Chapter 4: Unexpected Developments

My schedule was a little crazy but at least I found myself smiling more. Akito really wasn't a bad person though he was a little harder to understand then most. Still this past month has been really nice. I mean I still don't know much about Akito and working evenings can be a little hectic, but I feel a little better I guess.

There was a knock on the door. "Tohru could you get the door before you leave?" Shigure knows about my visits to Akito but he doesn't ask. He tells me he's just happy to see me out and about. He really is a nice person even if he does tease his editor a lot.

"Coming." I set the final dish in the basket. It was getting pretty cold out and New Years was only a couple months away but Akito seemed to like walks and I thought maybe we could eat out on the porch since it was a little sunny.

"It's been awhile hasn't it Miss Honda?" Yuki smiled his usual smile and I found myself smiling back. I wasn't sure why but seeing him didn't make me as happy as I thought it would. Maybe I was mad at him but that wouldn't be right. He was just pursuing his dream. I wonder what that is exactly. I never really asked him.

"Welcome home. Is there a reason you're visiting... not that you aren't welcome it's just...."

"There is some kind of social gathering at the University and all of the professors were told to come so I get an extended weekend. I thought it'd be nice to come home this weekend. It's good to see you."

"Good to see you too. I'm sorry."

"Hmm?"

"I know you just got here but I really got to go. I'm running late."

"For work?" I shook my head. "Then what is it? Maybe I could walk you there." I somehow got the feeling Yuki wouldn't want to see Akito.

"That's okay. The truth is I'm going to the main house... Oh No!! I'm late I'm really late!" I ran and grabbed my basket and Yuki wasn't out of the doorway. He looked a little confused. I was hoping I could just go. I really didn't want to worry him though I wasn't really sure why. I mean I was just going for a visit and...

"Miss Honda? Why are you in such a hurry? I'm sure Hatori or Momiji won't be upset if you were only late a few minutes."

"Well actually I'm going to see Akito." Yuki paled. "Well bye." I slid passed him and was on my way. Akito was going to be so angry when I got there. He really hated it when I was late. I guess it wasn't really my fault because Yuki showed up so suddenly.

I felt sad for some reason when I should feel happy. I mean I missed Yuki and Kyo and now that he was there I didn't really want to see him. Oh mom, am I a bad person?

"You're late." Akit was outside waiting with his arms crossed and just as I suspected he wasn't too happy.

"I'm sorry. I would've been here earlier but Yuki showed up. I guess he's got a few days off and is spending the weekend at Shigure's. I suppose I should be happy to see him but for some reason it hurts you know? I'm sorry you probably don't want to hear me rambling especially after being a half hour late. I'm so..."

"You're crying again." I touched my face and sure enough there was a tear.

"No I'm not crying. I just got something in my eye. See no more tears now we can..." He hugged me and I felt my face get hot. "Um Akito..."

"Don't go home today."

"What?"

"He's just a stupid rat and it's obvious he's made you upset so don't go back."

"I couldn't possibly stay here not that I don't want to. It's just too much trouble and..."

"You're too much trouble." He let me go and looked at me. "You've no concept of time and you keep crying. What's in the basket?"

"The basket? Oh... I brought us some lunch. I thought we could eat it outside since you like it out here." I found myself smiling despite his annoyance. I guess Akito just had a way of making me feel better even if he wasn't too happy.

"It's cold outside."

"I'm sorry I thought..."

"Let's just eat." He took the basket and headed inside. I followed him. "Honestly." He seemed annoyed and I wasn't entirely sure what he was doing but I didn't ask. He grabbed something out of a drawer and opened up the back door.

"Oh I see, you're getting blankets so we won't get cold."

"That's obvious." He said coldly and I followed him out. It was kind of nice sitting outside with a cool breeze and a blanket wrapped around my shoulders. I actually felt kind of better. I guess I was just surprised to see him especially so soon.

"This is nice. Thank you, Akito." He just looked at me as he took another bite of food. He seemed to like my cooking even if he didn't say it directly. We finished and I went to make some tea. Hatori was used to me and didn't mind.

"I got a call from Shigure. I guess Yuki has returned." I felt my heart hurt and I for some reason I felt like crying again.

"I saw him on the way over." I managed a smile though I didn't really mean it. I didn't want to burden Hatori with my problems especially ones I didn't really understand.

"Did you now? I'm surprised he let you come."

"Why wouldn't he?" I didn't bother to tell him I didn't really give Yuki a chance to stop me. Oh mom, there really must be something wrong with me.

"Indeed." I pored two cups of tea.

"Want some?"

"No thank you. I believe I've something I have to do. Excuse me." Hatori left and I went back to Akito who was waiting at the small table in the living room.

"Here you go. This should warm us up." I took a seat and gave him a cup.

"Does it hurt?"

"What?"

"To see Yuki. Is that what's wrong?"

"I'm more angry then hurt which can't be right. I mean he didn't do anything wrong. I guess there is something wrong with me."

"There is something wrong with you." I looked at him. "You care too much about things that you shouldn't and you are beginning to become an annoyance."

"I'm pretty sure I always have been at least to you. You tell me that all the time."

"And you smile every single time." He narrowed his eyes and I smiled again. In a way every time he said that I felt like we were getting closer. Maybe Akito just had trouble telling people how he felt.

"I guess I'm just happy to be here." He sighed but for a second I actually saw him smile. "You know, you're a lot different then I expected."

"So are you." He said simply. In a way I was sure that was a compliment. "It's getting late."

"We should watch the sun set."

"Why?"

"Because it's really pretty." I stood and extended a hand though I wasn't sure if he'd take it. "Come on."

Akito took my hand and we went outside. It really was a nice sunset and for the first time in a little while I was really happy.

When the sun had set and the stars were out Akito led me back inside. "You can have that room." I guess he was serious about me staying.

"I could go home. I'm feeling a lot better really."

"Let him worry. It's not like you've not worried over him."

"Are you mad at me Akito?" He sure sounded like it though I wasn't sure why. Maybe he really didn't like Yuki or maybe I offended him. "It's not like I don't want to stay I just..." He grabbed my chin and I fell silent feeling my face turn red.

"You can go home and spend time with your precious family tomorrow. Tonight you're mine." He said simply.

"Okay." He did smile then only I wasn't sure what to make of it. I was about to ask and he kissed me. I'm not sure what exactly came over me but I felt really warm and I didn't want the moment to end. He pulled away and looked at me a moment. "Akito?"

"You're something else."

"Thanks I think." My face was still red.

"Go to bed."

"Right." That was it. I went in the room and shut the door. My heart was pounding so fast. Oh mom, I think I'm in love.