Fruits Basket Fan Fiction ❯ Like Sand Through an Hour Glass ❯ Chaos and Confusion ( Chapter 5 )
[ X - Adult: No readers under 18. Contains Graphic Adult Themes/Extreme violence. ]
LIKE SAND THROUGH AN HOUR GLASS
A Fruits Basket Fanfic
Written by Miyu, Vampire Princess
AUTHOR'S NOTES:
You can blame Mona-chan for this one. *gives hugs* If you have an insatiable appetite for Akito, then this is the story for you. And I'm going along with the revelations made in Chapter 97 and 98 of the manga. But this story is sure to have it all (at least at some point). Each chapter will be marked appropriately.
There's more Akito in this chapter, and Hatori and Shigure try to figure out what her scheme is? And just how did Tohru react to the news of her lover's little indiscretion? It's all in this chapter. ^_^
WARNING: spoilers for later chapters in the manga and het lemon. Akito x Kureno pairing. The overall story is somewhat PWP, but it does have a plot. Really. Comments are encouraged and welcome. A standard disclaimer follows the end of the chapter.
Chapter 5 - Chaos and Confusion
Tohru's silence in the car was a great cause of concern for Hatori.
Their afternoon, and much of their respective mornings, had been filled with much love and...well...sex. Even after it was all said and done, and Hatori announced that he needed to take Tohru home, did they sneak kisses and smile secretively. It wasn't until Hatori paused for a cigarette that he remembered his personal vow. Looking at the young woman to whom he owed much, he sighed to himself.
"Tohru, do you remember, in the bathroom, when I apologized to you?"
She nodded, a smile still plastered to her face. "Hai."
"I...I never told you what I was sorry about."
The girl paused, thinking. Then she shook her head. "No, you didn't."
"Those marks...Tohru...." He was uncertain how to begin. He reached into his pocket instinctively for another cigarette. "Akito did give them to me, but...not quite in the manner you may believe."
"Oh?" The girl was genuinely curious. "Then...how did you get those scratches? Akito must've been furious!"
"Not quite. She--"
"She?" Tohru gasped, both hands over her mouth.
"Please, let me explain."
And he did.
He told her everything.
About Akito.
About Shigure.
About their morning.
To the last dirty detail.
"Oh."
Tohru had been silent ever since.
He had been hoping for more of a response, although her silence, itself, was. After he'd told her all, her expression was one of surprise, utter shock, mixed with confusion, sadness and...curiosity. It had taken a few minutes -- nearly half an hour -- for that expression to be wiped from her face, only to be replaced with a look of complete sadness. She moved about the office, finishing her duties with her usual brusque gate, but her cheeriness was gone. He'd even asked her if she was all right. She would only nod and continue doing what she had been doing before he interrupted her.
It hurt, tore at his heart, but he knew it was for the best.
He breathed in a sigh as they reached Shigure's. Pulling the car to the curb, he quickly got out and ran to Tohru's door. She was somewhat surprised, but said nothing as he opened her door for her. She remained downcast, her eyes focused on the ground, until they reached the porch where Kyo, Yuki and -- to both their surprises -- Haru were waiting.
"Welcome back," Yuki said.
"It's about time," Kyo muttered.
"I'm hungry," Haru stated.
"I'll start dinner right away," she told them, hurrying into the house.
The boys nodded, then looked back at Hatori with inquisitive eyes. The doctor stopped short of pulling out his cigarettes to regard the boys in return. He was about to ask Haru if he'd been there all day, but the boys beat him to it.
"Something happened today, didn't it?" Yuki asked.
"She's not...the same," Haru commented.
"What'cha do to her," Kyo quickly added.
Hatori raised both hands quickly, shaking his head. "Something did happen, but not to Tohru-kun."
"Then why--?" Kyo asked.
Hatori sighed. They already knew about their relationship and had not expressed any anger or upset over the fact. But how could he explain what happened today and the effect it had on Tohru...when he was oblivious to it himself? He had no desire to be beaten over it either.
"Something happened to ME earlier today," he told them, finally pulling out a cigarette. "Tohru's just upset about it."
"Oh," was the collective answer. Thankfully they didn't ask any more questions. Instead they nodded to each other and stepped inside.
At about the same time, Shigure left the house. "Ah, Ha-san! Did you have an EVENTFUL afternoon?"
The doctor shrugged, lighting his cigarette. "I've had worse."
"I noticed Tohru's not smiling like usual." Shigure lit a cigarette of his own, taking a long drag before continuing, "You told her."
"I did."
"Think this will effect your relationship?"
Hatori leaned against the porch railing, facing the yard. "I don't know."
"You're...not happy with yourself, are you?"
"Hell no." He ran a hand through his dark hair, his bangs falling to cover his eyes.
Shigure joined him along the railing. "Has Akito hit on you before?"
Hatori pulled a long drag from his smoke. "Yeah, a number of times. And before you continue, no, I've never given in. Not once."
Shigure smiled. "I didn't think so."
"So why now?"
"Eh? Nani?"
"Why was she so determined? Especially since she had you in the room?"
"Maybe she really wanted a threesome."
Hatori frowned. "Think with the head on top of your shoulders, please."
"Mou," Shigure pouted. "Ha-san really didn't like what happened this morning."
"I didn't say--!"
"AH! So Ha-san DID enjoy it!"
A look of frustration crossed Hatori's face, one hand clenching into a fist at his side. "Shigure...."
"Would it hurt if you just admit it?"
"Yes."
"Mou!"
"Shigure...we need to figure out what she's up to." A poof of smoke appeared and disappeared. "What if she goes after one of the younger ones next?"
Shigure paused, seriously considering his friend's words. "True. We'll talk about it more after dinner."
"But we still have some time now."
With a naughty grin, Shigure put one arm around his friend's shoulders. "Let me tell you about what I found when I came home this morning."
Akito screamed in delight.
Not only had she managed to lure the dragon into the game, but she had also managed to infuriate the rooster.
She had whispered it in his ear as he kissed her neck. She had no idea he would respond the way he did, although she had hoped. It was so difficult to get Kureno to take the initiative. Her pleasure was obvious as his hands tore at her clothing, his fingers roughly grasping her hips, her breasts. Teeth scrapped against her skin, followed by the soothingly rough feel of his tongue. Akito's fingers grasped his hair, holding his close, trying to pull him closer.
Her clothes were discarded, probably in serious need of repair. She'd reprimand him for that later. At present her attention was on the sensations he was causing and the uncomfortable feel of his clothing against her skin. On hand pulling his hair, the other wandered to the buttons of his shirt. They fumbled miserably as Kureno continued to lavish her with attention.
'Off,' she yelled silently. 'Get. It. OFF!'
Finally she'd had enough. Grabbing the collar of his shirt, she pulled downward. HARD. Kureno paused only a second before growling like a trapped dog. Akito went from sitting up to lying down in less than a second. The force with which Kureno used to pin her was formidable, and most uncharacteristic of her beloved bird. She smiled as he relinquished his shirt, practically throwing himself on top of her as he claimed her lips in a fiery kiss.
Kureno had no idea what was driving him more insane. The self-hatred he harbored within himself, or the growing distaste he had for Akito. He slept with her out of pity, took care of her out of guilt. There may have been some love somewhere, but he knew now -- for certain -- that it was wasted.
It was no surprise to him that she had brought Shigure into her bed. He knew they had been "lovers" for quite some time. Hatori, however, did come as a surprise. Perhaps that is what drove him over, to be the dominant in their game tonight. Sharing with one was enough. But sharing with others -- was he becoming possessive? How could that be? Especially when, more than anything, he wanted to be with another.
Maybe THAT was the reason.
Whatever it was, he couldn't stop it. Nor did he want to. Even if Akito were to beg, which he was certain she wouldn't. His hands grabbed at her breasts, squeezing them none too gently as his tongue danced over their hardened peaks. She squealed when he bit into one hardened nipple and screamed as he pulled on it until he saw fit to release it. He repeated his actions, back and forth, until he was seemingly satisfied.
Akito's body didn't want to remain still. The whole experience was tantalizing, seething pain mixed with pleasure. She didn't want it to stop, even as one of his hands thrust into her. Several digits worked her center as Kureno continued to lavish her breasts with attention. Her entire body quaked with need, his fingers drawing out her orgasm until she was certain she could see it coming. It was right there, rushing towards her.
Then...nothing.
Anger was the first thing she felt as Kureno completely pulled away. How dare he tease her! Had she made him THAT angry? But then sadness, and anxiety, set in.
'No, don't be angry,' she thought as she started to sit up.
But she was thrown on her back again as hands grasped her hips, lifting her off the futon. She blinked rapidly, harshly pulled forward as a large blunt object pierced her core. She moaned, reveling in the feel of Kureno's engorged flesh as it slid inside of her. She gasped for air as he began pounding away, slamming into her hard, before pulling out almost the whole way before slamming into her again. Over and over he did this, Akito practically keening in joy.
Her joyous yelps and needy moans only drove Kureno further into despair. He pushed any thought aside, concentrating on the particular situation at hand. His body was in control, pounding, slamming, moving to a rhythm all its own. He felt her hands move over his shoulders, his chest. Her fingernails dug into his pecs, trying to find something to hold onto. With one hand he gathered her wrists and held them tightly, pulling her hands away from him. Switching the position and angle just a bit, he pinned her hands above her head, causing Akito to scream louder in her joy.
Eventually, though, his body reached its limit. Through gritted teeth he moaned as he came inside of her, groaned as he felt her orgasm as well. He remained still afterward, his head dangling and eyes closed. It wasn't until he felt her lips on his forehead that he opened his eyes and looked at her directly. Her smile was angelic, so unlike her. He felt a small tug on his heart and wondered, not for the first time, why he had committed himself to such a creature.
"That was wonderful," she said, cupping his face in her hands. "But couldn't you have made it last a little longer?"
He wanted to shake his head. Was she ever satisfied? Even when she was in control he would be the one to get reprimanded. It didn't seem fair, but he didn't say anything to the contrary.
"You didn't give me much choice," he answered simply.
"Gomen, Kureno," she said, caressing his left cheek with her fingertips. "Did I make you angry?"
If she had not been smiling, Kureno may have answered truthfully. Sometimes she found too much pleasure in the misery of others. Carefully he extracted himself from her grasp and laid down beside her, one arm draped over her middle. "Are you sleepy? Should I call for some tea?"
She pouted. "Why won't you answer my question?"
"Because you already know the answer."
"Sou do ne?" His voice was always serious, as was his expression, but this time there was an edge too it. Akito took great satisfaction in knowing that she had ruffled his feathers, even if he wouldn't admit it. "I just want to lay here for a while." Her fingertips brushed against his abdomen, faintly touching as her hand moved upward to rest on his chest. She snuggled as close as possible, smiling as his arms came around her, to hold her. "Perhaps we can play again later."
Kureno closed his eyes, allowing himself to relax. Later it would be all her, and he wouldn't have to think about it. "Perhaps."
Akito practically purred as she cuddled up to Kureno. He always made such a wonderful pillow. And her plan was going smoothly so far. There were still a few loose ends though. She had her dog, her dragon and her bird. Her three favorites. They would listen to her. Answer her without question.
But there was the matter of the hen. The golden hen with the golden eggs. Only then would her plan be complete.
And she would see this through.
She had to. If Hatori's afternoon examination was any indication, there wasn't much time left.
"Kureno?"
His eyelids fluttered open, but he made no other move. "Hmm?"
"I want you to fetch me a little bird in the morning."
"A...bird?"
"Yes. From Shigure's house. I want you to bring me Honda Tohru."
Kureno blinked into the darkness. "Why?"
"Do I need a reason?" Akito's voice held a hint of anger.
"No," he replied, sighing inwardly. It would not do to make Akito angry. And there was no fight left in him. "You don't. But Shigure will ask--"
"And you will tell him it's none of his concern." she paused. "On second thought, bring him with you. He can wait with Hatori until our business is concluded."
He was obviously confused. "Business?"
Akito nodded. "You will do this for me."
He sighed aloud. "I will fetch her -- and Shigure -- for you after breakfast tomorrow."
Snuggling closer, she smiled into his chest. "I love you," Akito whispered, drifting to sleep.
Kureno stroked her hair, more of soothing action for him than for her. He placed a gentle kiss to her forehead, whispering, "I know."
Hatori had never been so happy when the dinner table cleared. It had been a delicious meal. Tohru's cooking never failed to impress.
But the tension at the table was cuttable with a chopstick.
The boys were worried about Tohru. That was a normal occurrence. Haru's presence was also no longer an anomaly. If what Shigure told him was true, then he'd been here the whole day. The dragon tried not to think about the other things Shigure told him.
Shigure, on the other hand, enjoyed the tension immensely, using it as a tool for his usual teasing. Thankfully he kept it aimed at the boys. If Tohru had been involved, not only would the boys have beaten him flat and bloody, Hatori would have helped.
Once the meal had been cleared and it appeared that everyone had gone separate ways, Shigure and Hatori stood on the front porch. With cigarettes in hand, they discussed the days events in seriousness. There was little clue to what Akito was up to. So many questions.
"Maybe it's because she's at her end," Shigure suggested. "You know, go out with a bang...or something like that."
"At least she'd die happy."
"How did Tohru react when she learned Akito was really a woman.?"
Hatori shrugged. "How would anyone react? She was surprised, of course." He took a long drag from his smoke. "But I think after it settled in, it helped to explain a few things...whatever those things were in her head, anyway."
"Maybe we're reading too much into her activities."
"I doubt it. Akito doesn't do anything without a reason."
"Perhaps she's losing her mind," Shigure offered.
Hatori chuckled darkly. "She lost that a long time ago."
After half an hour there were still questions, and no answers. Hatori collected Haru from Yuki's room, bidding his younger cousin a good-night in the process. The two walked down the stairs and said their good-byes to Shigure. Hatori had hoped to say good night to Tohru, but she was still in the kitchen, apparently cleaning.
"Good night, Ha-san. Haru-san. Sleep well."
"I know I will," Haru replied.
The doctor shook his head. 'I wish.'
"Hatori-san?"
He turned around, genuinely surprised that Tohru had followed them out the door. She stood expectantly at the bottom of the stairs, her hands folded in front of her. "Hai?"
"Gomen nasai," she apologized, her eyes downcast. "I...over reacted earlier."
Hatori hurried the several feet necessary to close the distance between them. Kneeling, he took both of her smaller hands in his larger one. "Tohru, it's all right. I knew you would be upset. But...I told you because I don't want any secrets between us. Do you understand?"
She nodded.
"Good." He kissed her hands, then squeezed them gently. "Now...I'll understand...if you don't want to see me anymore, Tohru."
Her eyes went wide as her head shot up to look at him. Fear swirled with a mix of uncertainty and...hope? "No! No, it's not that. It's not." She paused, fighting back the tears forming in her eyes. She squeezed his hands tightly, as if she'd never let go. "I love you, Hatori."
Standing, he smiled back. "I love you, too."
He placed a kiss on her forehead, then bid her a final good night. Before he turned to leave, his eyes met with Shigure's over the onigiri's head. His smile said that there was one crisis averted.
But they still had to deal with Akito.
~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 don't sue. No money is being made from the production of this story therefore I have no money to give you.
A Fruits Basket Fanfic
Written by Miyu, Vampire Princess
AUTHOR'S NOTES:
You can blame Mona-chan for this one. *gives hugs* If you have an insatiable appetite for Akito, then this is the story for you. And I'm going along with the revelations made in Chapter 97 and 98 of the manga. But this story is sure to have it all (at least at some point). Each chapter will be marked appropriately.
There's more Akito in this chapter, and Hatori and Shigure try to figure out what her scheme is? And just how did Tohru react to the news of her lover's little indiscretion? It's all in this chapter. ^_^
WARNING: spoilers for later chapters in the manga and het lemon. Akito x Kureno pairing. The overall story is somewhat PWP, but it does have a plot. Really. Comments are encouraged and welcome. A standard disclaimer follows the end of the chapter.
Chapter 5 - Chaos and Confusion
Tohru's silence in the car was a great cause of concern for Hatori.
Their afternoon, and much of their respective mornings, had been filled with much love and...well...sex. Even after it was all said and done, and Hatori announced that he needed to take Tohru home, did they sneak kisses and smile secretively. It wasn't until Hatori paused for a cigarette that he remembered his personal vow. Looking at the young woman to whom he owed much, he sighed to himself.
"Tohru, do you remember, in the bathroom, when I apologized to you?"
She nodded, a smile still plastered to her face. "Hai."
"I...I never told you what I was sorry about."
The girl paused, thinking. Then she shook her head. "No, you didn't."
"Those marks...Tohru...." He was uncertain how to begin. He reached into his pocket instinctively for another cigarette. "Akito did give them to me, but...not quite in the manner you may believe."
"Oh?" The girl was genuinely curious. "Then...how did you get those scratches? Akito must've been furious!"
"Not quite. She--"
"She?" Tohru gasped, both hands over her mouth.
"Please, let me explain."
And he did.
He told her everything.
About Akito.
About Shigure.
About their morning.
To the last dirty detail.
"Oh."
Tohru had been silent ever since.
He had been hoping for more of a response, although her silence, itself, was. After he'd told her all, her expression was one of surprise, utter shock, mixed with confusion, sadness and...curiosity. It had taken a few minutes -- nearly half an hour -- for that expression to be wiped from her face, only to be replaced with a look of complete sadness. She moved about the office, finishing her duties with her usual brusque gate, but her cheeriness was gone. He'd even asked her if she was all right. She would only nod and continue doing what she had been doing before he interrupted her.
It hurt, tore at his heart, but he knew it was for the best.
He breathed in a sigh as they reached Shigure's. Pulling the car to the curb, he quickly got out and ran to Tohru's door. She was somewhat surprised, but said nothing as he opened her door for her. She remained downcast, her eyes focused on the ground, until they reached the porch where Kyo, Yuki and -- to both their surprises -- Haru were waiting.
"Welcome back," Yuki said.
"It's about time," Kyo muttered.
"I'm hungry," Haru stated.
"I'll start dinner right away," she told them, hurrying into the house.
The boys nodded, then looked back at Hatori with inquisitive eyes. The doctor stopped short of pulling out his cigarettes to regard the boys in return. He was about to ask Haru if he'd been there all day, but the boys beat him to it.
"Something happened today, didn't it?" Yuki asked.
"She's not...the same," Haru commented.
"What'cha do to her," Kyo quickly added.
Hatori raised both hands quickly, shaking his head. "Something did happen, but not to Tohru-kun."
"Then why--?" Kyo asked.
Hatori sighed. They already knew about their relationship and had not expressed any anger or upset over the fact. But how could he explain what happened today and the effect it had on Tohru...when he was oblivious to it himself? He had no desire to be beaten over it either.
"Something happened to ME earlier today," he told them, finally pulling out a cigarette. "Tohru's just upset about it."
"Oh," was the collective answer. Thankfully they didn't ask any more questions. Instead they nodded to each other and stepped inside.
At about the same time, Shigure left the house. "Ah, Ha-san! Did you have an EVENTFUL afternoon?"
The doctor shrugged, lighting his cigarette. "I've had worse."
"I noticed Tohru's not smiling like usual." Shigure lit a cigarette of his own, taking a long drag before continuing, "You told her."
"I did."
"Think this will effect your relationship?"
Hatori leaned against the porch railing, facing the yard. "I don't know."
"You're...not happy with yourself, are you?"
"Hell no." He ran a hand through his dark hair, his bangs falling to cover his eyes.
Shigure joined him along the railing. "Has Akito hit on you before?"
Hatori pulled a long drag from his smoke. "Yeah, a number of times. And before you continue, no, I've never given in. Not once."
Shigure smiled. "I didn't think so."
"So why now?"
"Eh? Nani?"
"Why was she so determined? Especially since she had you in the room?"
"Maybe she really wanted a threesome."
Hatori frowned. "Think with the head on top of your shoulders, please."
"Mou," Shigure pouted. "Ha-san really didn't like what happened this morning."
"I didn't say--!"
"AH! So Ha-san DID enjoy it!"
A look of frustration crossed Hatori's face, one hand clenching into a fist at his side. "Shigure...."
"Would it hurt if you just admit it?"
"Yes."
"Mou!"
"Shigure...we need to figure out what she's up to." A poof of smoke appeared and disappeared. "What if she goes after one of the younger ones next?"
Shigure paused, seriously considering his friend's words. "True. We'll talk about it more after dinner."
"But we still have some time now."
With a naughty grin, Shigure put one arm around his friend's shoulders. "Let me tell you about what I found when I came home this morning."
Akito screamed in delight.
Not only had she managed to lure the dragon into the game, but she had also managed to infuriate the rooster.
She had whispered it in his ear as he kissed her neck. She had no idea he would respond the way he did, although she had hoped. It was so difficult to get Kureno to take the initiative. Her pleasure was obvious as his hands tore at her clothing, his fingers roughly grasping her hips, her breasts. Teeth scrapped against her skin, followed by the soothingly rough feel of his tongue. Akito's fingers grasped his hair, holding his close, trying to pull him closer.
Her clothes were discarded, probably in serious need of repair. She'd reprimand him for that later. At present her attention was on the sensations he was causing and the uncomfortable feel of his clothing against her skin. On hand pulling his hair, the other wandered to the buttons of his shirt. They fumbled miserably as Kureno continued to lavish her with attention.
'Off,' she yelled silently. 'Get. It. OFF!'
Finally she'd had enough. Grabbing the collar of his shirt, she pulled downward. HARD. Kureno paused only a second before growling like a trapped dog. Akito went from sitting up to lying down in less than a second. The force with which Kureno used to pin her was formidable, and most uncharacteristic of her beloved bird. She smiled as he relinquished his shirt, practically throwing himself on top of her as he claimed her lips in a fiery kiss.
Kureno had no idea what was driving him more insane. The self-hatred he harbored within himself, or the growing distaste he had for Akito. He slept with her out of pity, took care of her out of guilt. There may have been some love somewhere, but he knew now -- for certain -- that it was wasted.
It was no surprise to him that she had brought Shigure into her bed. He knew they had been "lovers" for quite some time. Hatori, however, did come as a surprise. Perhaps that is what drove him over, to be the dominant in their game tonight. Sharing with one was enough. But sharing with others -- was he becoming possessive? How could that be? Especially when, more than anything, he wanted to be with another.
Maybe THAT was the reason.
Whatever it was, he couldn't stop it. Nor did he want to. Even if Akito were to beg, which he was certain she wouldn't. His hands grabbed at her breasts, squeezing them none too gently as his tongue danced over their hardened peaks. She squealed when he bit into one hardened nipple and screamed as he pulled on it until he saw fit to release it. He repeated his actions, back and forth, until he was seemingly satisfied.
Akito's body didn't want to remain still. The whole experience was tantalizing, seething pain mixed with pleasure. She didn't want it to stop, even as one of his hands thrust into her. Several digits worked her center as Kureno continued to lavish her breasts with attention. Her entire body quaked with need, his fingers drawing out her orgasm until she was certain she could see it coming. It was right there, rushing towards her.
Then...nothing.
Anger was the first thing she felt as Kureno completely pulled away. How dare he tease her! Had she made him THAT angry? But then sadness, and anxiety, set in.
'No, don't be angry,' she thought as she started to sit up.
But she was thrown on her back again as hands grasped her hips, lifting her off the futon. She blinked rapidly, harshly pulled forward as a large blunt object pierced her core. She moaned, reveling in the feel of Kureno's engorged flesh as it slid inside of her. She gasped for air as he began pounding away, slamming into her hard, before pulling out almost the whole way before slamming into her again. Over and over he did this, Akito practically keening in joy.
Her joyous yelps and needy moans only drove Kureno further into despair. He pushed any thought aside, concentrating on the particular situation at hand. His body was in control, pounding, slamming, moving to a rhythm all its own. He felt her hands move over his shoulders, his chest. Her fingernails dug into his pecs, trying to find something to hold onto. With one hand he gathered her wrists and held them tightly, pulling her hands away from him. Switching the position and angle just a bit, he pinned her hands above her head, causing Akito to scream louder in her joy.
Eventually, though, his body reached its limit. Through gritted teeth he moaned as he came inside of her, groaned as he felt her orgasm as well. He remained still afterward, his head dangling and eyes closed. It wasn't until he felt her lips on his forehead that he opened his eyes and looked at her directly. Her smile was angelic, so unlike her. He felt a small tug on his heart and wondered, not for the first time, why he had committed himself to such a creature.
"That was wonderful," she said, cupping his face in her hands. "But couldn't you have made it last a little longer?"
He wanted to shake his head. Was she ever satisfied? Even when she was in control he would be the one to get reprimanded. It didn't seem fair, but he didn't say anything to the contrary.
"You didn't give me much choice," he answered simply.
"Gomen, Kureno," she said, caressing his left cheek with her fingertips. "Did I make you angry?"
If she had not been smiling, Kureno may have answered truthfully. Sometimes she found too much pleasure in the misery of others. Carefully he extracted himself from her grasp and laid down beside her, one arm draped over her middle. "Are you sleepy? Should I call for some tea?"
She pouted. "Why won't you answer my question?"
"Because you already know the answer."
"Sou do ne?" His voice was always serious, as was his expression, but this time there was an edge too it. Akito took great satisfaction in knowing that she had ruffled his feathers, even if he wouldn't admit it. "I just want to lay here for a while." Her fingertips brushed against his abdomen, faintly touching as her hand moved upward to rest on his chest. She snuggled as close as possible, smiling as his arms came around her, to hold her. "Perhaps we can play again later."
Kureno closed his eyes, allowing himself to relax. Later it would be all her, and he wouldn't have to think about it. "Perhaps."
Akito practically purred as she cuddled up to Kureno. He always made such a wonderful pillow. And her plan was going smoothly so far. There were still a few loose ends though. She had her dog, her dragon and her bird. Her three favorites. They would listen to her. Answer her without question.
But there was the matter of the hen. The golden hen with the golden eggs. Only then would her plan be complete.
And she would see this through.
She had to. If Hatori's afternoon examination was any indication, there wasn't much time left.
"Kureno?"
His eyelids fluttered open, but he made no other move. "Hmm?"
"I want you to fetch me a little bird in the morning."
"A...bird?"
"Yes. From Shigure's house. I want you to bring me Honda Tohru."
Kureno blinked into the darkness. "Why?"
"Do I need a reason?" Akito's voice held a hint of anger.
"No," he replied, sighing inwardly. It would not do to make Akito angry. And there was no fight left in him. "You don't. But Shigure will ask--"
"And you will tell him it's none of his concern." she paused. "On second thought, bring him with you. He can wait with Hatori until our business is concluded."
He was obviously confused. "Business?"
Akito nodded. "You will do this for me."
He sighed aloud. "I will fetch her -- and Shigure -- for you after breakfast tomorrow."
Snuggling closer, she smiled into his chest. "I love you," Akito whispered, drifting to sleep.
Kureno stroked her hair, more of soothing action for him than for her. He placed a gentle kiss to her forehead, whispering, "I know."
Hatori had never been so happy when the dinner table cleared. It had been a delicious meal. Tohru's cooking never failed to impress.
But the tension at the table was cuttable with a chopstick.
The boys were worried about Tohru. That was a normal occurrence. Haru's presence was also no longer an anomaly. If what Shigure told him was true, then he'd been here the whole day. The dragon tried not to think about the other things Shigure told him.
Shigure, on the other hand, enjoyed the tension immensely, using it as a tool for his usual teasing. Thankfully he kept it aimed at the boys. If Tohru had been involved, not only would the boys have beaten him flat and bloody, Hatori would have helped.
Once the meal had been cleared and it appeared that everyone had gone separate ways, Shigure and Hatori stood on the front porch. With cigarettes in hand, they discussed the days events in seriousness. There was little clue to what Akito was up to. So many questions.
"Maybe it's because she's at her end," Shigure suggested. "You know, go out with a bang...or something like that."
"At least she'd die happy."
"How did Tohru react when she learned Akito was really a woman.?"
Hatori shrugged. "How would anyone react? She was surprised, of course." He took a long drag from his smoke. "But I think after it settled in, it helped to explain a few things...whatever those things were in her head, anyway."
"Maybe we're reading too much into her activities."
"I doubt it. Akito doesn't do anything without a reason."
"Perhaps she's losing her mind," Shigure offered.
Hatori chuckled darkly. "She lost that a long time ago."
After half an hour there were still questions, and no answers. Hatori collected Haru from Yuki's room, bidding his younger cousin a good-night in the process. The two walked down the stairs and said their good-byes to Shigure. Hatori had hoped to say good night to Tohru, but she was still in the kitchen, apparently cleaning.
"Good night, Ha-san. Haru-san. Sleep well."
"I know I will," Haru replied.
The doctor shook his head. 'I wish.'
"Hatori-san?"
He turned around, genuinely surprised that Tohru had followed them out the door. She stood expectantly at the bottom of the stairs, her hands folded in front of her. "Hai?"
"Gomen nasai," she apologized, her eyes downcast. "I...over reacted earlier."
Hatori hurried the several feet necessary to close the distance between them. Kneeling, he took both of her smaller hands in his larger one. "Tohru, it's all right. I knew you would be upset. But...I told you because I don't want any secrets between us. Do you understand?"
She nodded.
"Good." He kissed her hands, then squeezed them gently. "Now...I'll understand...if you don't want to see me anymore, Tohru."
Her eyes went wide as her head shot up to look at him. Fear swirled with a mix of uncertainty and...hope? "No! No, it's not that. It's not." She paused, fighting back the tears forming in her eyes. She squeezed his hands tightly, as if she'd never let go. "I love you, Hatori."
Standing, he smiled back. "I love you, too."
He placed a kiss on her forehead, then bid her a final good night. Before he turned to leave, his eyes met with Shigure's over the onigiri's head. His smile said that there was one crisis averted.
But they still had to deal with Akito.
~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 don't sue. No money is being made from the production of this story therefore I have no money to give you.