Chapter 10: Plans for New Year
I don't know why I bothered to listen to her stupid request. I wanted nothing more then to kill both of them, slowly. I'd make sure they suffered for every single tear they had caused for it was more of an annoyance then they are worth. I mean what made them so wonderful? Where they not the ones that left her in the first place?
To make matters worse Tohru was doing the cooking which left me to deal with them. Oh well, I suppose I get the last laugh. It wasn't as though she were staying with them, now was it? No, she was going to live with me and if I could help it she'd never see them again. Though I doubted she'd heed such an order. She had a habit for disobedience and made it seem natural. I wasn't sure to be annoyed or pleased.
"Why the hell did she have to leave us with him?"
"Now, now Kyo. Our little flower is all grown up now. You honestly didn't think she'd stay single for the rest of her life, did you?"
"No, but the hell did she choose him when she could've... I'd have been back." Perhaps it was good I came since it gave me the opportunity to overhear the cursed cat's little confession. I had gotten something he would never have, or rather someone.
"Stupid cat, why'd he say that out loud?"
"Does it bother you Yuki?" He looked at me from across the table. I could tell he wasn't too comfortable around me but I could see the change in him since last time he came to see me. He was stronger in a way. Perhaps being out in the world had done that or perhaps it was her.
I never quite understood Tohru. She seemed so stupid, easy to fool yet she had surprised me. She said things that though annoying were true. She may genuinely smile infrequently but every tear, every touch, and awkward silence had their own meetings. It was as I expected she had no magic, at least not in the literal sense. What she had was something real, ordinary, and yet extraordinarily strong. I scarcely understand it.
"I wouldn't expect you to understand." He said simply looking at me in the eyes. Part of me was amused by this Yuki and the other part of me wished to throw him to the floor.
"Do you think me incapable of feeling, Yuki? Are you angry with me? I'm curious to know considering that none of this would have happened had you stayed with her." I smiled, amused at his face. He looked as though he might cry, if he is still capable of doing so. "Well, Yuki?"
"I had no intention of hurting Miss Honda, unlike some. I just needed freedom from the Sohma's. I just wanted to feel...?"
"Normal? You'll never be normal. You'll always be a cursed rat. I would think that by now such a fact would be accepted."
"Akito." I looked up at Tohru who was frowning at me. "I did this in hopes that we could all get along. Can't we at least try?"
"No." Yuki and I said at once. At least he saw things as they were.
She smiled, "Well I suppose that's it then. Would you like something to drink?"
"Tea would be nice, Miss Honda."
"Okay, Akito?" She was was close enough. I pulled her down and kissed her lips and in return her face turned crimson and Yuki looked completely at a loss. I suppose I enjoyed that look, for it was well deserved. I suppose being with Tohru had other advantages namely holding it over Yuki and Kyo. They really made it much to simple, even after all that's changed.
"I don't need anything." I smiled and she shivered.
"Somehow I get the feeling you're up to something, Akito. I hope you aren't mad about something. Did I..."
"The water is boiled." The tea was already in preparation and the kettle was screaming.
"Oh no, the tea!" She ran into the kitchen and I shook my head.
"What a fool."
"Don't talk about Miss Honda that way. She's just...."
"Oh hot, hot..." I heard a crash and beat Yuki to the kitchen. She had burned her hand. Naturally she was so concerned with the situation in the walkway she neglected grabbing the hot dish holders. I sighed and turned on the water. "But the water is on the floor and..."
"I'll get it Miss Honda." Kyo had decided to come in at the time, as if the situation wasn't bad enough.
"What the hell is going on?"
"Sorry to worry you. I was just..."
"Not thinking strait yet again." I scolded and held a damp cloth over the burn. I filled the tea kettle and put it on the stove.
"You really don't have to." Tohru said in her usual tone. I didn't bother to reply and she just smiled. "At any rate, dinner is almost done. Yuki, Kyo, if it's not too much trouble could you set the table?"
"Fine." Kyo and Yuki reached for the cupboard at once and bumped into each other. "What gives ya damn rat?"
"It was an accident, you stupid cat."
"Don't call me stupid."
"Then don't act stupid, stupid." Kyo looked ready to hit Yuki. Interesting, I wondered if they were always like that.
"You guys violence isn't such a good idea. I mean last time you go in a fight..." She fell silent as Yuki sent Kyo flying through the window. It was amusing to say the least and explained Shigure's high maintenance bills two years ago.
"Not my house. Can't you two ever just get along. Ah. Tohru, when is dinner ready?"
"A few minutes. Do you think Kyo is okay?"
"I'm sure he's fine. Let me get the plates." Yuki grabbed what he needed and headed into the other room.
"Did you tell them yet?"
"No, I was thinking about telling them at dinner. I was hoping everyone would be getting along but I guess that isn't going to happen huh?" She smiled up at me but I could see the concern in her eyes. She had forgiven them just as I expected but surely she didn't expect me to do the same.
"You should have expected it, Tohru." I told her simply and in response she kissed my cheek.
"Thanks for coming anyway. I really appreciated it. Can you get the tea? It's ready now." She grabbed hot dish holders and grabbed a pan of fish something or other. I didn't really care what it was. She cooked well and that was what really mattered. I got the tea and took followed her into the other room where Kyo had found his way too, already.
"Ah my little flower is all grown up and in love. It's just so... to put it into words would just..."
"Will you shut up?" Yuki and Kyo said at once and then glared at each other. Apparently the only thing they agreed on was Tohru. Too bad their opinion wasn't going to matter anymore. I felt a smile.
"Please enjoy. I made everyone's favorites... well except yours Akito. I tried to take a guess but I'm sorry if I didn't get it right... I just..."
"Just sit down."
"Right." She took a seat next to me and everyone grabbed some food. "Do you like it?"
"It's okay, I guess. It'd be better if that damn Akito wasn't sitting here." I looked up at the cursed cat who'd have never said something so foolishly before.
"Who are you to tell me what to do? Do you like getting punished? Is that it? I assure you I can..."
"I'm moving in with Akito." Tohru cut me off and though annoyed at first, seeing their reactions was worth it.
"Miss Honda you can't."
"Are you crazy?"
"When's the wedding?" Shigure asked and I kicked him under the table. What an idiot.
"I'm happy with Akito and it's not like I won't visit. I mean you guys are home so rarely and Shigure is busy... I really like the company and...."
"Why don't you just come to the dojo. I'm sure master wouldn't mind and you could clear your head."
"For once I agree with Kyo." Yuki said.
"Absolutely not. I don't want to trouble anyone and besides I've made up my mind. I just wish... you'd support me. I know it's hard to understand and you don't like each other but..." She had ears in her eyes again. "I'm sorry, I really wanted just a nice dinner and..."
"Don't cry, Miss Honda. We're just worried about you. We want you to be happy." Kyo just nodded and after a second Tohru smiled brightly.
"Then you should visit us. I mean you guys already come on New Years right? Well why don't... well if Akito doesn't mind." I was about to tell her she was delusional and then she looked at me with those big and hopeful eyes. Why couldn't I say no?
"Fine."
"It's settled then. Now, why don't we enjoy the rest of our visit? Mom always said it's good to live in the moment."
"You always say the right things." Shigure smiled and things were quiet after that so I ate, thinking over all that had happened.
