Fruits Basket Fan Fiction ❯ Strawberries and Skinny-Dipping: Hatori's Remedy ❯ Of a Knotty Tree, Crepes, and Tears ( Chapter 5 )

[ X - Adult: No readers under 18. Contains Graphic Adult Themes/Extreme violence. ]

DISCLAIMER: I don't own anything related to Fruits Basket.

Hatori's Remedy presents:

Chapter 5:Of a Knotty Tree, Crepes, and Tears

Tohru awoke from the enchantment, under the waterfall. It was as though time had stopped around them, suspended in a daze, encircling the two amorous lovebirds. She tilted her head back and gazed into Hatori's dark eyes. A single tear threatened to cascade down his cheek, but Tohru didn't notice. She was too mesmerized by his handsome, delicate (yet rugged) features. Hatori smiled a little, down at Tohru.

The sun rose to its height in the vast sky and its rays peaked over the overhanging cliff above them.

“We should get going,” Hatori said in a low, honeyed voice.

“Hai. What would you like for breakfast, Ha-san? Any special requests for the chef?”

Hatori crinkled his nose in contemplation. By all means, he loved Tohru's cooking, but he wanted to do something different. He wanted to do something fun with Tohru. She was always so busy, with the house, school, her job, and pleasing everyone. He wanted to lavish her. Something… exciting. Something unexpected from him.

“How about we go to the city and find something to eat there? At the park or something?”

Tohru was surprised but very captivated at this inquiry. “Sounds like fun.”

Hatori heart skipped a beat hearing that Tohru approved of his idea. His felt goosebumps of her skin when his arm grazed hers. Ahhhh, she's cold, his mind hummed. Holding her hand, he pulled her through the water to the dock where they had shed their clothing(Or his to be specific), being careful to make sure she stepped on the spots where he had stepped so she wouldn't step on anything jagged. He didn't want to `lose' her again. That had almost given him a heart-attack.

Tohru had just jumped in without stripping, that's why she's shivering, he deliberated. Even though she had almost drowned, she had come into the water to find him—last night and today. She was so kind. So fantastic.

No more leaving.

Hiding.

He was going let Tohru see all his sides. Even the pained ones. He could no longer hold back the feelings that rippled through his body.

She understood.

He put out his hand to support Tohru onto the dock before deftly getting up himself. He pulled the shirt and pajama pants over himself, but left off the loafers. They were still soaked from the previous nights “dive in”.

“You're shaking Tohru. You should take off your clothes and wrap the towel around yourself.”

Tohru blushed slightly at her clumsiness. “I'm sorry,” she bursted, chastising herself for not stripping (okay, not that she could have. She was naked for goodness's sake!—even though Hatori had already `seen' her)

Hatori had to get it through to her that she had nothing to be sorry about. She was always apologizing for everything. Even other people's mistakes.

“You didn't do anything wrong, Tohru.”

Tohru ran behind a tree and took off her wet blouse and wrapped her towel around her body. Her face was still burning, had he seen her naked? She was so preoccupied about him last night (with the heart-clutch and all) that she didn't “fret” over the fact that she had been naked the whole night. They had slept together naked!!!

Hatori stared in astonishment. He could take his eyes off her back as it peeked slightly behind the thin tree. The dip in her back. The low groan grew in the pit of his stomach. He wanted to trace her spine down to her…

Hatori looked away, slightly embarrassed. She was just so beautiful. In the moonlight, and now, under the gentle glow of the sun. The shadows of the pendant vines seemed to dance across her flawless skin.

She appeared from behind the tree brushing her hair behind her ear and smiled at Hatori, “Let's go now.”

Tohru's heart pattered unsteadily as they strolled into the forest onto the dirt-worn path back to the house. They arrived at the house and Hatori said, “Tohru, why don't you change into something more comfortable.”

“Hai,” she said, bowing slightly before heading up the stairs. She still talked and acted as though he was a “stranger”. She was too polite. Too formal.

Hatori went into Shigure's room and went into his suitcase to find something more “suitable” for a walk in the park. He couldn't find anything that didn't make him look ten years older, so decided to go into Shigure's closet for something. Flipping through all the yukatas, he found a thin tee black shirt with an eerie skull symbol. Where did Shigure get this? Since when did the happy-go-lucky man wear Gothic, death- symbolic shirts? It looks like he found it in Kyo's closet or something. He shook his head before settling on a green polo shirt. It seemed casual and relaxed. He went back to his own suitcase and found a pair of gray slacks (Shigure's pants would not fit him).

He gazed into the bathroom mirror and saw the reflection. He had seemed to lose some of the dark spots under his eyes that had plagued his face yesterday. Then he grabbed his wallet.

Patting his shirt to rid the wrinkles, he took a deep breath and stepped into the hallway. He called out, “Tohru?” to the empty living room. Hearing no response, he settled on the couch and waited patiently, gazing at his watch periodically. He tried to occupy himself with Friday's newspaper, but found nothing of interest.

All he had on his mind was: Tohru.

Scanning above the newspaper for the billionth time in five minutes he saw her. She was beautiful (as usual). Stunning. She put her damp hair into a low, loose ponytail with a few tendrils cascading down her shoulders. She was wearing a short-sleeve bib-top blouse. She looked super sexy in the black color that suited her well, paired with denim shorts.

Tohru flushed under the critical gaze. “I'm sorry, I should change.” Tohru had brought the blouse for a special occasion and hadn't found the perfect time, until now, but Hatori didn't seem pleased. Now, she doubted her choice. Was it inappropriate for this occasion?

A little too forcefully, Hatori said, “No. It is fine. You look, em, - - wonderful.”

Why the hestitation, you stupid dragon,now she doesn't think so. Nice going, making Tohru feel self- conscious, when she is the most attractive creature in the world, Hatori rebuked.

“Thank you, you do too.”

Tohru went to the closet and grabbed her heavy-wool knit shoulder bag and swung it over her back. It was this “bag of tricks”; she carried everything of importance in there. Hanajima had knit it for her in a dark cucumber green color for her Christmas gift—perfect to match her (Tohru's) personality—fresh, sweet, and calm. Hanajima had just taken up the hobby and was teaching Tohru, but Tohru had yet started on a project—she didn't know what to make. She opened to door and held it for Hatori.

“Thank you.”

“Sure Ha-san.”

Hatori beeped his car and sauntered over to open the passenger seat door for Tohru. Tohru jumped in eagerly and made her self comfortable in car's restful, opulent leather seating. Her nose tingled and scrunched at the scent of cigarettes. She looked at the dashboard and saw them. Those `evil killers', as her health teacher had stated in one of his tedious, monotone lectures.

Hatori saw the small twitch and said, “Sorry. I've been pretty stressed lately. I won't smoke.” He grabbed the carton and shoved it under his seat.

He was going to have to get rid of the habit. It relieved him of his stress, giving him an artificial euphoria, but now around Tohru, he didn't need them.

She was his euphoria.

The drive into the city was quiet. Tohru looked out in awe. The traffic was clear and they soon arrived at the farmer's market. Hatori thought that it would be a great place to grab a quick bite. He parked and ran over to the passenger side door.

Tohru stepped out, looking curiously at the cobble-stoned pathway lined with small shops and stands. It looked like something out of a fairytale storybook—so cozy and cute. Her movements betrayed her attempts at composure. She said, “Look at that!” pointing at a silly looking people dressed in fruit costumes. Tohru began giggling at the `dancing fruits'—an apple, orange, pear, strawberry, cherry, watermelon.

From the shouts of excitement by the crowd of children around the performers, Hatori heard phrases like, “Fruits are good” “Be healthy”—figuring out that they were advocating a healthy diet. Something that he should really try. He couldn't help but give into Tohru's giggles. He uttered a strange sound; it fluttered from the center of his stomach. Tohru looked over at the older man and beamed.

Had she just heard Hatori laugh?

She put her arms around his waist for a half-hug. He deserved it. That laugh just made her day. She had made him laugh, for goodness's sake!

Hatori responded by swinging his arm around her and planting a kiss atop her brow.

They walked into the street and began looking at the various eateries. Tohru saw a crepe shop and pointed, “How about there, if it's okay with you, Hatori?”

Arm in arm, they marched to the quaint shop. It smelled of warm honey and strawberries.

“Yum.” Tohru said, grabbing two menu's off the counter and handing one over to Hatori. Hatori didn't look at the menu. He was too busy gazing at the girl beside him. Her fingers skimming down the menu, and finally landing on:

“Fruit Basket: three small light-battered crepe each topped with one of the following mixed fresh fruits-- sliced strawberries, bananas, blueberries. Sprinkled with powdered sugar and whipped cream”.

“Does that look good?”

Hatori nodded his head and said, “Sounds good. I'll have that too.”

They stepped in line and Tohru told the cashier, “We'll have two Fruit Basket crepes please.”

Hatori added in, “To go.”

Hatori took out his credit card before Tohru could object. Tohru pouted her lips at him and he only smiled. He wasn't going to let Tohru pay. Ever.

He waited to bring their breakfast to his favorite spot in the park. It was a secret place he had come to since he was a child.

Tohru had shared her secret spot (well, actually, he came upon it), now, it was his turn.

They waited at the shop quietly and finally picked up their breakfast and Hatori said, “I have somewhere to show you.”

Tohru body went limp in anticipation. Where? Her body seemed to hum. The blood tinted her cheeks a rosy red and she nodded eagerly.

Hatori grabbed her hand whiling balancing the breakfast in his other. Her body seemed to levitate as they strutted through the crowded street, finally reaching a clearing.

The tiny street opened onto a great expanse of greenness. It was a large park right in the middle of the big city! Like a hawk, Tohru scanned across the field, large trees seemed to cover the stretch, forming a large canopy overhead, shielding everyone from the sun. It was a huge umbrella! This wasn't any boring old recreational area; it had a large playground, a mini-water fountain where children could play around in, tons of benches, barbecues, and exercise stations.

Unconsciously, Tohru's mouth had dropped open. It was so beautiful.

“Wow, Hatori, it's so beautiful,” she said breathlessly, her small hands clutching her chest.

Hatori gave a small smile down at the girl beside him. This was his refuge. It had been since he, Shigure, and Ayame had found the park when they were in middle school. When Shigure and Ayame went to chase high school girls (their hormones never seemed to really settle down, not even more than a decade later) and wolf-whistle at them. They earned surprised glares and worried looks—but it did get them the attention they had wanted. Hatori had instead found his haven.

Hidden from the outside world.

Abovelife.

This is when times were more were more lenient.

Akito was still young.

He hadn't exerted so much control. Now, however, he was the powerful, almightly God. Nothing done by the Sohmas happened without his consent. Yuki and Kyo had to `beg' Akito to go on school trips. Akito wanted everyone to serve him, to serve him at every beck and call. He was a puppet master, controlling his little silly puppets. The Sohmas. Even so weak and infirm, no one was willing to stand up to him.

Not even Hatori. Who had lost his love. His sight. His joy.

Those who had were punished. Badly.

Even after the `incident', he didn't blame Akito.

He blamed it on himself.

As Akito had said, Kana had gotten hurt because of Hatori.

Because of his stupidity.

Foolish love.

He cried for days. Weeks. Months. He still did occasionally,… until now.

Tohru.

She was everything. Nothing was going to let him down.

They jaywalked crossed the busy street, Tohru laughing at not following the traffic rules. Something as silly as this made her happy. Hatori smiled. His shield was breaking away.

Hand in hand, Hatori brought her over to his secret.

His haven.

---

Hatori brought Tohru over to a large oak tree at the center of the park. The trunk's circumference would take a few people holding hands to surround it. It was like the Tree of Knowledge from the Bible. It was all-knowing, holding all of the secrets of life. It seemed to know everything going on in the park; it was like a wise grandfather watching over his children.

It seemed quite battered up since Hatori had came upon it years ago. People had scratched in initials and hearts all over its bark. Tohru frowned faintly at people's ignorance toward nature. The tree leaned heavily toward one side, as though the omnipotent winds had blew its force. It seemed like a totally climb-able tree for anyone. One of the large branches above was parallel to the ground. It was beautiful. Nature was beautiful.

Tohru couldn't understand pollution and stupid things like that. Was it that hard to pick up a plastic bottle? To walk three feet further to the garbage can? To walk to school? Ugh, she thought.

“Tohru. Here it is. Just like you have your waterfall, this is my secret place. C'mon, let me show you,” he motioned her toward the base of the tree, “put your foot here and grab onto that branch,” pointing at a niche in the tree.

Hatori positioned himself right next to her and moved her hand onto his broad shoulder as a support to help her onto the tree. “Do you see that intersection of the branches at the top?” she nodded, “Try to get there. I'll help you, Tohru.”

She obeyed him and helped herself up, Hatori right behind her. Every time she wobbled a bit, his comforting hand was at her waist. It felt great. She reached the top, and said, “Where to now, Ha-san?”

“That big branch over there,” pointing to the left, “that's where we're going to sit.”

“But—but—there is no room, the leaves are too close around the branch, and----”

Hatori put his arms around her waist as they stood at a stable stop at the junction of a few branches, her bottom backing into between his thighs. Watch me, he grinned.

One hand held her as the other maneuvered over to the canopy and lifted the thin branches. “Look at how harmless these branches are.”

Tohru laughed her fear away. Here she was with her favorite person in the world. There was nothing to be afraid of, not even at this height. She trusted Hatori with all her heart.

He sat down at the branch and began sliding down, making room for Tohru.

When she settled, Hatori said, “Look out, above the canopy.”

Swiping her hair away from her face, she peered above the leaves.

It was beautiful.

She saw the whole city from here.

It seemed to go endlessly.

Tall buildings.

Traffic.

People.

The sky.

The world.

“Wow,” she whispered, her eyes growing to the size of tennis balls.

“It-it-it's beautiful.”

Tohru was at a loss for words. The sight was unimaginable. She had never been on an airplane, this `sight' gave her a first-chance look at the world.

The top of the tree allowed her to look at the fast-paced world from a birds-eye view.

“Ah, look, that's where I work.”

Hatori looked at where Tohru was pointing at.

He smiled. She was so observing.

“Yep.” Ah, look, that's that supermarket that we went to.”

Tohru blushed, remembering their `embrace'.

Tohru moved closer toward Hatori. It was slightly chilly in this `neck of the woods'. Hatori moved his arms around her and she leaned into his chest.

“Oh, I forget,” shaking their breakfast slightly, “it might be cold now.”

“Ne, it's okay.”

He put the package on his lap and carefully opened it.

The scent filled his nose.

Tohru uttered a low, sexy, “Hmm, yummy,” giving Hatori an unexpected sting in his groin. I small, barely audible sound was going to turn him on? He had been having these “unexpected” occurrences lately.

Hatori searched for the forks and utensils, but they were nowhere to be found.

“Oops, I forgot the forks.”

Tohru only smiled sweetly, “I guess we'll have to use our fingers,” looking down at hers and grimacing in distaste, “Mine are kind of dirty.”

“I'll feed you,” Hatori blurted before realizing what he had just said. Had he just offered to feed Tohru with his hands?

Yes.

He brought the container to Tohru's mouth and using his fingers brought the crepe to her mouth. The contents spilled out, but it didn't matter. They were too preoccupied laughing. He watched sensuous tongue reach more the crepe before the quick reflex of her mouth.

He was awe-struck by her beauty of eating. It was so cute. Her cheeks moving ever so slightly.

She was hungry. “Thank you,” she said finishing her last nibble.

“Eat too, Hatori.”

Hatori was planning to open another box but felt a slight touch at his biceps. “Let's share this one before we open a new package. It is too dangerous with all those boxes on the branch. They might spill.”

“Are you sure?”

“Hai, of course, Ha-san. Who wouldn't I love sharing crepes with more? Remember when I spilled them on Friday? Thanks again. How did you find this place? It's so pretty and peaceful.”

He didn't want to ramble on about his past, but felt it was his duty to tell Tohru about his “secret” he had kept from everyone for so long.

“Ready for a story?”

“Hai,” bringing her hand up to her brow for a soldier salute.

Hatori smiled before continuing, “So, we were in middle school, Shigure, Ayame, and me. One day in the summer, after we had finished our midterms, they decided to go somewhere fun and relax. They brought me along. They came across the park and saw tons of girls who had just got out of school. They took it as a chance to `find' some, and I ended up wandering the park. I was a bookworm and took it as a chance to catch up on a good book. That was before they built benches. I climbed onto the tree. It was a day like this. I fell in love. It was so beautiful. After that, I began coming here all the time. Sometimes I bought a little something to eat. I even came- --, never mind.”

Hatori didn't want to tell her of all the times throughout high school where he suppressed Yuki's friends memories. He couldn't believe that he was altering people's minds (well, their memories). He didn't want to tell her off the times Akito had yelled at him. Hurt him. But at least those didn't leave scars. It was his place to contemplate, to hate the Junnishi curse, but also be thankful that he had the others. His best friends.

It helped him settle his angry nerves.

“What Hatori?” Tohru said plaintively, “what happened?”

For a second, she had seen a flicker of emotion. Something kept well hidden in the dragon's form. Something that seemed to plague his conscience. When he had said the last phrase, he winced. It was an involuntarily gesture, but painful to Tohru just as much.

What had happened?

Akito?

Hatori couldn't hold out much longer. He spilled his burdened knowledge.

Afterwards, Tohru couldn't help but ache for his guilt. She reminisced the first time she had met Hatori. He had told her to “come by” on her free day. He had told her to stay away from the “cursed” Sohmas. He had pleaded with her to leave.

However, that same day, Momiji had told her. About Kana. About their love. About everything.

Her heart had gone out for him instantly. She had told him directly that she wanted to stay.

He had understood and didn't erase her memories.

Now, they were in love.

How could events change so fast after a year?

She cried, hearing that Hatori was troubled with his past memories. He didn't deserve any of it. He deserved love.

She had wished that she was born years earlier to help him. Cure him. She would do anything (now and before) to cure her dragon.

Hatori's voice cracked at the end. He could no longer hold back the emotions that had scourged his mind.

He began to cry.

Why was it that around Tohru, he wasn't afraid to cry.

She didn't care whether he cried.

She understood him.

She loved him.

With all her heart.

Tohru wrapped her slight arms around his broad frame and cradled him as close to her chest as possible without touching. “I'm sorry, Hatori. I'm so sorry. You didn't deserve any of that. I'm sorry.”

Hatori muffled into her blouse, “Don't you ever think that that had anything to do with you.”

Tohru felt the tears bleed through her chemise. Her heart fractured-- I am utterly lost, it seemed to cry--- as tears began to tumble down her own face.

She couldn't help herself.

A/N: I'm obsessed with little, romantic events. The small things are the ones I love. Isn't great that these “layers” of his past are being cast off by Tohru? Each day, you learn something new about Hatori. Isn't it great?