Fruits Basket Fan Fiction ❯ Everything ❯ Dragon's Mistake. ( Chapter 3 )
[ T - Teen: Not suitable for readers under 13 ]
By: HeartlessChild 
Anime/Manga: Fruits Basket Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Angst / Romance | Type: Continuation | Uploaded On: 09.19.2004 | Pages: 8 | Words: 5.7K | Visits: 957 | Status: Completed
Anime/Manga: Fruits Basket Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Angst / Romance | Type: Continuation | Uploaded On: 09.19.2004 | Pages: 8 | Words: 5.7K | Visits: 957 | Status: Completed
AN: Hm, I really have nothing to say except thank you for the kind reviews! Oh and a couple of people in reviews and emails mentioned Akito's ::cough:: condition, I wanted to thank them for their concern and informing me, but I'm such an impatient person at heart that I've already seen the manga scanlations for chapter 97 and the fan translations the I knew exactly who Akito was. I was disappointed but even so... I've decided to just keep following the anime version ::wink:: What do people who've found out the new twist, think of it?
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Chapter Three
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Previously...
For a brief moment, his eyes locked with another pair of emerald orbs. Exactly like hers... He observed the little boy in her arms momentarily, before offering him a wolfish smile no-one but he and the child saw. Akito grinned inwardly as the child winced and tore his eyes away, burying his face once more into the crook of his mother's shoulder.
What a sweet, endearing child, he thought idly, smirking to himself as he made his excuses and left their tiny group. He knew that this coming week was going to hold many new adventures; not only for himself, but for the rest of the Jyuunishi as well. And he simply couldn't wait.
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Tohru slowly looked up at the ominously built villa.
The elaborate roof top spread upwards and outwards like the wings of a dark angel, blanketing the walls of the villa underneath dark shadows of rustic beams and patterns. She shivered. They had been informed that the private villa inside the Sohma compound would be theirs to come and go as they please, but that the main house at the center of the estate was off limits until further notice.
She wondered why; it was strange that a family would be so overly protective. People who were that way, usually had something to hide. But what was the Sohma family hiding? They were truly a well-to-do family, judging from the enormous land the estate was built upon, so they must have a dark secret hidden somewhere within the wealth they had acquired. What other reason could exist for their neurotic privacy?
It seemed like a small town was living behind the gates, and there were more houses outside! She had been told that for miles and miles, the land that they were treading upon belonged to the Sohma family; all of it. She was astounded by the sheer magnitude of it all. What seemed even worse, was the fact that only close family members seemed to live inside the gates.
If that was the case, she felt terribly awkward for intruding upon their privacy; she could distinctly sense people's eyes watching them as they strolled through the quiet lanes that led to the villa. It felt like a ghost town; it was odd and discomforting, but her husband didn't seem to be phased at all. Either that, or he was completely oblivious to everything surrounding them.
She chanced a glance at her dashing husband, who was smiling and thanking the servant for showing them to their home for the coming week. A strange feeling at the bottom of her stomach spread upwards towards the beating organ in her chest, quickening her pulse and leaving her breathless.
She clutched the cloth of blouse that covered her heart and closed her eyes. Everything felt so familiar... But why?! As they had continued to walk along through the houses, the feeling grew like a cancerous cyst in her chest until she felt as if she would burst from the burden weighing down on her. That was the only thing she couldn't understand. It was as if her heart remembered, but her mind had forgotten. She didn't like the pain she was starting to feel. Like she had lost something long ago...
Perhaps it hadn't been a good idea to come here.
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It was their first night at the villa and already Tohru's uneasiness was beginning to subside. From the inside the villa was sparsely yet beautifully decorated, and she found herself liking the idea of the peaceful town-like estate more and more. There was much to explore, especially on the outer rim of the estate. With vast mountainous areas and idillic forests, the Sohma property was its own little paradise; it was heaven on Earth.
How could she ever have felt anxiety over such a beautiful place? It was exactly what she wanted; an escape from the hustle and bustle of Tokyo life to enjoy nature in its glorious serenity. She loved the city, but she had always been a country girl at heart.
"What do you think of the Sohma estate so far?"
She looked up from her book and watched her husband quietly as he sat on the edge of the bed beside her feet, unbuttoning his shirt and looking at her with a smiling face. A soft smile wound its way upon her lips as she reciprocated the wonderful emotion his smile gave her.
"I wasn't sure what to think of it at first, the atmosphere didn't seem particularly inviting," she replied honestly, unwilling to lie to her husband, "But I have to admit, the peace and quiet is growing on me."
Tohru watched her husband as he stood up and thoughtfully looked about the room. Toshi was asleep in the room next door, and he wouldn't be awake for hours, but she was still afraid of making too much noise. She saw his eyes drifted towards the closed shoji panels that led out to their own private back garden.
He turned back to her with a grin as he slid into the silky covers of the large bed and drew her close.
"What?" She questioned in amusement as his eyes roved over her creamy, cherry stained cheeks whilst his arms automatically wrapped themselves around her waist.
"For tomorrow, I was thinking we could go on a picnic. We'll spend the entire day exploring the Sohma land and property, how does that sound?" He murmured softly, stroking his thumbs against her sides with practised familiarity.
Tohru smiled, "It's sounds perfect."
Boldly, she moved closer and placed a gentle yet lingering kiss upon his cheek. She leaned across his toned stomach to switch off the dimly lit lamp but gasped he pulled her down with a surprising strength. "Hitoshi--" His lips found hers, silencing her gasp and protests to awakening Toshi.
Tohru closed her eyes and revelled in the deep, probing kiss, feeling a fire of passion slowly unfurl at the base of her stomach, blooming like a small rose bud into its own lustrous feeling.
She sighed, losing all coherent thought, barely noticing when her husband stretched out his arm to switch the lamp off, shrouding the room in darkness.
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A gentle chill swept across her naked body, rousing her from her deep slumber. She couldn't remember a time when she had slept so peacefully! She smiled as she felt Hitoshi's body heat emanating from behind her. His heavy arm was draped over her side and stomach as he pressed his cheek into the base of her neck. She shivered, her shoulders shaking from the sudden chill.
"Kasaan?" Toshi's muffled voice called out form behind the closed wooden door.
Tohru sighed with a smile, sitting up as she reached for her robe. She softly shook her husband awake and quickly handed him his black boxers that were crumpled on the floor beside the bed. "What is it Toshi?" She called out as soon as Hitoshi had settled himself appropriately in their bed. The intrusion of their son happened on many occasions and the couple were well versed in how to deal with the situation.
Before Tohru could blink, Toshi barrelled through the wooden door with a bright, smiling face. "What we doing today?" He asked in excitement, jumping up onto the bed between his parents.
Tohru laughed delightedly and hugged her young son, "Well," her eyes twinkled mischievously, "You're father wanted to take us on a picnic, so you better get ready quickly or you'll be left behind!"
"A picnic?!" Toshi crowed, leaping off of the bed and running out of the room as quickly as he came.
She didn't even have the chance to blink as her son rushed out again, leaving her frayed and dazed, "I've never seen him so eager to go on a picnic," she commented lightly, earning a chuckle from her husband.
"It's probably because we don't do it very often," Hitoshi interjected, standing up from the bed.
Tohru smiled and nodded, "Today is going to be a good day," she murmured to herself as Hitoshi placed a gentle kiss onto her lips, "I can just feel it."
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"So anyway, I told Mine that the fabric she used was positively fabulous, it was so light and soft, and do you know what the little darling did?" He paused dramatically, placing his palm over his forehead, "She gave the cutest little smile and bow I've ever seen! Oh 'Tori-san if you had just been there, it was adorable, you'd think that the girl lived for my wonderful, poetic compliments! Of course I am truly a magnificent being, aren't I 'Tori-san!" Ayame bellowed with laughter, slapping his old high school friend on the back in his excitement.
Hatori grumbled quietly to himself as he was jerked forward by the over-zealous man's hand. It had been a long week, what with most members of the Jyuunishi falling ill one by one. It was the time of year where they were susceptible to most viruses and colds.
It only meant that he had to take better care of himself, for fear that he too would fall ill along with the other member's of the family. But he didn't know how long he could keep up his routine, he'd lost a great deal of sleep in the past week. Ha hadn't a moment to spare with all his work during the recent months as well, especially with Akito summoning him in the middle of the night. His tiredness must have shown, because today was his day off. The only day he had taken off in the past six months.
Hatori didn't know how he had been tricked into taking a day's break by his devious childhood friend. He was far too forgiving, he thought to himself.
He looked up at the late summer sun and squinted, rubbing his temples as his friend's loud voice pounded against his sore ear drums. He sighed, shaking his head as he nursed the mug of coffee that sat temptingly before him. A steady cloud of steam danced upwards, out of the cup as it tried to reach the blue heavens above, desperately wanting to touch freedom. If only he had that kind of freedom, he reflected.
"Are you listening to me 'Tori-san?"
Hatori winced as his friend's abrasive voice sliced through his thoughts. "Yes I'm listening," he sighed. He glanced at his surroundings, letting his eyes sweep over the neatly trimmed grass and coloured flowers that had been pain-stakingly planted. This oasis of a garden, he remembered, used to be for the children of the Jyuunishi to come and play in. He had some enjoyable memories in his time at this particular area of the Sohma estate. But most of the memories were painful.
His eyes landed upon a familiar tree; Kana's tree... He had brought her here many times before the accident, but after she left... He couldn't bring himself to venture into this particular area. Only once did he come here before this day, and that was with Honda Tohru; that had been a very long time ago and she had eased the tormenting demons that clawed at his soul.
But she had left too, and he was still as cursed as the day he was born, he still harbored those demons. What had he been thinking in coming here? This place held too many memories--memories that he wished he could erase from his conscious, but knew it would be impossible.
He blinked longingly and tore his eyes away from the painful reminder, allowing them to settle upon the miniature playground that was built not too far away from the picnic bench he was sitting at. He smiled internally as his subconscious created a ghostly apparition of a young Shigure being pushed by a rather mischievous Ayame.
"How are you 'Tori-san?"
Hatori started at the serious tone his friend's voice had suddenly taken on. He looked on silently at the loud snake for a brief moment before turning away. He lifted the irresistible cigarette that was resting in his fingers, towards his lips and inhaled slowly before speaking.
"I'm fine," he replied, his voice devoid of any emotion.
"You're lying 'Tori-san, you're not fine," Ayame's melancholy stare caused Hatori to glance sharply at his friend. "What's wrong? Shigure and I are worried about you, you know."
"That's hard to believe," Hatori remarked sardonically.
"I'm hurt by 'Tori-san's callous behaviour," the snake cried, clutching his chest dramatically as he gave a wounded look at his friend. "But all joking aside," he continued seriously, "We've noticed that you seem to be working... Too hard. What is going through 'Tori-san's mind? Please tell me," Ayame placed a gentle hand on his shoulder.
From his good eye, Hatori eyed the hand suspiciously before allowing his rigid shoulders to relax. They slumped forward, causing the silver-haired man to squeeze his shoulder in comforting gesture.
"There is nothing wrong," Hatori said quietly, looking away from the probing golden eyes of his friend, "You worry too much," he stubbed out his cigarette on the table of the wooden picnic bench as he felt his friend's hand fall from his shoulder.
He was lying of course.
Everything was wrong. Everything about him was wrong... The feelings in his heart were wrong; his mind and heart were so coldly divided by the winter's snow that Hatori didn't think he could ever feel again; physically or emotionally.
He didn't know when he had started to cut himself off from the outside world, from the others, but it had gradually happened and as the years passed he become more and more reclusive and shut off from the world beyond the gates of the Honke.
He hated himself for what he could do... He began to hate his gift. He could see it in the eyes of the Jyuunishi the day he erased her memory. They despised him, but he hated himself more for what he had done. He could have refused, but he didn't. And now she was gone.
It was because of him the Jyuunishi grew more divided.
It was because of him that Yuki couldn't stand to be in the same room as his brother; it was because of him that Kyo...
"I think it's time you forgave yourself, don't you?"
The snake's quiet voice enfolded Hatori in a comforting blanket. He knew. Of course he would know how he felt. They were best friends. But if that were the case, then why hadn't he seen the egotistical snake in over three months? Hatori had no idea what the Jyuunishi did in their private lives; they only came to him when they were sick, when they needed him. It was her influence that had brought them together, and her departure that had torn them apart.
It was all his fault.
A rush of smoke filtered out of his mouth, "You and I both know that will not be possible."
There was no answer that Ayame could have given him; none. And so they sat silently together at the deserted picnic bench, watching the multi-colored flowers sway in the billowing breeze.
They sat in the comfortable silence for a few more minutes before they heard lively, chattering voices coming from beyond the wooden gates at the far side of the garden. Hatori turned his head in curiosity, unable to recognize the voices that were speaking with vivacious excitement. No one in the Sohma family was that happy... Apart from Ayame and Shigure, who would destroy a person's sanity with their idiotic mannerisms and playful banter, but these voices seemed different.
The coffee he had just sipped grew sour in his mouth as three figures walked at a leisurely pace through the open wooden gates of the private garden.
His heart flew into his mouth as the trio approached the picnic bench, their faces coming into clearer focus.
This couldn't be happening. Not now...
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Tohru strolled slowly beside her husband as he led her by the arm to a remote part of the Sohma estate. At least, that was the explanation he had given her. They walked arm in arm through the delicately carved wooden gates, the picnic basket in her free hand and Toshi holding her husband's other free hand.
"Oh," Hitoshi said aloud as he looked ahead, "I was sure that this picnic area would be free."
Tohru looked towards the horizon, her eyes settling on two men in the distance that sat at the quaint picnic bench. She noticed a small playground off to the side and knew this would be a perfect place for them to set up their little picnic. But she didn't want to intrude upon the two men, both seemed quite comfortable in their current position.
"Maybe they'll leave," she suggested hopefully, "Or maybe we could just share the bench, it looks quite large for all of us."
"Hn," her husband voiced thoughtfully.
"Kasaan, silver!"
Tohru looked at her son as he pointed towards one of the men. She could see them quite clearly now. The man her son had pointed to was--beautiful. His flowing silver hair was so exotic and his golden eyes were simply mesmerizing. He seemed a little shocked when he looked at her, his eyes widening to an unimaginable circumference.
It was the same for the other man, she noted as she directed her eyes towards him. He seemed doubly shocked. A strange chill seeped into the marrow of her bones as she looked at him. He resembled her husband, which was odd, but it was his intense stare that made her skin itch. She wanted to leave...
Why on Earth was he giving her that look? Was she really that shocking to look at? In all honesty, she thought she was quite plain. She shivered for the umpteenth time and tore her eyes away from the man's tremulous gaze. So familiar...
"Cold?" Hitoshi questioned, his eyes glowing with concern.
She shook her head and plastered a fake smile upon her face. Suddenly, Toshi pulled his hand from his father's grasp and ran towards the two men. Tohru cried out in alarm, but let him run towards the strangers. She knew that her son was easily swayed by colorful objects and the red jacket the golden-eyed man was wearing, was no exception. She sighed in allowed her husband to direct them towards the occupied picnic bench.
They reached the table moments later, and Tohru could feel both men's eyes on her. She looked everywhere except their faces. They were making her rather uncomfortable. From the corner of her eye, she noted that Toshi had situated himself upon the silver-haired man's lap. He was smiling and tugging playfully at the silver locks.
The adorable picture this presented, melted away her awkwardness. She forced herself to look at the men and offer a bright smile. After all, her mother said it was rude to greet strangers inappropriately.
"I'm sorry for the intrusion," her husband said apologetically, "I thought that this garden would be free, but it seems that I was mistaken."
There was a moment of silence before the man in the red jacket blinked and waved his hand in a dismissive manner, "It's no problem at all!" He cried loudly, patting the Toshi on the head as the young boy continued to play with his long, unbound tresses. "My name is Sohma Ayame and this is my cousin, Sohma Hatori," he gestured toward the silent man sitting beside him before pointing to the opposite, empty bench. "Please do take a seat, we've never had strangers come into the Honke before, have we 'Tori-san?"
"No," the man named Hatori replied quietly, "We haven't."
Tohru gave her husband an apprehensive glance. He smiled at her reassuringly as he sat down on the bench, pulling her down next to him. She set the packed picnic basket onto the ground by her feet, settling down.
As she sat down, she soon found herself face to face with the quiet man that resembled her husband minutely. Their eyes met for one brief second, but in that second Tohru felt the ground beneath her feet melt away. Did she know him from somewhere? Perhaps she bumped into him a long time ago and just couldn't remember.
""Well, we were invited by the head of your family to stay here," Hitoshi continued, unaware of his wife's rigid posture.
The two men sent suspicious, side-long glances at one another.
"Indeed," Ayame muttered, winking at her playfully. She jumped, looking away and blushing profusely.
It was at times like these that she wished her husband would be more intuitive towards her discomfort. Surprisingly, it was the strange man with the hazel green eyes that noticed her uncomfortable state.
"I must say," Ayame exclaimed loudly, whilst gently stroking her son's hair, "Who is this charming little boy? Are you a Sohma too?" He asked playfully, directing the question at Toshi, who smiled proudly as he clutched the man's silver hair in his tiny fists.
"No, I'm Toshi, Takagawa Toshi! That," he said pointing, "Is my 'Tousan, and the pretty woman you were asking me about before, is my Kasaan!"
Tohru blushed to the roots of her hair. Ayame's infectious laughter caused her to relax slightly and smile.
"Why don't you go play on the swings for a while, Toshi-kun?"
"Swings!" Her son's excitement couldn't be contained as he jumped out of the older man's lap.
Tohru looked at Ayame and her son as they spoke together with great ease. It softened her heart to see such a loving interaction that she could help but forget the intense feelings roiling inside of her, to bask in the beautiful moment.
Toshi looked at her with pleading emerald eyes, "Can I play on them Kasaan? Please?" She found she couldn't refuse.
She smiled again, "You can go on them Toshi, but be careful," she said seriously, tilting her head as she kept a careful eye on Toshi as he rushed towards the playground and settling himself on the swings, slowly starting to sway back and forth. She'd always been frightened he would get hurt... Today was no exception.
"He'll be fine," her husband's calm voice acted like a soothing balm against the heat of her emotions. She looked at him gratefully and was about to respond when a ringing sound startled her.
She looked at him in confusion, momentarily forgetting the two men sitting across from her. All her thoughts were focused on her husband, so she barely noticed the intense stares she was receiving from them.
"What is it?" She asked softly, eyeing him as he pulled his black cell phone from his pocket. He motioned for her to remain seated as he got up to speak to the person on the other end.
It was probably work related, she thought in disappointment.
"So, what is your name Takagawa-san?" Ayame asked her.
Tohru tuned back to see his golden eyes boring into her. She risked a glance at the other man and saw that he too was focused on her. She shifted awkwardly, "My name is Tohru."
"Ah Tohru," the snake repeated knowingly, elbowing the quiet man beside him, "Tell me, did you know a Sohma Yuki?"
She looked at the older man in wonder, "Yes I did, how did you know?"
"He's my brother you see," Ayame whispered conspiratorially, leaning closer towards her from across the table.
Tohru gasped in delight, "Really? I never knew Sohma-san had a brother! It's a pleasure to meet you," she bowed her head at the man in respect but blinked in surprise as he reached out to clasp her hand. It happened so suddenly that she didn't know how to react.
He squeezed it softly, sending a tingle shooting through her entire arm, "No," he replied, "It's an honor to meet such a beauty as you."
"W-well I--" She stammered, wanting to pull her hand away. A man had never been so forward with her before, especially such a handsome man! She was... Well, she was embarrassed but also slightly flattered.
A cough indicated the return of her husband and in reflex, she pulled her hand away as if she had been burned by his touch. She bit her lip and looked away from his smiling, knowing, golden eyes.
"I have to go Tohru," her husband said slowly, looking down at her with a sorry expression.
Tohru knew this would happen, one time or another. He was always so busy. She stood up from the bench, picking up the picnic basket with her, "It's all right Hitoshi, we can come back another day. It looks like we were interrupting these gentlemen anyway."
She was about to call out to her son when she felt her husband's hand on come to rest on her shoulder. Tohru glanced at him quizzically.
"You should stay and enjoy the day with Toshi, I might be a while and I don't want you to be stuck indoors all afternoon."
Tohru was about to protest, but knew that she would not be victorious in this little debate, "All right," she consented, "But make sure you eat something," she commented with a worried tone.
"I will," he promised, turning to the two men, "Ayame-san, Hatori-san, please take care of my wife while I'm gone," he knew that Tohru would be in good hands with the two older men. The Sohmas were a well-respected family.
"We will!" Ayame cried enthusiastically.
She didn't want her husband to leave, she wanted to follow him out of the wooden gates, with Toshi in two but she knew he wanted her to relax. And she couldn't do it locked inside a house all day. Staying with these two contrasting men was going to be a challenge, she could feel it in the marrow of her bones. What exactly had she landed herself in?
"Tell me Takagawa-san," Ayame's serious voice caused her to look at him in concern, "Are you happy?"
Tohru gaped at him, sending him an odd look which was returned with a playful smile and wink. She burst out laughing, covering her mouth to stifle the giggles.
He gave her a confused look. Perhaps his question had been serious after all?
"I'm sorry, it's just that I'm just a little surprised to find that you are nothing like your brother," her laughter subsided and she smiled, slowly beginning to feel comfortable in the presence of the two men, "To answer your question... I am happy, so very happy."
She didn't know why he had asked her that question, but she was glad she could tell someone. How could she not be happy? She was the luckiest woman in the entire world!
Her eyes locked once more with the stoic, dark-haired man she had all but forgotten about. He was so quiet and mysterious, just like Yuki had been. But the intense air about him was stifling rather than lulling; so very different to Yuki's.
She saw his eyes flash as she answered the strange question, earning a small but satisfied smile from the silent man. Tohru couldn't help but smile back, allowing a small blush to stain her creamy cheeks.
"Are you happy?" She returned the question and caught the sad demeanor before he blinked and clapped.
"Oh 'Tori-san, hasn't she just turned out the be the most perfect woman?!" His suddenly loud voice startled her and her eyebrows dipped in confusion.
"Ayame," Hatori said threateningly, "Stop flirting with her."
"'Tori-san I'm hurt! I would never seduce a married woman," Ayame's voice grew husky as his eyes travelled across the curves of her body.
Tohru laughed nervously, unsure as to how she would reply to that remark. He was being so silly for someone who seemed older than her. No matter how handsome he looked!
"You would and you know it," the dark-haired man countered, his eyes glinting win an unfathomable emotion, "And besides, you're scaring Honda-kun," he pointed out. At the last minute, Hatori noticed the slip of his tongue and cursed himself for his stupidity.
Honda-kun. He had called her Honda-kun... With such familiarity.
She froze.
Ayame grew still, looking like a deer trapped in head lights as his eyes dared to watch her reaction. His friend seemed even more afraid to look in her direction.
Tohru felt a strange tug of remembrance in her heart. She looked at the two men, blinking slowly. Something wasn't quite right...
"How did you know that was my maiden name?" She whispered, looking fearfully at the dark-haired man.
She was afraid of what his answer would be.
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Chapter Three
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Previously...
For a brief moment, his eyes locked with another pair of emerald orbs. Exactly like hers... He observed the little boy in her arms momentarily, before offering him a wolfish smile no-one but he and the child saw. Akito grinned inwardly as the child winced and tore his eyes away, burying his face once more into the crook of his mother's shoulder.
What a sweet, endearing child, he thought idly, smirking to himself as he made his excuses and left their tiny group. He knew that this coming week was going to hold many new adventures; not only for himself, but for the rest of the Jyuunishi as well. And he simply couldn't wait.
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Tohru slowly looked up at the ominously built villa.
The elaborate roof top spread upwards and outwards like the wings of a dark angel, blanketing the walls of the villa underneath dark shadows of rustic beams and patterns. She shivered. They had been informed that the private villa inside the Sohma compound would be theirs to come and go as they please, but that the main house at the center of the estate was off limits until further notice.
She wondered why; it was strange that a family would be so overly protective. People who were that way, usually had something to hide. But what was the Sohma family hiding? They were truly a well-to-do family, judging from the enormous land the estate was built upon, so they must have a dark secret hidden somewhere within the wealth they had acquired. What other reason could exist for their neurotic privacy?
It seemed like a small town was living behind the gates, and there were more houses outside! She had been told that for miles and miles, the land that they were treading upon belonged to the Sohma family; all of it. She was astounded by the sheer magnitude of it all. What seemed even worse, was the fact that only close family members seemed to live inside the gates.
If that was the case, she felt terribly awkward for intruding upon their privacy; she could distinctly sense people's eyes watching them as they strolled through the quiet lanes that led to the villa. It felt like a ghost town; it was odd and discomforting, but her husband didn't seem to be phased at all. Either that, or he was completely oblivious to everything surrounding them.
She chanced a glance at her dashing husband, who was smiling and thanking the servant for showing them to their home for the coming week. A strange feeling at the bottom of her stomach spread upwards towards the beating organ in her chest, quickening her pulse and leaving her breathless.
She clutched the cloth of blouse that covered her heart and closed her eyes. Everything felt so familiar... But why?! As they had continued to walk along through the houses, the feeling grew like a cancerous cyst in her chest until she felt as if she would burst from the burden weighing down on her. That was the only thing she couldn't understand. It was as if her heart remembered, but her mind had forgotten. She didn't like the pain she was starting to feel. Like she had lost something long ago...
Perhaps it hadn't been a good idea to come here.
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It was their first night at the villa and already Tohru's uneasiness was beginning to subside. From the inside the villa was sparsely yet beautifully decorated, and she found herself liking the idea of the peaceful town-like estate more and more. There was much to explore, especially on the outer rim of the estate. With vast mountainous areas and idillic forests, the Sohma property was its own little paradise; it was heaven on Earth.
How could she ever have felt anxiety over such a beautiful place? It was exactly what she wanted; an escape from the hustle and bustle of Tokyo life to enjoy nature in its glorious serenity. She loved the city, but she had always been a country girl at heart.
"What do you think of the Sohma estate so far?"
She looked up from her book and watched her husband quietly as he sat on the edge of the bed beside her feet, unbuttoning his shirt and looking at her with a smiling face. A soft smile wound its way upon her lips as she reciprocated the wonderful emotion his smile gave her.
"I wasn't sure what to think of it at first, the atmosphere didn't seem particularly inviting," she replied honestly, unwilling to lie to her husband, "But I have to admit, the peace and quiet is growing on me."
Tohru watched her husband as he stood up and thoughtfully looked about the room. Toshi was asleep in the room next door, and he wouldn't be awake for hours, but she was still afraid of making too much noise. She saw his eyes drifted towards the closed shoji panels that led out to their own private back garden.
He turned back to her with a grin as he slid into the silky covers of the large bed and drew her close.
"What?" She questioned in amusement as his eyes roved over her creamy, cherry stained cheeks whilst his arms automatically wrapped themselves around her waist.
"For tomorrow, I was thinking we could go on a picnic. We'll spend the entire day exploring the Sohma land and property, how does that sound?" He murmured softly, stroking his thumbs against her sides with practised familiarity.
Tohru smiled, "It's sounds perfect."
Boldly, she moved closer and placed a gentle yet lingering kiss upon his cheek. She leaned across his toned stomach to switch off the dimly lit lamp but gasped he pulled her down with a surprising strength. "Hitoshi--" His lips found hers, silencing her gasp and protests to awakening Toshi.
Tohru closed her eyes and revelled in the deep, probing kiss, feeling a fire of passion slowly unfurl at the base of her stomach, blooming like a small rose bud into its own lustrous feeling.
She sighed, losing all coherent thought, barely noticing when her husband stretched out his arm to switch the lamp off, shrouding the room in darkness.
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A gentle chill swept across her naked body, rousing her from her deep slumber. She couldn't remember a time when she had slept so peacefully! She smiled as she felt Hitoshi's body heat emanating from behind her. His heavy arm was draped over her side and stomach as he pressed his cheek into the base of her neck. She shivered, her shoulders shaking from the sudden chill.
"Kasaan?" Toshi's muffled voice called out form behind the closed wooden door.
Tohru sighed with a smile, sitting up as she reached for her robe. She softly shook her husband awake and quickly handed him his black boxers that were crumpled on the floor beside the bed. "What is it Toshi?" She called out as soon as Hitoshi had settled himself appropriately in their bed. The intrusion of their son happened on many occasions and the couple were well versed in how to deal with the situation.
Before Tohru could blink, Toshi barrelled through the wooden door with a bright, smiling face. "What we doing today?" He asked in excitement, jumping up onto the bed between his parents.
Tohru laughed delightedly and hugged her young son, "Well," her eyes twinkled mischievously, "You're father wanted to take us on a picnic, so you better get ready quickly or you'll be left behind!"
"A picnic?!" Toshi crowed, leaping off of the bed and running out of the room as quickly as he came.
She didn't even have the chance to blink as her son rushed out again, leaving her frayed and dazed, "I've never seen him so eager to go on a picnic," she commented lightly, earning a chuckle from her husband.
"It's probably because we don't do it very often," Hitoshi interjected, standing up from the bed.
Tohru smiled and nodded, "Today is going to be a good day," she murmured to herself as Hitoshi placed a gentle kiss onto her lips, "I can just feel it."
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"So anyway, I told Mine that the fabric she used was positively fabulous, it was so light and soft, and do you know what the little darling did?" He paused dramatically, placing his palm over his forehead, "She gave the cutest little smile and bow I've ever seen! Oh 'Tori-san if you had just been there, it was adorable, you'd think that the girl lived for my wonderful, poetic compliments! Of course I am truly a magnificent being, aren't I 'Tori-san!" Ayame bellowed with laughter, slapping his old high school friend on the back in his excitement.
Hatori grumbled quietly to himself as he was jerked forward by the over-zealous man's hand. It had been a long week, what with most members of the Jyuunishi falling ill one by one. It was the time of year where they were susceptible to most viruses and colds.
It only meant that he had to take better care of himself, for fear that he too would fall ill along with the other member's of the family. But he didn't know how long he could keep up his routine, he'd lost a great deal of sleep in the past week. Ha hadn't a moment to spare with all his work during the recent months as well, especially with Akito summoning him in the middle of the night. His tiredness must have shown, because today was his day off. The only day he had taken off in the past six months.
Hatori didn't know how he had been tricked into taking a day's break by his devious childhood friend. He was far too forgiving, he thought to himself.
He looked up at the late summer sun and squinted, rubbing his temples as his friend's loud voice pounded against his sore ear drums. He sighed, shaking his head as he nursed the mug of coffee that sat temptingly before him. A steady cloud of steam danced upwards, out of the cup as it tried to reach the blue heavens above, desperately wanting to touch freedom. If only he had that kind of freedom, he reflected.
"Are you listening to me 'Tori-san?"
Hatori winced as his friend's abrasive voice sliced through his thoughts. "Yes I'm listening," he sighed. He glanced at his surroundings, letting his eyes sweep over the neatly trimmed grass and coloured flowers that had been pain-stakingly planted. This oasis of a garden, he remembered, used to be for the children of the Jyuunishi to come and play in. He had some enjoyable memories in his time at this particular area of the Sohma estate. But most of the memories were painful.
His eyes landed upon a familiar tree; Kana's tree... He had brought her here many times before the accident, but after she left... He couldn't bring himself to venture into this particular area. Only once did he come here before this day, and that was with Honda Tohru; that had been a very long time ago and she had eased the tormenting demons that clawed at his soul.
But she had left too, and he was still as cursed as the day he was born, he still harbored those demons. What had he been thinking in coming here? This place held too many memories--memories that he wished he could erase from his conscious, but knew it would be impossible.
He blinked longingly and tore his eyes away from the painful reminder, allowing them to settle upon the miniature playground that was built not too far away from the picnic bench he was sitting at. He smiled internally as his subconscious created a ghostly apparition of a young Shigure being pushed by a rather mischievous Ayame.
"How are you 'Tori-san?"
Hatori started at the serious tone his friend's voice had suddenly taken on. He looked on silently at the loud snake for a brief moment before turning away. He lifted the irresistible cigarette that was resting in his fingers, towards his lips and inhaled slowly before speaking.
"I'm fine," he replied, his voice devoid of any emotion.
"You're lying 'Tori-san, you're not fine," Ayame's melancholy stare caused Hatori to glance sharply at his friend. "What's wrong? Shigure and I are worried about you, you know."
"That's hard to believe," Hatori remarked sardonically.
"I'm hurt by 'Tori-san's callous behaviour," the snake cried, clutching his chest dramatically as he gave a wounded look at his friend. "But all joking aside," he continued seriously, "We've noticed that you seem to be working... Too hard. What is going through 'Tori-san's mind? Please tell me," Ayame placed a gentle hand on his shoulder.
From his good eye, Hatori eyed the hand suspiciously before allowing his rigid shoulders to relax. They slumped forward, causing the silver-haired man to squeeze his shoulder in comforting gesture.
"There is nothing wrong," Hatori said quietly, looking away from the probing golden eyes of his friend, "You worry too much," he stubbed out his cigarette on the table of the wooden picnic bench as he felt his friend's hand fall from his shoulder.
He was lying of course.
Everything was wrong. Everything about him was wrong... The feelings in his heart were wrong; his mind and heart were so coldly divided by the winter's snow that Hatori didn't think he could ever feel again; physically or emotionally.
He didn't know when he had started to cut himself off from the outside world, from the others, but it had gradually happened and as the years passed he become more and more reclusive and shut off from the world beyond the gates of the Honke.
He hated himself for what he could do... He began to hate his gift. He could see it in the eyes of the Jyuunishi the day he erased her memory. They despised him, but he hated himself more for what he had done. He could have refused, but he didn't. And now she was gone.
It was because of him the Jyuunishi grew more divided.
It was because of him that Yuki couldn't stand to be in the same room as his brother; it was because of him that Kyo...
"I think it's time you forgave yourself, don't you?"
The snake's quiet voice enfolded Hatori in a comforting blanket. He knew. Of course he would know how he felt. They were best friends. But if that were the case, then why hadn't he seen the egotistical snake in over three months? Hatori had no idea what the Jyuunishi did in their private lives; they only came to him when they were sick, when they needed him. It was her influence that had brought them together, and her departure that had torn them apart.
It was all his fault.
A rush of smoke filtered out of his mouth, "You and I both know that will not be possible."
There was no answer that Ayame could have given him; none. And so they sat silently together at the deserted picnic bench, watching the multi-colored flowers sway in the billowing breeze.
They sat in the comfortable silence for a few more minutes before they heard lively, chattering voices coming from beyond the wooden gates at the far side of the garden. Hatori turned his head in curiosity, unable to recognize the voices that were speaking with vivacious excitement. No one in the Sohma family was that happy... Apart from Ayame and Shigure, who would destroy a person's sanity with their idiotic mannerisms and playful banter, but these voices seemed different.
The coffee he had just sipped grew sour in his mouth as three figures walked at a leisurely pace through the open wooden gates of the private garden.
His heart flew into his mouth as the trio approached the picnic bench, their faces coming into clearer focus.
This couldn't be happening. Not now...
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Tohru strolled slowly beside her husband as he led her by the arm to a remote part of the Sohma estate. At least, that was the explanation he had given her. They walked arm in arm through the delicately carved wooden gates, the picnic basket in her free hand and Toshi holding her husband's other free hand.
"Oh," Hitoshi said aloud as he looked ahead, "I was sure that this picnic area would be free."
Tohru looked towards the horizon, her eyes settling on two men in the distance that sat at the quaint picnic bench. She noticed a small playground off to the side and knew this would be a perfect place for them to set up their little picnic. But she didn't want to intrude upon the two men, both seemed quite comfortable in their current position.
"Maybe they'll leave," she suggested hopefully, "Or maybe we could just share the bench, it looks quite large for all of us."
"Hn," her husband voiced thoughtfully.
"Kasaan, silver!"
Tohru looked at her son as he pointed towards one of the men. She could see them quite clearly now. The man her son had pointed to was--beautiful. His flowing silver hair was so exotic and his golden eyes were simply mesmerizing. He seemed a little shocked when he looked at her, his eyes widening to an unimaginable circumference.
It was the same for the other man, she noted as she directed her eyes towards him. He seemed doubly shocked. A strange chill seeped into the marrow of her bones as she looked at him. He resembled her husband, which was odd, but it was his intense stare that made her skin itch. She wanted to leave...
Why on Earth was he giving her that look? Was she really that shocking to look at? In all honesty, she thought she was quite plain. She shivered for the umpteenth time and tore her eyes away from the man's tremulous gaze. So familiar...
"Cold?" Hitoshi questioned, his eyes glowing with concern.
She shook her head and plastered a fake smile upon her face. Suddenly, Toshi pulled his hand from his father's grasp and ran towards the two men. Tohru cried out in alarm, but let him run towards the strangers. She knew that her son was easily swayed by colorful objects and the red jacket the golden-eyed man was wearing, was no exception. She sighed in allowed her husband to direct them towards the occupied picnic bench.
They reached the table moments later, and Tohru could feel both men's eyes on her. She looked everywhere except their faces. They were making her rather uncomfortable. From the corner of her eye, she noted that Toshi had situated himself upon the silver-haired man's lap. He was smiling and tugging playfully at the silver locks.
The adorable picture this presented, melted away her awkwardness. She forced herself to look at the men and offer a bright smile. After all, her mother said it was rude to greet strangers inappropriately.
"I'm sorry for the intrusion," her husband said apologetically, "I thought that this garden would be free, but it seems that I was mistaken."
There was a moment of silence before the man in the red jacket blinked and waved his hand in a dismissive manner, "It's no problem at all!" He cried loudly, patting the Toshi on the head as the young boy continued to play with his long, unbound tresses. "My name is Sohma Ayame and this is my cousin, Sohma Hatori," he gestured toward the silent man sitting beside him before pointing to the opposite, empty bench. "Please do take a seat, we've never had strangers come into the Honke before, have we 'Tori-san?"
"No," the man named Hatori replied quietly, "We haven't."
Tohru gave her husband an apprehensive glance. He smiled at her reassuringly as he sat down on the bench, pulling her down next to him. She set the packed picnic basket onto the ground by her feet, settling down.
As she sat down, she soon found herself face to face with the quiet man that resembled her husband minutely. Their eyes met for one brief second, but in that second Tohru felt the ground beneath her feet melt away. Did she know him from somewhere? Perhaps she bumped into him a long time ago and just couldn't remember.
""Well, we were invited by the head of your family to stay here," Hitoshi continued, unaware of his wife's rigid posture.
The two men sent suspicious, side-long glances at one another.
"Indeed," Ayame muttered, winking at her playfully. She jumped, looking away and blushing profusely.
It was at times like these that she wished her husband would be more intuitive towards her discomfort. Surprisingly, it was the strange man with the hazel green eyes that noticed her uncomfortable state.
"I must say," Ayame exclaimed loudly, whilst gently stroking her son's hair, "Who is this charming little boy? Are you a Sohma too?" He asked playfully, directing the question at Toshi, who smiled proudly as he clutched the man's silver hair in his tiny fists.
"No, I'm Toshi, Takagawa Toshi! That," he said pointing, "Is my 'Tousan, and the pretty woman you were asking me about before, is my Kasaan!"
Tohru blushed to the roots of her hair. Ayame's infectious laughter caused her to relax slightly and smile.
"Why don't you go play on the swings for a while, Toshi-kun?"
"Swings!" Her son's excitement couldn't be contained as he jumped out of the older man's lap.
Tohru looked at Ayame and her son as they spoke together with great ease. It softened her heart to see such a loving interaction that she could help but forget the intense feelings roiling inside of her, to bask in the beautiful moment.
Toshi looked at her with pleading emerald eyes, "Can I play on them Kasaan? Please?" She found she couldn't refuse.
She smiled again, "You can go on them Toshi, but be careful," she said seriously, tilting her head as she kept a careful eye on Toshi as he rushed towards the playground and settling himself on the swings, slowly starting to sway back and forth. She'd always been frightened he would get hurt... Today was no exception.
"He'll be fine," her husband's calm voice acted like a soothing balm against the heat of her emotions. She looked at him gratefully and was about to respond when a ringing sound startled her.
She looked at him in confusion, momentarily forgetting the two men sitting across from her. All her thoughts were focused on her husband, so she barely noticed the intense stares she was receiving from them.
"What is it?" She asked softly, eyeing him as he pulled his black cell phone from his pocket. He motioned for her to remain seated as he got up to speak to the person on the other end.
It was probably work related, she thought in disappointment.
"So, what is your name Takagawa-san?" Ayame asked her.
Tohru tuned back to see his golden eyes boring into her. She risked a glance at the other man and saw that he too was focused on her. She shifted awkwardly, "My name is Tohru."
"Ah Tohru," the snake repeated knowingly, elbowing the quiet man beside him, "Tell me, did you know a Sohma Yuki?"
She looked at the older man in wonder, "Yes I did, how did you know?"
"He's my brother you see," Ayame whispered conspiratorially, leaning closer towards her from across the table.
Tohru gasped in delight, "Really? I never knew Sohma-san had a brother! It's a pleasure to meet you," she bowed her head at the man in respect but blinked in surprise as he reached out to clasp her hand. It happened so suddenly that she didn't know how to react.
He squeezed it softly, sending a tingle shooting through her entire arm, "No," he replied, "It's an honor to meet such a beauty as you."
"W-well I--" She stammered, wanting to pull her hand away. A man had never been so forward with her before, especially such a handsome man! She was... Well, she was embarrassed but also slightly flattered.
A cough indicated the return of her husband and in reflex, she pulled her hand away as if she had been burned by his touch. She bit her lip and looked away from his smiling, knowing, golden eyes.
"I have to go Tohru," her husband said slowly, looking down at her with a sorry expression.
Tohru knew this would happen, one time or another. He was always so busy. She stood up from the bench, picking up the picnic basket with her, "It's all right Hitoshi, we can come back another day. It looks like we were interrupting these gentlemen anyway."
She was about to call out to her son when she felt her husband's hand on come to rest on her shoulder. Tohru glanced at him quizzically.
"You should stay and enjoy the day with Toshi, I might be a while and I don't want you to be stuck indoors all afternoon."
Tohru was about to protest, but knew that she would not be victorious in this little debate, "All right," she consented, "But make sure you eat something," she commented with a worried tone.
"I will," he promised, turning to the two men, "Ayame-san, Hatori-san, please take care of my wife while I'm gone," he knew that Tohru would be in good hands with the two older men. The Sohmas were a well-respected family.
"We will!" Ayame cried enthusiastically.
She didn't want her husband to leave, she wanted to follow him out of the wooden gates, with Toshi in two but she knew he wanted her to relax. And she couldn't do it locked inside a house all day. Staying with these two contrasting men was going to be a challenge, she could feel it in the marrow of her bones. What exactly had she landed herself in?
"Tell me Takagawa-san," Ayame's serious voice caused her to look at him in concern, "Are you happy?"
Tohru gaped at him, sending him an odd look which was returned with a playful smile and wink. She burst out laughing, covering her mouth to stifle the giggles.
He gave her a confused look. Perhaps his question had been serious after all?
"I'm sorry, it's just that I'm just a little surprised to find that you are nothing like your brother," her laughter subsided and she smiled, slowly beginning to feel comfortable in the presence of the two men, "To answer your question... I am happy, so very happy."
She didn't know why he had asked her that question, but she was glad she could tell someone. How could she not be happy? She was the luckiest woman in the entire world!
Her eyes locked once more with the stoic, dark-haired man she had all but forgotten about. He was so quiet and mysterious, just like Yuki had been. But the intense air about him was stifling rather than lulling; so very different to Yuki's.
She saw his eyes flash as she answered the strange question, earning a small but satisfied smile from the silent man. Tohru couldn't help but smile back, allowing a small blush to stain her creamy cheeks.
"Are you happy?" She returned the question and caught the sad demeanor before he blinked and clapped.
"Oh 'Tori-san, hasn't she just turned out the be the most perfect woman?!" His suddenly loud voice startled her and her eyebrows dipped in confusion.
"Ayame," Hatori said threateningly, "Stop flirting with her."
"'Tori-san I'm hurt! I would never seduce a married woman," Ayame's voice grew husky as his eyes travelled across the curves of her body.
Tohru laughed nervously, unsure as to how she would reply to that remark. He was being so silly for someone who seemed older than her. No matter how handsome he looked!
"You would and you know it," the dark-haired man countered, his eyes glinting win an unfathomable emotion, "And besides, you're scaring Honda-kun," he pointed out. At the last minute, Hatori noticed the slip of his tongue and cursed himself for his stupidity.
Honda-kun. He had called her Honda-kun... With such familiarity.
She froze.
Ayame grew still, looking like a deer trapped in head lights as his eyes dared to watch her reaction. His friend seemed even more afraid to look in her direction.
Tohru felt a strange tug of remembrance in her heart. She looked at the two men, blinking slowly. Something wasn't quite right...
"How did you know that was my maiden name?" She whispered, looking fearfully at the dark-haired man.
She was afraid of what his answer would be.
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