Fruits Basket Fan Fiction ❯ Golden Dreams ❯ I Go Out Walkin' ( Chapter 9 )

"I have an idea!" Tohru said brightly. "Let's go for a walk!"

"Are you sure you're feeling completely better?" Hatori asked. "I don't want you to pass out or anything."

"I feel wonderful!" She answered. "Oh, maybe we can take dinner with us, and we'll have a picnic!"

"If you swear you are feeling better. . . that sounds like a great idea." He replied, planting a giant kiss on her forehead.

"If you don't mind, I'll just pack what we had for lunch, I mean we didn't eat much of it."

Hatori laughed. "No, I was a bit preoccupied, again."

The couple started their journey into the wilderness, or into Shigure's back yard, whatever the case may be. Tohru was mystified at how casually Hatori's hand rested on her shoulder, or fell to her hip. Every move she made, he adjusted his touch. She recognized its delicate nature. It wasn't out of lust or desires of the flesh. It was like he couldn't get enough.

'Is it possible that he loves me, Mom?' She thought, glancing into his evergreen eyes. 'Maybe it's just that I want him to. . . I mean he really is something else.' Her inner-monolog was briefly swept away as she was over taken by an unidentifiable emotion. 'It's probably too good to be true. I really do need to get my head out of the clouds.'

"Why don't we head up to that hill?" Hatori suggested, "there appears to be a clearing on top of it."

"That sounds great!" Tohru chimed.

They climbed the slope, and settled down for their picnic. They ate in a not particularly awkward silence, dotted with spurts of casual chat. They were simply content with the company of the other other. Tohru noted that some part of Hatori made contact with her throughout the entirety of the meal. First, he ate with one of his leg outstretched, brushing hers. When she moved, he put his hand on her knee. His attentions made Tohru giddy. She sighed. 'He probably isn't even aware of what he's doing, don't jump to conclusions.' As they finished eating, the western sky revealed the sunset that painted the horizon.

"This is cheesy, isn't it?" Hatori asked smiling.

Tohru blushed. "I guess it is,"

"Oh well," he said." I like it."

Tohru giggled. "Me too."

"C'mere." He said softly.

He pulled her closer, leaving his arm on her opposite hip. She grabbed his hand and squeezed.

"Tohru, you're freezing!" He exclaimed.

"I'm fine really. . ."

"I told you when we left you should change into something warmer."

She bit her lip. "I'm sorry, I really don't feel that cold."

Hatori laughed. "You don't have to apologize. Here."

He draped his jacket around her shoulders.

"You don't have to, I mean I'm fine. . ."

He cut her off. "I know I don't have to, but I insist."

She smiled and snuggled into his chest. She hadn't realized how cold she was until she felt the warmth of his jacket. His smell overwhelmed her. She basked in his musty allure.

"Now we're really cheesy." Tohru noted.

Hatori nodded, smiled sweetly, and took her other hand. 'I don't deserve this.' He thought. He bent down and kissed the top of her head.

"I. . ." He started.

"Yes?" Tohru asked when he sighed and stared into the distance.

"I. . ." He paused again, "I just want to tell you what a wonderful time I'm having with you, Tohru." He kissed her.

"I'm having a great time too!"

"Good." He said, giving her a gently squeeze.

As the sun sunk behind the tree tops Hatori's heart was heavy. But He couldn't allow her to fall in love with Akito's puppet. 'She's too good for me.' He thought. 'Why does she want this?' His scientific mind couldn't grasp the concept. 'She should be with someone who isn't broken.' What Hatori also didn't know was that her warmth was slowly healing his scars and melting his strings.

Their return trip was tough. Hatori practically had to carry the nearly unconscious rice ball home. This is a rather difficult feat when transformation is a likely possibility. Tohru grumbled as her body met the soft comfort of her bed. Hatori turned to leave the room.

"Are you coming back?" She asked.

"Only if you want me to." He replied.

"That's a silly question."

He smiled. 'How can she accept me so completely?' "I'm going to put away our leftovers and lock up the house, I'll be in after that."

Tohru nodded and snuggled into her pillow. He pulled her pajamas out of her drawer and handed them to her before heading downstairs. When he returned he found Tohru right where he left her, pj's in hand, out cold. He laughed. Not wanting to disturb her, he carefully climbed over her sleeping form. Placing his hand on her hip he wondered, 'How can someone be so truly wonderful?' He nuzzled into her hair. He was so happy. 'How can it be? Who would have thought that it could happen. How can it be that. . .' "I love you."

His whisper was all but lost in the shadows of the night.