Chapter 2: A Date With A Dark Prince
The main house was larger then I remembered and even more intimidating. I guess a lot can change in two years, more so then I've seen.
I walked a familiar path toward Akito's and recalled the last time I saw him. He wasn't all that happy to see me. In fact he was really angry and sad. It must've been hard to live like that, being told without question that you'd die. I suppose we all die eventually but no one should be able to tell you when not even doctors. At least that's what mom said and that's what I think too.
To be honest I was a little nervous especially when I was standing in front of the door. Maybe I should have seen Hatori first but then it'd seem like I was afraid of Akito and I'm really not. I really hope that we can be friends but maybe that's asking too much.
"Don't just stand there, Miss Tohru Honda. Why not come in? It has been so long." Akito said from behind the screen. I opened the door and there he was standing in the doorway, leaning on his arm and eyes on me. I had to tell myself not to look away but he looked so intense and incredibly handsome, like Yuki only perhaps darker. Like a dark prince.
"I came as requested. Nice to see you." I bowed and he laughed a low laugh that sounded a little fake. Maybe he was mad again but if he was I was determined to listen. It's not every day an important member of a large family wanted to see you.
"You are such a strange woman, always so formal. Come in won't you? Lunch is waiting."
"You've gotten lunch? I hope that wasn't too much trouble."
"Of course it was. I've been waiting twenty minutes and you are late. Tell me, were you late for meetings with Yuki or Kyo." His voice was even but I could hear the undertone and honestly I wasn't sure what to say. Oh mom, you were so much better at dealing with things like this.
Just be yourself. You'll be fine. Right Mom and like my motto says never give up.
"I didn't mean to be late. I guess the Sohma estate is bigger then I remembered. How are you doing Akito? It's been a long time."
"Well, you certainly seem as pleasant as ever. Now would you sit down? Lunch is getting cold."
"Right." I slipped off my shoes and followed him into the room. It was still kind of dark and didn't have much decoration but I suppose that's just how he was. Then again Shigure's house was a disaster before I came.
Lunch looked delicious. There were all sorts of dishes and I wasn't sure where to start.
"Which is your favorite, Akito?"
"Just eat it."
"Um... okay. Thank you." He didn't reply just started eating so I did the same. Maybe he wasn't sure what to say.
He was looking at me as he ate and I felt my cheeks flush, not used to the attention. I wondered what he was thinking but didn't ask. Akito would talk when he wanted to. I was sure of it and when he did I would listen to every word.
"Why did you stay? The animals have left you. They obviously have other things that are more important." His words were harsh and hurt a lot but I didn't mind. At least it was something and something was definitely then nothing.
"I love them all like a family. I miss them but it's okay because I know they are happy."
"Happy? Do you really think they'll be happy out there in that world. What will they do when someone else finds out and there is no Hatori to rescue them? What then?"
"I guess they'll be sad but you know.... my mom used to say that things that upset you in the end can make you stronger, you know?"
To be honest he still looked annoyed. Maybe I really am a bad speaker or maybe I offended him. I mean I just disagreed with him. I decided maybe I should change the subject. "What makes you happy Akito?"
"Nothing at all." He looked outside and I frowned.
"That's unacceptable." I jumped up. "Everyone has to have something that makes them happy."
"And what would you know about being happy? You never were truly happy were you? No, you had to make everyone else happy but in the end you were left alone."
I sat back down. "Okay that hurt but you know, I think you're wrong. I was very happy with Yuki, Kyo, and the others and I guess I do feel alone sometimes and that's hard but..."
"You're impossible."
Things were silent again and since the food was gone there was nothing to really occupy my hands with which I guess was a nervous habit.
"Um, Akito."
"What?" He asked angrily and I cringed not because I was worried but because I guess his tone surprised me.
"Would you like to maybe go for a walk? It's a really beautiful day and it would be a shame to waste it, not that I think you waste your time. I just think that maybe..."
"Fine." He had already slipped on his shoes and I felt myself smile. Maybe this wouldn't be so bad after all. I slipped on my shoes and went with him outside.
He was silent but I kind of felt like I was getting to know him better, at least better then before. Maybe what I said actually did strike a cord.
"It's rude to stare." He said sternly and I looked immediately down or maybe he was just humoring me.
"It's almost fall but would you like to go the park? It's been a long time since I've been there and I really love the swings."
"Do you always talk so much? You sound like that foolish rabbit."
I was quiet after that and we continued walking. We somehow ended up at the park. He sat down on the swing and so did I. He didn't seem used to it. I moved my legs and the swing moved. He just sat still and to be honest I wasn't sure he was having much fun at all.
We walked back after while and when we neared the main house a bird flew close to him. He held out his hand and it actually landed on him. "That's amazing. Do birds always come to you?"
He pet the birds head and for a second I thought he wouldn't answer or he'd yell at me again but instead he nodded. "Just the ones at the main house. It'd be foolish if any bird flew to a stranger."
"I guess you're right."
He released the bird and it flew away. "You are to come again, tomorrow."
"Um, Akito... I sort of have work. Do you think that maybe....?
"It wasn't a suggestion. The same time as today, understand?"
"But..." Akito shut the door. "So I guess that's it."
I turned around and headed back to Shigure's. I guess I could change my schedule to work nights or mornings. Since my boss is a Sohma.
I felt a smile on my face. I can't believe he actually wants to see me again. Maybe this will turn out for the best. I certainly hope so.
