Chapter 11: All in Good Time
I was finally home. It's so strange mom, how things can change so quickly. I mean not too long ago I thought Akito hated me and now… I'm just so happy. I realize things will be different now especially since I'm going to be living at the Sohma Estate but even so it's kind of exciting.
"Tohru." I turned to see Momiji peering in with a smile on his face. "I heard from Hari that you are going to be living here. Is that right?"
"Ahuh."
"I'm so happy. That means I'll get to see you more, but… what about Shigure and the others? Did… did something happen?" I felt my face turn red. I guess things just felt so natural I forgot that not many people knew about it. "Tohru your face is all red. Did I say something to…" He fell silent and I was about to ask but then I felt arms around me.
"You seem surprised. Is something wrong?" Despite everything Akito still has a bit of a wicked side, not that he's bad or anything, he just seems to like watching people's reactions to things.
"Um… Tohru?"
"Don't you have something to do?"
"Right, I guess I'll see you later Tohru." He waved and I sighed turning to Akito.
"You know I think if you gave them a chance you might actually be friends."
"Not likely." He wasn't the most social person and he did have a temper but somehow I didn't mind at all. It just made Akito who he was. I kissed his cheek and saw a hint of a smile but like always he kept it to himself.
"At least we'll all be together on New Years. I can't wait I'm just so happy." It would be the first time I went to the banquet and the first time I get to spend New Years with the whole Sohma family. Oh mom, I'm so excited. I think I might burst.
"I still don't understand why you like them so much. They abandoned you and only returned when they found out you were with me."
"It's different but I can't help but love them all. I mean we've spent so much time together I couldn't possibly just stop caring about them. They're my family." He was just worried about me but in all honesty, Akito had a funny way of showing his feelings.
"And what am I, Tohru?"
I felt my face turn red and saw that he was amused. "You're…. um… well I guess…" Somehow boyfriend didn't seem to fit him at all. What else was I supposed to call him? I mean he was more than a friend and… "You're special, Akito."
"It took you that long to come up with that?" I smiled and turned back to look at the trees. Despite the harshness in his voice I knew by now that he was happy. It was just a feeling. I guess when you spend a lot of time with someone you don't really need words to know how they feel though honestly I wouldn't mind them.
"How many people come to New Years? Do you think I should make New Year's cakes?"
"Let the servants do it. You do enough for those damn animals."
"Do you really hate them, Akito?" I knew I shouldn't pry but it just seemed kind of sad to hate each other so much that there was no possibility for them to be friends. I suppose that could be sad about Yuki and Kyo but despite their words they really did get along in their own way.
"What if I did? Would it upset you?"
"I suppose you have a right to. It just seems really sad. I mean you have such a large family and it'd be a shame for none of them to be your friend."
"They obey me."
"Um… I don't really think that's the same thing." I felt a blanket around my shoulders.
"You're going to catch a cold if you keep being so careless." I think if Yuki and the others so this side of Akito they might understand why I like him so much. But I doubt he'd show this side of himself to them. Oh mom, it's such a shame.
"Am I really being careless?"
"If you weren't I wouldn't bother saying it."
"I guess I'll go inside. I should probably start dinner." Akito looked ready to say something but didn't so I went in the kitchen where Hatori was making tea.
"Good evening."
"Good evening. I'm making dinner. Would you like some?"
"I wouldn't want to trouble you."
"It's no trouble at all. I really like cooking and it's always nice when someone else enjoys it. My mom always said waste not want not but maybe that doesn't apply here…"
Hatori smiled. "I'd like to thank you Tohru."
"It's no problem. Making dinner is my specialty." I told him as I cut the vegetables. Tonight I felt like fish. Well not really a fish but I certainly felt like eating some. I hope Akito didn't mind. He always seems to enjoy my cooking but I still don't know what his favorite dish is.
"I was referring to Akito."
"Huh?"
"He's happy and to be honest I never expected it. The way Akito is, well it's hard for people to understand. Not a lot of people are able to accept both the good and bad in people, but you seem to do so without a thought. It is a quality not many people have."
"Akito is angrier than most but I suppose I understand that. I mean so much was expected of him even as a child. I mean to be told you had to die for others... that had to be really hard. I imagine anyone would be angry."
"Yes I suppose they would."
"I think out of everyone Hatori you probably understand him the most." I felt my face turn red. "I don't mean to assume or anything, it just seems you've spent the most time with him and well…"
"I think I understand why he chose you. You are a very kind person, Tohru with a great deal of understanding of others."
"I wouldn't say that even I can be selfish sometimes or angry. I actually learned that just recently actually." I served the food and made Hatori a plate. Out of the whole family he seemed like a father to Akito always watching over him, and trying to protect him. It's too bad Akito didn't see it but perhaps he would in time.
"I doubt you could ever be selfish."
"Mom used to say everyone can be selfish sometimes. It's what makes us people and when it comes to the people I care about I can be very selfish." I gave him a plate. "Please excuse me." I carried the tray down the hall toward Akito's room.
I guess when it came to those I loved I always wanted them close by. I realize they have things they have to do or that fate might have different plans but I guess if I had a way of keeping everyone together I probably would. Even so I'm thankful, thankful that everyone has found their own happiness and that I even found home again.
I stepped into the room and Akito was lying on the floor. "Akito, I brought you some dinner." I set the tray on the table and crouched on the floor. He looked so peaceful. It was different then his usual expression, not that there was anything wrong with his expression… he just always seemed so tensed and guarded.
For some reason I really wanted to kiss him but I was sort of nervous. I mean he kissed me quite a few times and I did kiss his cheek but that wasn't the same. I hope he didn't mind. I wouldn't want to bother him.
"What are you doing?" I jumped back and scooted away.
"Oh my goodness, you scared me… not that you're a frightening person. I just thought you were asleep. I guess you probably were and I woke you up and I'm sorry. I guess I just… um…" He crouched in front of me and I felt my face get hotter. He really could be pretty intense sometimes.
"Tohru?"
"I guess I was just…um… well…" He waited and I covered my face. My heart was pounding so fast I could swear he could hear it. Oh mom, were you ever this nervous before? He took my hand away from my face and kissed me so easily. I guess things like that come easier to some than others. "We should probably eat soon before it gets cold and besides I have to go to work in a little while and…"
"Fine." He stepped away and I let out the breath I hadn't known I'd been holding. "Are you eating or not?"
"Right." I joined him at the table. I felt like I should say something but I wasn't sure what. Oh mom, I wish I had the right words to say or that I could express myself as easily as Akito could but it's like you said some things take time. Even so, I guess I wish I could be bold.
(A.N. Sorry it took so long. College is a little crazier then I expected. I'll update as soon as I can. Thank you for reading. Please R and R.)
