Chapter 9: Confessions of Love

I had been so caught up in the moment and I guess I didn't hear the door open. I didn't expect them to come really, and I definitely didn't expect a fight. Oh mom, this is awful. They keep looking at me and I'm really not sure what to say. I mean they did just walk in on... what was that exactly.

Poor Akito, he seemed upset about something. I hope he isn't mad at me for stopping him, I just really didn't want anyone to get hurt.

"Miss Honda, what's exactly going on?" Yuki's voice brought me back to the current situation. "I mean that was..."

"Pretty disgusting if you ask me. Why are we even here?"

"For once I agree with Kyo. We really should go to Shigure's and talk Miss Honda."

"I don't want to go back." It didn't feel like home anymore and I wasn't really happy there. "It doesn't feel like my home anymore."

"What the hell is that supposed to mean?"

"I'm sorry, but things can't be the way they were before. Something has... changed. I'm not really sure how to explain it but... I think it's time for a new beginning." I remembered what I had said to Akito just yesterday about New Years and I realized it was what I really wanted. I'm so stupid, I should have realized things earlier, should've expected things to change especially after graduation.

"You don't like us anymore, Miss Honda?"

"No, I love you. I've always loved all of you. You are my family after all it's just... you guys have moved on. It took me awhile but I think... I think I finally moved on too." Akito was so different but I really loved him and at the moment for some reason all I really wanted was to tell him how I felt. I know it's stupid and I'm almost certain he'll reject me but I just... I have to see him.

"With Akito? The guy is a monster!"

"Back to that again. Honestly you really know nothing about a woman's heart." Everyone jumped as Shigure appeared.

"How the hell did you get here?"

"Through the door. Honestly you boys really are clueless sometimes." He took a seat next to me and smiled. "To be honest I really didn't expect anything good to come of it but Hari called me and he told me how happy Tohru seemed and that was enough for me."

"Shigure, what on earth are you talking about?" Yuki asked and Shigure smiled.

"I'm saying that our little flower's heart has been captured by Akito."

"That's wrong even for you." Yuki looked frustrated and Kyo looked completely disgusted. I really wish they could understand. I stood.

"It's true."

"What?"

"I really love Akito. He's hard to understand sometimes but he's been really good to me. After you left I was so lost and when Akito sent a message to see me everything changed. I came here every day and I really feel like I'm starting to understand him."

"Ah, such innocence how it strikes the heart and lifts the soul." Shigure smiled and I bowed.

"I'm sorry, I really need to go talk to him. I promise I'll make you dinner tomorrow and we can talk okay?"

They didn't say anything and I wasn't sure. "Go do what you have to do Tohru and just know that we are here for you; well at least I am." Shigure smiled.

"Thank you, excuse me." I managed to smile and then I was off.

Hatori looked up when I walked in. "Have you seen Akito?"

"No, is something the matter?"

"Not exactly, Yuki and Kyo are here and well..."

"There's no need to explain." I smiled and ran back out the door. I remembered how he liked birds so I figured he'd be in the woods somewhere. What I didn't expect was to end up getting lost.

"Akito, are you out here? Akito." I called and I didn't hear a reply. Maybe coming in the woods wasn't a good idea. I mean a lot could happen in the woods and...

"Why are you out here?" I turned around and sure enough there he was with a bird perched on his hand.

"I'm sorry. I know you probably didn't want to be bothered. I was just afraid I had upset you somehow. Stupid huh? I mean you aren't really one to... I'm rambling again... oh I know I had a point."

"I doubt it." He almost smiled or maybe that was wishful thinking. He stepped closer and the bird he had flew away. "Where are Yuki and Kyo?"

"I think they are where I left them but they might have went home, well back to Shigure's. I told them I'd see them tomorrow well if they want me to... I don't think they really understand how I feel... I don't even think I..."

"How do you feel?" I guess I said more then I should but then again isn't that what I came to do in the first place? Right.

"Well, I... I love you Akito." He blinked a couple times but his expression didn't really change so I wasn't sure what he was thinking.

"What do you mean?"

"Huh?"

"Well it seems to me you love all of the stupid animals. Is that what you are talking about or did you have something else in mind?" He crossed his arms and came closer. I shivered and forced myself to keep eye contact. I was determined to tell him how I felt no matter how he reacted.

"It's not like that at all. I'm not sure how to put it but you're like a breath of fresh of fresh air. When I'm around you my heart starts pounding and I'm not sure what to say which is probably why I talk so much." My hand was shaking but I reached out and brushed his bangs from his face. He really was handsome.

"Is that right?"

"Uh huh... well that's all I really came out to say so I guess I'll be heading back now. I guess it'd help if I knew where I was going. This place is so big, it's like a...." He kissed me and pushed me back against a tree. My heart was pounding so fast I thought it might fall out of my chest. That would be pretty bad. I gently pushed him back with my hand. "I was hoping, if it's not to much to ask, if you feel the same?"

"Do you really need an answer?"

"Yes."

"Yes, I suppose I do." I kissed him and smiled the biggest smile that I could. I was so happy.

"Hey Akito, could you come with me to Shigure's tomorrow?"

"Why would I want to be anywhere near those stupid...?"

"Because it'd mean a lot to me if you did. I know things won't be easy but I'd really like it if we could all get along."

"That's never going to happen."

"But it couldn't hurt to try." He didn't seem to agree.

"I'll go but you're staying with me from now on."

"But...."

"That wasn't a question."

"Okay." I didn't mind. In truth I really wanted to stay but I had to wonder how Shigure would take the news. I hope he wouldn't mind. "Well then let's go back."

"Fine." He took my hand. I followed him wondering what tomorrow would bring.