medical room, she noticed it was in slight disarray. Papers were piled amongst each other, ash trays were filled, and to what she quickly got a glimpse of his bedroom area; his room was worse then a young teenage guy's.
As she sat down on the medical bed, crinkling the sanitary paper while she did so; she quickly asked him. "Hatori do you happen to need help with your office work?"
Hatori looked up from his clipboard he was holding. "I used to have Kureno be my assistant here, but he's busy now caring for the Honke's?"
"Oh I was just thinking maybe I can help you with some things, when Akito doesn't ask for me that is. I'd be happy to do some work, and be more useful here if you wish?" She said eagerly, always the ever helpful.
Hatori gave a deep sigh, as he began massaging his temples. "Tohru, of course I wouldn't mind at all, and be grateful for that; but there's something more important to discuss here first. First things first though, what was it you wanted to ask me about Akito." He said as he waited for her response.
"I-I know, I mean he told me just now about his past, and what he was taught. He didn't tell me all in great detail, but from what I understood; everything he was taught was preplanned the same with every cursed god of the zodiac. Does that mean they forced him, even his parents? Does his mother know who he is, or was her memories suppressed like Momiji's?" She said it all out in one big babble, that even Hatori had trouble keeping up.
He simply widened his eyes once she quieted down, and he leaned back in his chair. "Well I'm surprised he told you even half of it, but yes. As far as the Sohma who was to be cursed with the spirit of the god of the zodiacs, meant the child had to be brought up with the knowledge, and talents suited for the cursed spirit. In Akito's case, just as the others before him; it was decided he had to be taught all the necessary things the true Jade Emperor of the legend would have known. It was thought doing this would recreate and maintain a worthy head of the Sohma clan."
Tohru quickly became frantic and continued to persist. "But didn't Akito ever object to any of it. Didn't he get the chance to...to have fun, and play as a kid? Go outside, have friends. Choose something he wanted to do, like give out chocolates to his friends on White Day, go to a cultural festival, a party...ANYTHING...didn't his parents care!" Tohru said as she unexpectedly rose from the medical bed uncharacteristically, and overall dramatically. She quickly noticed her behavior, and blushed as she saw Hatori's beyond shocked face; he had even dropped his clipboard. She quickly bowed in apology. "I'm so sorry, I didn't mean to overreact it's just..that.."
Hatori patted her head affectionately. This girl had helped him and the rest of them to open up, it was only natural she'd worry tremendously for Akito. "The truth is, there isn't much to say about Akito's childhood besides his taught abilities. For the most of his childhood he was here at the Honke, doing the things meant for him. He hardly came out of his room, therefore not talking to anyone besides the others cursed by the Zodiac.
You could say the closest thing they gave him to a friend was Yuki, and it was because it was believed the rat brung good luck to the god, and was its most faithful zodiac. You already know what was thought of Hastuharu and Kyo. As for his parents, there can't be said much either. His father Akira from what I could remember myself loved his only son deeply despite the curse. He sadly died when Akito was still a kid, so you can probably say Akito's best time was when his father was still alive.
After his death, Akito was pushed more into his role of headship. His mother...let's just say it's best not to talk about her. She didn't want to be apart of Akito's life after her husband's death, but no she didn't get her memories suppressed. When Akito was nearing the end of middle school, she moved out and was never heard of again." Hatori felt Tohru trembling slightly under his hand, and as he took notice of her expression she was actually letting out tears, but not of sadness, of frustration as well.
"I just can't believe it. How can a mother be so cruel, and leave? How can she let people and herself push and force her own son; her only son to isolate himself? How can she just let her son's life be filled of just being told he was going to die, and not letting him do anything but be locked up in his room all day. That's just inhuman. She's no better then Momiji's mother, even if she was beautiful." She said as she sobbed uncontrollably. Ever since she had arrived at the Honke, her days had been filled with truth, darkness and sorrow; not from the supposed cruel head, but from the stories of the people truly responsible.
Hatori frowned. "Tohru please calm down, I'm afraid nothing can be done to change the past. We have to think about what you just went through as well; which is why I called you to my office in the first place. This may be a bit to soon, but since that incident it's been almost a week since it's happened. For you own health and safety, I must run some tests, if you are willing."
"Tests?" Tohru managed to say as she looked up at the doctor's face.
"Yes, although I haven't yet performed in a case like yours, to my knowledge some tests have to be performed for health issues. Although I'm sure Shigure was healthy, it is best just to make sure." Hatori said as he looked inside his medical bag on the desk behind him.
Tohru remembered studying this in school once, of diseases that can be passed by..." Tohru stopped in the thoughts, she wasn't about to think of that incident again. Despite she had appeared normal to everyone else that saw her; the thought of what happened to her still was stuck deeply in her mind. She just didn't let it show, to not worry others that she cared about; especially Hatori.
A series of blood tests were taken, and some were embarrassing that it made her feel like to go to a hospital instead. All though, were performed and came to be all negative; much to Hatori's relief. "Well one test is still processing, but I'm sure you have nothing to worry about; the most important tests have already been taken care of." He said as he threw some items away, and returned to his seat across from Tohru. "I only have one more thing to ask you Tohru, if you are willing to do it." He said as he clicked his pen, and began writing on his clipboard. "What can you remember, what happened that night?"
The small room grew silent and tense after the question was asked. Tohru closed her eyes slowly, as she tried to remember. "It started out as a normal school day; I saw Kyo, Yuki, Haru, and Momiji. We found out Momiji's curse was lifted. We came home saw you, Kagura and Shi..." Tohru began to feel tense as she pictured the person who allegedly hurt her. "W-we had dinner I made to say goodbye to Kagura." She then remembered the conversation she had heard between Kyo and the rest of them; she decided not to mention it.
Hatori smiled. "Yes I remember, that was a good meal you cooked for us. What happened after that?" He said patiently as he watched her under his medical eyes.
"I said goodnight to Kyo...and" Tohru felt a wave of sadness run over her, as in her mind she replayed her friend's faces that day; so happy they all were." I packed and left home, and ended up in town. I was making a call, when these men...t-they started following me...I-I ran and heard them run after me...then a car pulled up…it was Shigure. I got in...h-he saved me." She squeezed her eyes closed tighter, trying hard to remember what happened next. "We talked about where I was headed, he then took me to the Honke...and..he was mad."
Hatori stopped writing and looked at her, realizing it was coming close to what took place. "He was mad...why?"
"I-I don't know he was warning me of something; that I'd get hurt if I stayed here at the Honke. He said things like he couldn't let me get hurt or tainted by Akito. I had no idea what he meant by that." Tohru said slowly as she recalled Shigure's actions that night.
Hatori scribbled more things on his clipboard in silence. "Is that all you remember then Tohru?"
Tohru nodded slowly. "Yes I can't seem to remember anything else, except when I woke up on Akito's room feeling terrible."
"Well then consider yourself lucky. Many young women like you who go through things like this, stay scarred with the memory for years. Fortunately you don't happen to remember the actual course of event happening. I'm guessing either it's your brain automatically shutting it out of your memory, or you maybe really were unconscious through the whole ordeal. According to Akito, you were so when he found you." Hatori replied, as he put away his clipboard.
"If that final test comes back negative, I could prescribe to you some medication if you ever have trouble sleeping or sudden pains. If you feel confidant enough you might even be able to return to school. Of course the incident will have to be kept a secret to school staff, or you could get expelled. I'm not trying to frighten you; I just want you to understand." Hatori said with a calm tone that resulted in Tohru's smile.
"I would like to return to school again. I'm sure my friends Hana and Uo are worried about me, as well as Yuki and Kyo." She brightened up thinking of her friends again.
"I'm sure they can't wait to see you. Parent's day is coming up, and I'll be going with Momiji to your school. I might be able to meet them myself." Hatori replied as he got up from his chair.
Tohru quickly became excited. "Oh yes, they'd love to meet you. I completely forgot of Parent's Day. I'll have to call my grandfather and tell him about it. He'd be happy to meet you too, I'm sure."
"So will I, that will be all then Tohru. I recommend you to take it easy, and try not to worry too much." He said, as he showed her to the door. After she left the room, Hatori's expression changed to that of sorrow. "That girl deserves to be elsewhere instead of locked up in here, worrying for everyone." He said to himself, as he went over to do some paperwork. As he sat down at his desk and began writing, something caught his eye.
"Oh no, It can't be!"
A black motorcycle pulled up to an apartment building, on it rode to riders. As the driver shifted it into parking and stepped off the bike, as the passenger took of it's helmet and dismounted as well.
"If you tell anyone that I had to hold on to your waist while driving; I'll kill you Haru." A young teen spoke, as he shook his grey hair.
"My dear Yuki, that didn't sound like you at all; I won't speak of it if you won't. Although I wouldn't mind." The other spoke with a laugh, as he removed his helmet; revealing his odd black and white hair.
Ignoring his friend, or should better off putting it "cousin's" usual humor, he rang the buzzer to one of the apartments. "So I'd never thought Momiji would be off living on his own first then we did."
"No Kidding who would've thought?" Haru answered; shaking his head as they got buzzed in.
After a long elevator ride up, they were greeted by the blond now ex-rabbit himself. He seemed to be already mostly moved in, and the penthouse apartment itself looked in great shape. The wide open windows displaying a great view of the city brightened up the whole living room that was decorated with light blue modern styled furniture, white carpeting and walls. The kitchen was small and quaint, but still had the beauty of marble flooring.
"Yay Haru you finally got here, and Yuki too. Where's Tohru I asked for you guys to surprise her and bring her here. She'd faint just by entering of course." He said with a laugh as he closed the door behind them.
"That's what we're here for Momiji. After that day we had dinner for Kagura's leave. Both Kyo and I heard Tohru leave late that night. We followed her, and saw her using a payphone in town; she had a suitcase with her. Then these perverted guys showed up, and started harassing her. She ran and we made sure those guys wouldn't go after her. The last moment we saw her, was when she got into this car. Kyo tried calling out to her, but the car didn't turn back; it was so dark we couldn't even tell what car it was, or the license plate number.
Ever since that night, Shigure hasn't returned home either; we're guessing he left on one of his trips avoiding his editor." Yuki related as he leaned forward placing his palms on his head in distress.
"You mean Kyo and you lied to the rest of us when you told us she was visiting her family. How could you?" Momiji's usual friendly face turned into anger. The news of Tohru disappearance didn't go well with him.
"We didn't want to worry anyone incase she's fine or if she's not. There's no telling what Kisa would do if she ever found out. She'd probably run away and get lost herself looking for her." Haru spoke up, knowing how the young tiger would react to her Tohru's disappearance.
"So far besides Haru, Kyo and I. Ayame, Hatori, and Kagura are the only other people we've told. They've said they'd keep an eye out, but so far they haven't found her." Yuki said, not bothering to look up at any of them; keeping his look casted downwards.
"We have to do something, Tohru could be de-" Momiji said on the brink of tears, when he was interrupted by Haru.
"Don't say such things we don't know that yet. There's not much we can do but wait it out. If she doesn't appear soon, we'll have no choice but to tell the police." Haru said as he let out a sigh. "Let's just hope she's alright."
"Wait a minute, if Kyo knows; why isn't he here too?" Momiji said as he noticed the orange hot headed boy's absence.
"He said he couldn't stand being in that empty house another day, so he took off with Kagura. He said he'd visit his master up in the mountains and see what he can find out. In the meantime he's transferring, to the boy's section of the school Kagura mentioned." Yuki said, as he recalled the cat's angry words. "I don't blame him for leaving, that house is so empty now with Tohru gone."
"But if Tohru doesn't show up that means. He'll be there until..."Momiji said his voice now quiet again, his face shocked.
"Until Akito locks him up again."
Tohru hung up the phone, after finishing speaking with her grandfather. She felt like she hadn't spoken to him in years, as if she were somewhere far away. Had it only been three days since she arrived in the Honke. To her it seemed like she had been months with the amount of information she had learned of Akito's past.
Now with her mind trailing back to Akito's lonely presumed childhood, she suddenly felt like she needed to do something. After all he in fact was the one who actually save her. That was when something she hadn't thought of before came to her mind. Akito had saved her from Shigure that night, and if what they told to her really did happen that would mean Akito saw her completely...
Tohru face immediately turned red, as she realized the embarrassing situation. To make matters worse, he saw her again when she was bathing. "Oh Mom, I'm so ashamed, how could I even face him again." She said aloud.
"Face who again?" A voice said out of nowhere, startling her. When she turned around, she was faced with a tall man who was a bit younger then Hatori was. His skin was pale in contrast to his burgundy colored hair. His eyes matched his hair, and appeared to be empty in a way. He smiled slightly.
"Sorry if I frightened you, you must be Tohru; I'm Kureno Sohma." He said as he bowed.
Kureno; finally she had met the mysterious Kureno she had heard so much about. The other member of the zodiac. Now that she met him though, he seemed odd in a way. As if she couldn't at all tell exactly what he was thinking, it was strange. Netherless she smiled enthusiastically, and bowed in response. "Hi, Hatori-san had mentioned you before. You must be the rooster then; am I right?"
Kureno stayed silent for a moment, then replied quietly. "Well yes, I guess you can say that."
"Wow, I can't believe it, I finally met you. You are one of Akito's friends right." Tohru continued, as she remembered what Hatori had told her.
"Well I wouldn't say Akito calls me his friend, but I have lived here with him all my life." He replied, not changing a single facial expression as he said this. "Well it was lovely meeting you, but I must be off. Akito doesn't like for me to be talking instead of working." He said as he gave another bow, and headed down the hall before Tohru had the chance to say anything.
'Hmm well I guess that's what you'll expect when you talk to Akito's friends.' Tohru thought, as she went back to what she was thinking previously. 'I'm probably jumping to conclusions, maybe Akito didn't see me. I can't let that bring me down.' She thought as she got an idea of what to do, and scurried quickly to the kitchen.
Despite the Honke being large, and having long hallways with lots of doors; Tohru was learning already her way around. She knew where the correct washroom was, the way to the garden, and the kitchen all in just three days. She smiled to herself as she opened the kitchen door. It was full as before, and this time everyone most likely was preparing dinner.
Remembering what the maid had told her before; who she now found out her name was Reina, she didn't bothering speaking to anyone. Instead she simply smiled and continued on her business. She did receive at moments quick stares, but she preferred being in a busy kitchen, then a completely empty one like previously. Once she found the ingredients needed, she decided to make Akito a surprise.
Meanwhile in another room Akito's eyes fluttered open, as he woke up slowly from his nap. He quickly noticed he didn't feel as horrible as before, and didn't feel cold as he was feeling. At the corner of his eye, he saw that girl's high school uniform. He realized sooner or later, she'd have to return to school. That meant she would be in contact with the stupid ox, the rabbit, and his precious Yuki. At least he had heard from Kureno that the grotesque cat left back to the mountains where he belonged. It was only a matter of time, before he showed that pest a thing or too.
His eyes glazed over that girl's mother's photo frame. How can that woman be a mother? The way she had that snarky smile, and held up her two fingers for no obvious reason made him annoyed. Out of all pictures that girl chose this one to treasure as gold. This only demonstrated how idiotic her mother must have been.
My mom always used to say, an apple a day keeps the doctor away.
He got up from the bed, and walked over towards the frame; picking it up.
Oh Akito, thank you; you found Mom
Akito's blood began to boil, as he recalled that day at how she quickly stopped crying once she saw her mother's picture.
I didn't know my mom was going to die
Remembering those words she told him that day, made him rekindle a memory
-Flashback begins-
"I believe that that no one can say, she is more or less of imperial descent; for I myself did not intend" A young eight year old Akito read aloud from a Imperial novel scroll. Seated on a blanket, on the green grass, under a cherry blossom tree on a sunny Spring day. The blossoms were flying in the breeze as some landed on his ebony black hair.
Seated with him was a young fifthteen year old boy dressed in a junior high school uniform; that seemed a bit uninterested in what was being read. As well as a another younger fourteen year old boy dressed in regular clothing paid attention to the passage as he sat there quietly his wine colored hair blowing in the wind.
"This is the last chapter; we're already on the thousandth page." The young boy spoke up, with a raspy voice.
"Akito you shouldn't be reading when you're sick. I'll read it for you if you want." The red-headed boy spoke up, as he reached for the scroll.
Akito quickly pulled back. "No, I wanted to prove father I could read this novel all on my own without any help, and Shi-kun said he had to listen to it for his high school entrance exam report."
The red-headed boy quickly glanced at the other teen; annoyed. The other quickly chuckled nervously, and waved his arms. "I-It's true, I need to write a report on it, and I remember more when I listen instead of reading."
"Then why is it, I see you reading magazines with Ayame everyday?" The red-headed replied.
Suddenly the uniformed teen felt cornered. "Oh..y-you mean those magazines...Please don't tell Ayame's mother. She'd kill him. Besides, Akito I got you something." He said as he handed him a small drum with two paddles on each side. It wasn't exactly a instrument, but more of a child's toy. It was one of the things most kids wanted, but Akito couldn't have due to it's childish use.
Akito quickly grabbed it. "I've never seen these before." He examined it closely
"It's called a den-den- daiko and consider it a secret. If you show your mom she'd throw it away for sure, being the old hag she is." He said with a laugh.
The amusing moment was interrupted by a woman who stepped out silently in the veranda. Once the three boys realized her presence, they quickly quieted and waited as she walked towards them.
Once she was at their side, she looked at each of them slowly; her expression emotionless. Suddenly she lashed out and slapped Akito across the cheek causing him to cry, and the other boys to gasp.
"You worthless brat, your father only cared about you, and now h-he's gone and will never return. It's your entire fault, he's dead. Akira is dead because of you. You made him suffer so much with your decaying health; I should have killed you when I had the chance. You deserve to be cursed by the god; we all can't wait for you to die. No one will ever love you." She said with a heartless tone, as she quickly glanced at the two boys beside her; particularly one of them.
"And, what is your name?" She asked, though in her tone it seemed more like a forced question.
The uniformed boy quickly got frozen in place. "S-Shigure I'm the dog of the zodiac." He said as he looked down, daring not to look at the wife of the now deceased head of the Estate.
"Yes, I've seen you study with Akito many times. Why only you, and not the rest of your friends I've seen you with." She asked crossing her arms.
"My other friends..I guess they don't feel comfortable coming here to study. There're busy." He said trying to cover up the true reason his friends Ayame and Hatori refused to come was due to Akito's high status. Hardly anyone was left with him, due to him being so sickly.
"I see, and I'm guessing you're here because reading novels is not the easiest thing for you." She said as she smirked.
"No, not only that. I find it better when I read it here, I understand it better since Akito knows more about then I do." Shigure quickly said. He didn't hate novels per-say he was just focused on other things when out with his friends. Alone; he actually loved reading the most. Akito in general seemed to be the only other Sohma interested in artistic novels; Hatori preferred complicated ones as T.S Elliot.
"Akito is just a brainless child that is taught too much for his own good. You are a young man, who must be interested in other things more likely for your age I'm sure. As handsome as you are, I bet you're popular with the girls." She said as she passed a hand through his black hair; causing him to blush.
"Oh, but wait you can't because you're cursed. Poor dear, a shame to let something as good-looking as you to go to waste. Did anyone ever tell you how much you resemble Akira." She said as she grabbed ahold of his chin.
"Sometimes, but I think he looked looked a bit different." He said as he finally dared to look at her.
"Well yes there was a difference; you're much younger; full of youth. While Akira was older, sicker, and full of stress due to the burden of having a sick child to deal with. Come with me." She said as she grabbed ahold of his arm, and lead him back inside.
The red-headed boy quickly went and picked Akito up from the ground. "Akito let me see how bad she hurt you; that has to be the first time." He said as he quickly examined the younger boy's red cheek.
"Kureno; Father is dead, b-because of me, and I never got to learn the Shakuhach for him." He said between tears, as he held the ancient flute. His father had bought it for him, for a large amount of money; since Akito claimed he liked the sound of it, in one of the days they spent together. However due to Akito's health he wasn't strong enough to blow into the instrument. Despite this; his father only smiled and hugged him as a response.
Suddenly they heard a rustling and struggle coming from the door that Akito's mother and Shigure had gone in. The sounds of items smashing onto the floor, and breaking as well as sounds of hits and slaps continued on for a period of time.
After to what seemed like an eternity, the woman emerged from the room. She smoothed out her long black hair, and shot Akito a hateful glare as she walked down the veranda and off to another room.
Akito ran to the room she had come out of, with Kureno close on his heels as they peeked into the room. It was surrounded by bed sheets tossed about, broken items of all sorts; from china to glass, to broken plates. There in the middle of it was a scantily clothed Shigure sitting on the floor, his head hanging low, his eyes hidden by his hair.
Akito slowly walked up to him, and placed a hand on his arm. "Shi-kun you ok." Kureno kneeled down behind Akito, as baffled as Akito was, by Shigure's display.
Shigure lifted his head, to reveal a bruised face with eyes that no longer remained its humor. He slowly looked at the young boy who had tears streaming down his face, and den-den daiko still in hand. He slowly smiled, and replied. "It'll be ok." As he picked the young god and new heir up and hugged him.
That would be the end, of the young god's cheerful days, as a life filled with bleakness and solitude started.
-End of Flashback-
Akito's fury reached it's turning point, as he slammed the frame he was holding against the floor; the glass shattering into pieces. Realizing what he'd done, he picked up the picture from under the shards of glass, and a smaller picture behind it fell. The smaller picture was that of a young teenage girl with bleached colored hair, wearing a long trench coat with a mouth mask. Next to her was a man around his early twenties who resembled Hatori in alot of ways, but it wasn't him for he had brown eyes instead of indigo.
The first thing that came into Akito's mind was why was such a yankee looking girl in a picture besides a man who looked so educated. There was something about the girl's eyes though that struck him as familiar; the shade of blue he had thought he'd seen it before.
It was then he smelled something familiar; a scent he couldn't quite explain. Whatever it was, the scent smelled appealing. There was a slight knock at the door.
"Akito-sama, I've brought you something." Came Tohru's muffled reply. Before Akito had a chance to move, the door was open, and Tohru was faced with the sight of Akito holding a picture and a familiar looking frame with glass shards spewn about on the floor.
The first thing Akito noticed was she was holding a platter; she'd brought him food before dinnertime. Her face caught him off guard. It wasn't angry, or surprised; not even shocked. She just stood there staring at him for a few minutes, until she entered the room and placed the platter on the bed. Without a word, she kneeled down and slowly started picking up the shards.
After she had tossed the shards out, she finally spoke up. "Akito-sama be careful where you step. There could be still small pieces of glass around until the room is swept." Without looking at him, she then walked towards the bed. "I thought I'd make you something. I'm not sure if you'd like them, but it's usually eaten as a snack."
Intrigued by both her behavior and the object she brought him, he walked over towards her as she uncovered the platter; revealing a plate full of white triangular-shaped things. The aroma filled the room, as soon as the platter was uncovered. The reason on how he recognized this odor from somewhere intrigued him.
"What are they?" Akito managed to say. He never thought he'd ask a commoner this question, but the words spilt out before he could stop them.
"They're called rice-balls. They're made of rice hand molded into these shapes; they can have different flavors placed on the back-side of them. I'm not sure if you like sweets or not, but I always loved when my mom made these for me when I was little; so I figured you would probably like them too." Tohru said finally smiling as she herself grabbed one.
Akito slowly inspected the one he was holding, until he finally bit into it. Immediately the flavor made him recall how he recognized them.
Here you go Akito, I got these for you from the vendor out in the festival outside. Don't tell your mother though I'm spoiling you.
I won't father
"Do they sell these at vendors outside?" Akito replied as he looked at the rest on the platter.
"Yes. But I rather make them on my own. They're not exactly cheap at vendors, and my mom always used to say the best thing about rice-balls is going through the hard process of making them yourself." Tohru answered him, as she finished up her own rice ball.
After Akito unknowingly finished his, he handed over the pictures to her. "Here; the frame fell on its own."
Tohru took them, and bowed. "Thank you. I'll put them away somewhere where they won't be in the way."
"Who's the man and girl in the second picture. Friends of yours; family?" Akito asked casually while looking out the window, not wanting to give the impression he was interested in anything regarding her most likely annoying friends.
Tohru looked at the smaller picture, and smiled. "Oh no, I haven't seen this picture in years. I even forgot it was in that frame. They're my parents back when my mom was in junior high."
Akito got surprised with this bit of information. "Junior High, but that guy-"
"Was my mom's substitute teacher. She used to be in a gang back then, but after she was disowned he was the only one who helped her. They got married when my mom turned sixteen; although she always told me to wait until after you graduate to do such things." Tohru finished for him, unknowingly interrupting. She of course apologized as soon as she realized she did something rude.
Akito frowned and walked towards the shoji door. "Hmph so I guess after your mother died, your father left with another woman and left you behind. That's predictable." He said with a snort, as he slide open the door.
"Actually, my father died when I was only three. According to my mom even though I was still practically a baby, I picked up his dialect. I always wish I could remember at least one thing about him, besides from bedtime stories my mom used to tell me." Tohru said as she placed both pictures in her wallet that was in her school uniform.
Akito froze in place. Died? The words father and died being used together in one sentence struck a cord in Akito. There was no way that both he and this girl had something actually in common; less a traumatic one. "From what?" He asked, without bothering to turn her way.
"He was always a bit sick, he eventually died from pneumonia. It came so unexpected; my mom nearly killed herself, if I weren't alive. I-I...guess you can say I saved her then, even though she died in a car...I'm sorry."
Akito watched as she was about to leave the room.
Akito-sama I'm sorry but it appears your father most likely died of pneumonia.
Tohru tried to speak of her mother and father pleasantly, but when it came to speaking of their deaths; she couldn't bear it. The most polite thing she knew to do was to leave the room. Heading towards the door she reached for the handle to open it, when two hands shut it back closed. Turning around in fright, Akito had both arms on each side of her; holding the door shut. His eyes obscured by his dark bangs and out of breath; his long nails digging into the door. It was these moments that truly frightened Tohru, and felt like she had to escape.
"Akito-sam-" Tohru was silenced by Akito's left hand covering her mouth.
"You're mouth is irritating. When you're crying for others, you pour a flood with them or in front of them; yet when it's concerning yourself, you run and hide. I can't even decide wither that's cowardice or humility, and what I find truly sickening is I can't decide wither I seek more pleasure in seeing you run and hide to suffer alone, or rather have you suffer in front of me. The way your always annoyingly chattering about your parents, would make me expect you to break down and cry; yet you run instead.
I'll have you know I've had enough of your mother talk, so get on with it already and wail all you want." He said his breath hot on her face, as he pushed away from the door.
Tohru though stunned for a few seconds, went down on her knees; and broke out into tears. Not just tears of her parent's passing, but tears from all the incidents that had happened to her only in the past week.
Akito stood there, watching at how Tohru was crying practically at his feet; she was again in a sitting bowing position. Her yukata after being used the whole previous day before was now beginning to unravel in a certain area where there was a bump. He felt suddenly hot again, as his mind recalled a certain image of her in a rainy night; where she was completely at mercy to any passerby. Was this the reason that dog did what he did? The mere recollection of events leading up to this present day made his stomach feel uneasy in a way he had never felt before.
"Get up." He said quickly, hoping she'd get out of that weak position.
Tohru still sniffling, looked up at him; her eyes still glassy, her hair in disarray. "A-Akito-sam-" She was interrupted by Akito lifting her up by the shoulders briskly, and pinning her against the wall.
"Don't give me that look, it won't work." Akito yelled out, as he stared at her; clenching his teeth.
Tohru was dumbfounded as to what he meant. It was he that had sent her to cry; now he seemed angry for no reason in particular. Is this what Hatori had meant with Akito being "hard to deal with at times"? "Akito-sama I don't understand." She was beyond shocked to what Akito did next.
He suddenly grabbed both sides of her head firmly; causing her to look straight at him. She felt as his long nails dug into her hair in a strong grip; and for some unknown reason he wouldn't let go. They just stood there, staring at each other. Tohru couldn't help but feel both uncomfortable, and frightened by the way Akito was staring at her. His stare seemed to not only look at her, but look straight at her as a predator would watch it's prey. She then noticed his stare lower down to a certain level.
It then she noticed her yukatas lining was unraveling, and she quickly moved her hands to fix it; only to have Akito push them aside. Her heart started racing as she saw his hand slowly near the tie of her obi. "Akito-sama please...''
The door suddenly opened and in entered Hatori out of breath.
"Akito, Tohru's pregnancy test came out positive!"
Author's Note: Lol I bet you all didn't see that coming, if you did please tell me I'd like to know ^^ The drama gets even bigger in this story, and yes Yuki, Haru, and Momiji make a reappearance in this chapter. Expect much more in later chapters.
I'm going to say this now, for those of you that haven't read the manga; please do not take my background flashback scenes as completely official regarding the Sohmas pasts. I'll say this now, I based alot of the flashbacks and background scenes on the manga but on the other hand; I still added my own differences. It's convenient that the anime stopped where it did making it easier for fanfic writers to write completely what they wish. After all as I said the anime and the manga had their differences to each other, and Akito in general was different in the anime then in the manga.
Anyways please
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