Fruits Basket Fan Fiction ❯ All for Love ❯ The Long Day ( Chapter 5 )

[ Y - Young Adult: Not suitable for readers under 16 ]

ALL FOR LOVE
A Fruits Basket Fanfic

Written by Miyu, Vampire Princess


AUTHOR'S NOTE:
A sequel to "Patterns". As requested by Akito, Mine spends the day with him. It is much more than she bargained for...and maybe not as bad as Ayame led her to believe. This part told from Mine's POV. Standard Disclaimer follows the story.


Part Five - The Long Day




The grandfather clock in my living room struck the hour of eleven as I opened the door to my apartment. I sigh, grateful that the day is over. I hardly notice that my door is already unlocked and that a table lamp in my living room is on. I walk back to my bedroom, shower and change, before any of this is noticed.

Or before I notice Ayame asleep on my couch.

It's an adorable sight. Ayame asleep, I mean. I almost forgot that I gave him a key to my place in exchange for the key to his apartment. I kneel beside him, one hand reaching out to move some stray pieces of hair from his face. He looks like a child sleeping on my couch. But the lines around his eyes and his pursed lips indicate worry. I lean my forehead against his, smiling as my fingers caress his cheek.

Are you worried for me Ayame? I'm flattered.

But there is very little reason to be.

Akito did not turn out to be the monster Ayame wanted me to believe he is. Although I'm certain that he has that capacity, he didn't show it to me. Not today.

I arrived at the Honke well before the appointed time. Ayame joined me as Akito has said he would. He spoke with Hatori about...well, things. The weather. The clouds in the sky. The smoke rings Hatori could make. Anything but the day ahead. He smiled his usual smile...even when Hatori and I walked away from the doctor's office. He waved, too, calling to us from the front porch.

"Take good care of her Tori-san!"

"I'm not going to be with her all day," Hatori muttered. He closed his eyes and shook his head.

I merely smiled. "He's only worried," I whispered in return. "He won't blame you if something should happen to me."

Hatori seemed surprised by my response. He looked at me from the cover of his bangs. "What has he told you?"

"I'm not sure if my answering will imply too much or not enough," I answered honestly. "But he told me enough to know that your Akito has been -- and can be -- dangerous."

"He is not to be taken lightly."

"Then I will not do so."

"Are you...worried?"

I managed to smile again. "Honestly, I'm downright scared. But we've agreed to this, Ayame and I. And Akito has asked for it." I paused in consideration. "He seemed rather ill yesterday. Is he feeling better today?"

Hatori shook his head. "If anything, it's getting worse."

We remained in silence from that point until we reached Akito's rooms. The hallways were dimly lit, dark and foreboding. All the doors were closed, no doubt locked. All but one, which opened easily after Hatori knocked and someone inside answered.

"Well, don't just stand there! Come in!"

Hatori entered the room and I followed. The room itself was lit only by open windows. What little sunlight was able to peak through the clouds outside illuminated sections of the room. I noticed a shadow stirring near one of the windows. It looked so small, even though it was tall. Only when the figure stepped from the shadows did I realize it was Akito.

"Hatori...it's about time." His voice sounded angry, even though his face looked tired. He walked towards us slowly. He looked tipsy to me, but there was no indication that he was drunk. I looked at Hatori curiously, but he kept his eyes on Akito.

"Mine is here."

"I may be feeling 'under the weather', but I can see just fine."

"I'm not questioning your ability to--"

"Just leave her here and be gone," he snapped in response. He dismissed the doctor with a wave of his hand. "I will call for you just before lunch."

"Hai," Hatori said, his voice barely above a whisper. He looked at me, giving me one last chance to back out. I merely smiled to him and nodded. It had already been agreed. For me. For Ayame. For us. This had to be seen through.

"Good morning," I said to him as Hatori closed the door.

"If you can give me ten good reasons why it's such a good morning, I'll believe you," he replied, turning to walk back into the shadows.

I opened my mouth, but no words came out. And what am I supposed to say to that! So I opted for the first thing that came to mind...which was nothing. But I was startled out of any thought as he called to me from the window.

"Well, don't just stand there. Come here and sit. Serve me breakfast."

I took a few tentative steps towards the window where he sat before bravely strolling up and sitting across from him. A small tray of food separated the two of us. It smelled of rice and fish. Two plates were laid out as well as two cups and two sets of chopsticks. I gazed up at Akito. When he didn't look at me, I began to serve the meal.

Of course, I didn't mention that I'd already eaten.

When I was finished, I sat in silence, watching the young man who appeared deep in thought. With a sudden snap of his head he looked at me, then down at his plate. If he was pleased or dissatisfied, he said nothing. Instead he picked up his chopsticks and began eating. After a moment I followed his lead, eating as much as I could without over filling myself.

"How much has Ayame discussed with you?"

I blinked, confused. "In regards to what?"

He took a bite of fish, followed by a glob of rice. "The family...secret."

"You mean his transformation?"

"Call it what you like." He paused to take another bite of breakfast. "It is a curse."

A ton of questions come to mind. Ones that I didn't think to ask Ayame. Ones that I knew he either couldn't or wouldn't answer. I dared to ask one of them now.

"Why do you consider it a curse?"

He seemed surprised by my question. "Transforming into an animal of the zodiac. Not being able to hold the person you love. No chance for a normal life. Wouldn't you define that as being a curse?"

I paused mid-bite to consider his words. "I can see where the transformation would be...odd. And not being able to hold the person you love is a tragedy. But a normal life?" I took another bite of breakfast before finishing, "I think that can be accomplished in many ways, even with the other two."

He snickered. "You are so naive. You know nothing."

I was slightly taken aback by his words. In my own defense, I replied, "I probably know more than you'd give me credit for."

"Bah!" He takes another bite of his meal. "There is no such thing as normal."

And nothing more was said on the subject.

All my questions once again went unanswered.

As we finished the meal, Akito stood and made his way over to his bed. I cleaned up the tray, placing it over by the door when he called to me, "Help me dress."

Trying not to look stunned, I made my way over to him and helped him take off his robe. I hadn't noticed before that a clean yukata and robe had been lying on the bed. Putting on my professional face, I help him with his yukata. It's not like I haven't seen other men barely dressed, but this just seemed a little awkward to me.

Without a word, he waited for me to pick up the new yukata. I held it out for him, holding the fabric by the shoulders as he slid his arms in the sleeves. He tied the tie and then waved me away. I stepped back as he put the robe on next.

Then someone knocked on the door.

"Enter!"

I watched as another young man entered the room, his face a mask of seriousness. I had not seen him before, but it was easy to tell that he was also a Sohma. He looked surprised to see me, but the surprise melted off of his face as he spoke to Akito.

"I'm sorry I'm late," he said in apology. "The second quarter numbers had to be truncated."

"Fine, fine. Sit, Kureno. We have business to discuss."

It was somewhat boring, listening to them speak about business. I feigned interest, but it was difficult. I never realized having your own business was so much work. Ayame never seemed to have troubles like these. Perhaps I should speak to him about it sometime. I've hardly been involved in the business aspect before.

Time seemed to pass quickly though as the conversation came to an end and Kureno left the room with a bow. Akito had paid me little or no mind, which allowed me to survey the room in more detail. It was beautifully decorated.

I had my eyes on one of the paintings when someone else knocked on the door. A maid stuck her head inside the room, her small voice nearly squeaking as she spoke.

"Lunch is ready, Akito-sama."

"I'll take it," I told her. She seemed confused. Well I was wearing a maid's outfit after all. But she said nothing as I took the tray from her. She smiled gratefully and closed the door on her way out.

"I'm not hungry," Akito growled as I sat the tray beside the bed where he was sitting.

"You don't have to eat it now," I said. "But it will be cold in less than an hour."

"I'm not hungry."

"You should still eat something, considering your illness."

Another snicker. "Eating will not cure my illness."

"I'm aware of that, but you should still--"

"Stop that! You know nothing!"

I did stop...and I stared at him with wide eyes. He glared back at me, but then quickly looked away. I'm not sure if he was trying to discern something or find something else to say. In the end, he stood from the bed and walked back over to the window. He looked back at me expectantly. I quickly took the hint and carried the tray over to him.

We ate again in near silence until Akito spoke, "Has Ayame spoken to Yuki yet?"

I nodded. "I think he spoke to him briefly. Last night."

"Did he say how he was doing? Yuki, I mean."

"Yuki seemed to be in good spirits," I replied. "Although I'm unsure because I he always acts somewhat strangely around Ayame. The two have a very strained relationship." I paused, daring a look at him. "It was kind of you to grant him permission to marry."

"Phe...he practically begged. Stood right before and pleaded. Not so much with words...but with those damn eyes of his." Akito set his chopstick on his half-empty plate and sat back with a sigh. "I had to do. I had to."

"Why?"

"Just because!" His face grew red as angry boiled inside of him. He stood and walked away quickly. He paced the center of the room. "Because he actually had the courage to ask. I had to congratulate him." He clutches the sides of his head as he continued to pace. "He pleaded with those eyes. Eyes that once showed fear in front of me. Eyes that once showed me he cared for me. ME! No one else! It's her fault. All her fault!"

I stood, but stayed where I was. He looked near hysterical, his walk predatory. I opened my mouth to ask again 'why', but he continued before it was necessary.

"Tohru Honda. This is her fault. All of it. I'm losing them. Losing them all when they should be coming to me. Depending on me. Wanting me. Only I know what's best for them! ME! But no...she convinced him otherwise. Convinced them all! He no longer loves me...but he should, especially after she left him for the ox...."

I took a step forward, and my movement caught his attention. He looked at me. Right at me, with wide, frantic eyes. I froze in place, unsure of what to say, what to do. But again, it was unnecessary.

"I love him...but he doesn't see. He doesn't see. I had to grant his wish. I did it for him. Not for the silly cow he's going to marry. For him. He'll love me now. He will. He must!"

His eyes roll to the back of his head and I lunge forward to help support him as he falls forward. "He must, he must," he muttered as we walked towards the bed. I sat him on the edge them helped him under the covers. He sighed as he settled, looking at me with blank eyes.

"I'm going to nap. Wake me at two."

I don't have the chance to nod before he rolls over onto his side, his back to me, and falls asleep.

While he's resting I take a moment to reflect on what he just told me. He must really love Yuki to make this kind of a decision. It's clearly tearing him apart. Slowly eating away at him. If nothing else it's not helping his illness.

And I have to wonder, if Akito asked this favor of Ayame and I, what did he ask Yuki and his fiance?

Add it to he list of questions I may never have answered.

As he slept, I cleaned up our meal tray as well as the room. It wasn't much, so when I finished I took a book from one of the shelves and sat by the window to read. He has quite the eclectic collection of novels. History and romance. Mystery and Fantasy. The book I picked was one of Shigure's novels. I found it an interesting read, considering I'd never read any of his books before.

I'd have to make it a point to comment on it personally.

Time again, passed quickly. As the clock struck two, I rose from my spot near the window. I turned towards the bed and started walking. Then I stopped. Something didn't seem right. I'm not sure what it was or how I knew. It just seemed...wrong somehow.

"Akito?"

I called his name three times with no response in return. I finally approached the bed, calling his name again. No answer. Kneeling beside the bed I reached for his prone form to shake his shoulder.

"Akito?"

He sat up so suddenly I nearly screamed. His eyes were open, but I don't think he was awake. He started screaming, hyperventilating. One hand clutched at his chest while the other arm flailed wildly in the air. I tried to grab him, to calm him down, but all I succeeded in doing was getting myself slapped in the face.

"Akito!"

I searched the room for the phone. I kept staring between the phone and Akito as I dialed Hatori's number. When he didn't answer right away I thought he was busy. But an exasperated voice finally answered on the eighth ring.

"This is Hatori."

"Hatori, it's Mine."

"Are you all right? Is something--?"

"It's Akito," I said, somewhat panicked. "He's having some kind of attack."

"Try to calm him down. I'm coming over."

There was a dial tone in my ear before I could say anything more.

So I tried to do as Hatori had asked. But nothing I tried worked. I managed to get slapped in the face twice more and knocked on my butt more than anything. When Hatori finally showed up, I could only watch as she forced Akito back down onto the bed.

"Can you hand me the syringe in my bag?"

I nodded, fumbling through the small med bag on the floor. I handed him the first syringe I could find.

"There should be a small black bottle in the bag. It's the only one without a label."

I found that quickly and handed it to him.

"Help me hold him down so I can administer, onegai."

Again I did as told, watching with wide eyes as Akito continued to struggle between us. It took some doing, but the doctor was finally able to administer what I can only hope was a sedative to the sick man. After a few moment, Akito began to relax, settling back into a quiet sleep.

"Are you all right?"

I looked up at Hatori, confused. Oh, I must've looked a sight. And the bruises from those hand-to-face contacts were probably showing. I offer him a small smile and nod. "I'm fine. I just had some trouble getting him to calm down is all."

He looked skeptical but said nothing more than, "Let me bring some ice for those bruises."

Again I nodded, and watched him walk back out into the hallway. He returned moments later with a small bucket of ice and a clean washcloth. Placing a few ice cubes inside the cloth he bundled it up and held it up to my right cheek. I grimaced as it made contact, the cool ice stinging my burning cheek. I placed my hand over his and gave him a nod. He sat back on his heels and sighed.

"It could've been worse," he muttered as he gathered his things.

Hatori had offered to take me back to his home. He seemed positive that Akito was going to sleep through the night. The medication he administered wasn't heavy, but it was enough.

Still, I decided to stay. I'm not sure why, I just...felt that I needed to. I'm pretty sure Hatori thought I was crazy, for he checked on me every half an hour for four hours. But it gave me some time to reflect on the events of the day, and to tidy the room again without putting too much out of place.

Akito roused nearly five hours after Hatori distributed the medication to him. He seemed pretty groggy and very out of it, but he had the presence of mind not to toss the sheets off of him. He blinked at me sleepily as I turned to look at him from the window where we had eaten lunch together.

"What time is it?"

"Nearly nine. You gave everyone quite a scare, with that fit you had earlier. But Hatori saw to you. You've slept for most of the afternoon."

"My fits are nothing new," he admitted. "Why are you still here?"

I offer him a small smile, standing. "You asked me not to leave unless I was dismissed by you and you alone, did you not?"

He smirked, but it's weak. "I did."

"Then why should you be surprised that I'm still here?"

"I never said THAT." His voice was slightly harsh, but again weak. He continued to blink sleepily, his hand waving meekly in the air. "There's a notepad over on the table. Bring it here."

I did as he asked, along with a pen. He scribbled something on the pad. He then ripped the paper off the pad, tossing it and the pen aside. Without looking up at me, he handed me the piece of paper.

"Take this to Ayame. He'll understand."

I fought to keep the wide smile from showing on my face as he lay back down on the bed, turning on his side so his back faced me. He said nothing more as he settled under the covers once again. I took this as my dismissal.

Quietly I left the room and fumbled my way back to courtyard then to Hatori's house.

Hatori was kind enough to drive me home, although I could've taken the metro just as easily. I thanked him for his kindness and told him he would have to stop by Ayame's shop so I could repay him. He waved it off, saying he was only doing what he thought he must.

And if I wasn't mistaken, he was blushing. It was faint and hard to see in the shadows, but I'm pretty sure it was there. It caused me to smile all the more. Along with the piece of paper in my pocket.

I finger the piece of paper in my pocket and wonder how much of Akito's soul is in that piece of paper. Can he really handle 'losing' another jyuunishi? Did he feel his life was really that worthless?

I wish I could've told him...that it isn't.

"Mine?"

Startled I pull away from the couch. I smile as Ayame blinks sleepily. I'm not sure what work him up. Could my kiss have awoken him? Or did he sense I was near? He has a habit of that.

"Konbanwa," I tell him, smiling.

"How late is it?"

"Just before midnight."

He sits up, still groggy from his nap. "How...did it go?"

"Well...I made it home, didn't I," I say with as much amusement as possible. But the expression on his face is serious.

"He didn't hurt you?"

I shake my head.

"Did he say anything...demeaning?"

"A few things," I answer with a nod.

"And he didn't...try...anything?"

My smile widens. "No, Ayame. He didn't try anything. In fact, I think he may have been having an off day."

He blinks, clearly confused. "An 'off' day?"

"He seems very depressed about your brother's engagement. It's pretty much all he talked about." I pause for a moment in thought. "At least he did when he wasn't trying to insult me...or you...or anyone else in the family."

"Mine--?" I silence him with a finger over his lips.

"It's over, Ayame." My smile widens as I take a slip of paper form my pocket. I hand it to him. He looks at it questioningly before he accepts it.

"He gave his permission?"

"Hai?"

Before I can stop him, his arms wrap around me and he pulls me close. I can barely mutter his name before the smoke of his transformation surrounds us. I give a small yelp as I feel his body change, his clothes falling to the floor at my feet. As the smoke clears I realize my hands are holding on to air.

And there's a white snake draped around my neck and over my shoulders.

Giggling, I place a light kiss to the top of his scaly head. "I'm glad you're happy, Ayame."

He coils around me tighter in response, careful not to choke me.

"I don't suppose I can ask you to leave...with you in this state and all," I say, walking through the living to the hallway. "Will you stay the night with me? In my apartment?"

He hisses softly, his body coiling and uncoiling, as if hugging me. "I would love nothing more," he replies.

"And tomorrow you can call your brother."

"Yessss," he says, his tongue tickling my ear. "But firsssst...I have another idea."

"Oh really," I say feigning surprise. "And what would that be?"

>POOF<

"I want it to be a surprise," he says, standing before me completely naked as the smoke clears.

Before I can say anything else, he pulls me into the bedroom and closes the door behind me.


~TO BE CONTINUED~


DISCLAIMER:
Fruits Basket is owned by Natsuki Takaya/HAKUSENSHA - TV TOKYO - NAS - Fruba Project and licensed by FUNimation Productions, Ltd (for distribution in the USA). All copyrights go to them and not me. All characters are used here without permission. Please do not sue. I have no money, although I would be happy to give away my bills. ^_^