Fruits Basket Fan Fiction ❯ Tohru's Curse ❯ Unexpected visitors and summons ( Chapter 3 )

Chapter Three

 

 

Tohru hummed a soft ballad as she cleaned up after breakfast. Kyo had gone for his morning run, Yuki went to school for student council and Shigure was hold up in his study working. Much as she loved them, it was nice having these moments on her own.

She stood on the porch and took in the view. It was so peaceful here, so quiet. She could see the lake as it shimmered in the sun; feel the breeze as it wafted through the trees, and sense all too clearly the pain it had seen over the years.

 

What was this new feeling? Why was it that suddenly she was so sensitive to them? She thought back to when she left school to see Kisa. Since then, there had been several incidents where a feeling had taken her out of class to calm a black Haru or a raging Rin or an angry Hiro. She could tell when one of them was close by; even now she could feel Yuki and Kyo coming closer and closer to her. What was going on? She had to find out.

 

(-)(-)(-)

 

Yuki and Kyo arrived home at the same time to find no trace of Tohru.

 

“Hey, Shigure! Where's Tohru?” Kyo demanded, throwing open his study door.

 

“Tohru? Isn't she downstairs?”

 

“I wouldn't be asking then would I?” He snapped, trying to hide the beginnings of panic.

 

“It's not like Honda-san to just leave without telling us. Maybe she left a note.” Yuki went to check the counter and sure enough there was a note scrawled on it.

 

I've gone to the library. Lunch is in the fridge. I'll be back soon -Tohru

 

“What could she have to research?” Shigure wondered, aloud. “Could it be that she's really gone on a date? With a… lover?” Shigure's eyes danced with glee as Kyo glowered and Yuki stiffened. He smiled when they stormed out of the house. “It just keeps getting easier and easier.” He mused. Tohru had definitely been acting strange, but considering how much he was using her he could forgive her a secret or two. It would all be worth it in time.

 

(-)(-)(-)

 

Kyo was trying to convince himself that Tohru was fine. She wasn't in danger and she wasn't with another guy. It was stupid for him to worry, but he didn't slow his stride for one moment.

 

Running slightly ahead of him, Yuki was thinking along the same lines. He didn't understand why he had become so increasingly anxious whenever she wasn't around. Every time she wasn't within his sight he felt like he would never see her again. It was ridiculous, but he didn't slow either.

 

They burst through the library doors, ignoring the protests of the old crone behind the desk. Rather than look all over the large library for her they went straight to the legends and mythology section. There she was, sitting cross-legged on the floor with piles of books and dusty parchment paper spread about her. Somehow they knew she'd be there.

 

She looked up at them from the old manuscripts she was reading.

“Hello,” she smiled, her warm affectionate smile. “I left a note. Is anything wrong? It seems you both ran all the way here.”

 

They collapsed on either side of her, chests heaving.

 

“What…what are you doing?” Kyo asked trying to catch his breath. “I have the same classes as you so this can't be for school.”

 

“Uh, no this isn't for school. It's um…” she trailed off as Yuki examined one. He looked at her in surprise. “Honda-san, what is this? The Guardian of the Zodiac…I've never heard this one.” He read the various titles off the array of books she had piled.

 

“What's with the sudden interest in fairy tales?” Kyo asked. He raised an eyebrow as she just shrugged and attempted to pick up everything. “Do you plan on bringing all this home?”

 

“Only a few of them. I could come back for the rest tomorrow.” They watched as she struggled to carry three books at once. Kyo and Yuki each took one and helped her put away the rest.

 

They walked home in comfortable silence. Every once in awhile Tohru would stop and gaze up at the sky. They wondered what she was looking for but didn't ask.

 

Shigure gave a silent sigh of relief when they arrived. “Ah, here they are now. You get to meet Tohru for yourself.” A woman stood there with him. Her hair pulled in a tight bun, her suit neatly pressed

 

She looked over Kyo and then Yuki, apparently displeased by what she saw. “Kyo Sohma. I heard you have something of a violent temper. Tell me, have you ever taken out your aggression on Honda-san?”

 

Kyo growled. “Not that it's any of your business, but I would never hurt Tohru!”

 

She scoffed, “I also heard, you were there when her mother died. Don't tell me you had nothing to do with that either.” She turned to address Yuki. “Yuki Sohma. I have been told nothing but great things about you, at first.”

 

Yuki narrowed his eyes. “Oh?”

 

“Oh yes, and I cannot believe anyone would be as perfect. I happen to come across a young lady you had rejected. She and many others seem to think you have a superiority complex. Do you think perhaps, that you can treat Honda-san in such a manner? I won't allow it.”

 

She turned her look of disdain upon Shigure. “It's obvious to me that this is not a suitable environment for Honda-san. Not only is she living under the same roof with three men, without a chaperone, but she's also made to work like some sort of maid on top of school work and her part time job. It's unseemly! Shame on you three for not treating her as she deserves.”

 

Kyo and Yuki glowered at her.

 

Tohru placed a hand on their arms. It was a small gesture really, but it soothed.

 

“With all due respect, I'm the one that has lived with them for three years. I think I know more about them than your sources. They are my family and no amount of authority gives you the right to talk this way. You will apologize.” Shigure smiled. Kyo and Yuki stared, transfixed. Tohru was angry. Very angry. The fire in her eyes was slightly frightening and strangely fascinating.

 

Suddenly the woman changed. Her expression warmed and her face softened into a smile. “I am terribly sorry.” To everyone astonishment she bowed to Kyo. “I should have had more faith in Honda-san's judgment.”

 

What's with her? Kyo wondered.

 

“Um, who exactly are you?” Yuki asked curiously.

 

“ My name is Eyva Tamagachi. I am Honda-san's lawyer.”

 

“Ah, Tamagachi-san. Did you say lawyer?” Was Tohru being sued for something?

 

She nodded. “I was her great-grand-mother's lawyer for fifteen years. She named you as her heir in her will. She died sometime ago, but it has taken me this long to find you. Would you mind if I talked with you privately?” Tohru led her to the kitchen and gestured for her to sit. “I'm sorry, Honda-san, for speaking ill of your family. I didn't realize how dear they are to you.”

 

“Blood doesn't count for everything.” Tohru poured some tea and handed her a cup. “I love them.” She said it so simply that Tamagachi-san didn't doubt her sincerity.

 

“Do you plan on living here until you marry?”

 

Tohru blushed. “Oh, no. After graduation I will work full time and then hopefully move back into my mom's old apartment.”

 

Tamagachi-san's eyes sparkled. “She left you a very generous sum.” She named a figure that made the Sohma fortune look like small change. Tohru's eyes widened and her face went pale. “I-I…um surely you've made a mistake. That can't be mine. I am far from being the oldest on either side of my family. Surely one of them deserves it far more.”

 

“There is also a large mansion with a good dozen servants included in the inheritance.” She added, thinking to entice her to acceptance. “They are keeping the place tidy for you.”

 

“I don't understand. I've never even met my great-grandmother. Why would she give her life's work to a complete stranger?”

 

The more Tohru refused the fortune being handed to her, the more Tamagachi-san came to see how deserving she was of it. “Enough, Honda-san. It's yours.” She went quiet for a moment before commenting. “She did the same thing.”

 

Tohru turned her head back to her. “Your grandmother used to always look up at the sky. As if she was looking for something. She never told me what, but I have a feeling you know. She chose you for a reason, Honda-san. Her last words were, “Make sure she doesn't fail.” I don't have a clue what she meant.” She sighed. “In any case, here's my card.” She handed Tohru her business card. “Call me when you want to deal with your inheritance or when you want access to funds.”

 

Tohru sat in the kitchen long after she left. She pressed her thumb and forefinger to her temples. It was all so complicated. Everything. She needed to think. She needed to clear her head.

 

(-)(-)(-)

 

Kyo found her on the roof. Her knees drawn to her chest, her head tilted up. He stood there for a moment. He wanted to cement her face into his memories. He only had a little time left to be near her.

 

“Kyo?”

 

He gave a start. She turned her head to smile at him. “Come, Kyo-kun. Watch the stars with me.”

 

He sat beside her. “What's so special about the stars? You see the same ones all the time.”

 

“I think that the stars hold secrets and if you listen carefully you can hear them.”

 

He felt something pull at his mind. It was time she knew, he acknowledge to himself.

“Tohru, there's something I have to tell you,” he took her hand, had to have that contact. “Akito…Akito will lock me away after graduation. It is the fate of the cat to be confined. Until I die.” He braced himself. If she ever left his side, now would be the time.

 

Tohru laced her fingers through his. “Who decided it had to be like that?”

 

She asked it so calmly, he wasn't sure she fully grasped what he was telling her. “It's always been like that. I bear the brunt of the curse. My existence is based on other's sacrifices. I don't deserve to breath the same air as everyone.” He looked away from her for a moment. “I've often wished my mother had killed me before I was born.” Her hand went limp in his and her face had gone pale. Seeing the look on her face he let go and stood up. He would not have her pity.

 

“Kyo-kun,” She went to him and wrapped her arms around him. “What has he done to you, Kyo-kun?” He stood stiff while she held him, but she didn't let go. “Now, it's my turn to tell you something.” She put a hand to his face and looked into his eyes. “No matter how much I cry or wish I could fix things, I could never feel sorry for you. Despite all the painful things of your past, I admire the man you've become. I wouldn't change you, not at all.” She beamed at the stunned look on his face and held him closer. This time, he returned her embrace. What did I do to deserve you? How am I going to handle leaving you? “Kyo-kun,”

 

“Hmm…?”

 

“Your mother gave birth to you because she loved you. The love of another is the reason any of us exist. I'm glad you exist, Kyo-kun.”

 

They stood there that way for a very long time. Each totally unaware of the bond that now glowed between them.

 

(-)(-)(-)

 

The next morning, Shigure was up unusually early.

 

“Good morning everyone.” He said cheerfully. “Breakfast smell wonderful, Tohru.”

 

“Thank you, Shigure-san.” She smiled, passing him a plate.

 

“What's going on, Shigure?” Yuki asked.

 

“I don't know what you mean, Yuki. I decided to get an early start on my deadline, that's all.” He jumped when the telephone rang. “I wonder who that could be.” He ran to the pick up the phone.

 

“That dog is acting stranger than usual.” Kyo remarked.

 

Tohru giggled. “His editor hasn't spoken to him in weeks. She's got a new boyfriend. Shigure-san is so worried that he's working on his book day and night. He's met three deadlines in the past week.” They grinned sharing in the joke.

 

Their smiles faded, however, when Shigure came in looking grim. “What's wrong, Shigure-san?”

 

“That was the main house. Akito wants to see you after school today, Tohru. You are to go alone.” There was no denying the worry in his voice. They looked at Tohru. It was her call.

 

“Alright. I go see Akito-san right after school.” She finished her plate and picked up the dishes. Kyo and Yuki followed her into the kitchen.

 

“Tohru, Akito doesn't like you. This won't be a social visit.”

 

“Honda-san, I don't think it would be safe for you to go.”

 

“Akito-san, is not a monster,” She said, as she began to wash the dishes. “I'm sure I'll be back in one piece.”

 

“Have you forgotten the last time Akito spoke with you?” Shigure asked.

 

The scratch on her cheek had never completely healed. “I understand that you three are worried for me. I know Akito doesn't like me, there's even a good chance that he hates me, but,” She turned to face them. “I'm not afraid of him. He can hit, he can scream at me, and he can make me cry, but he will not break me. I'll go see him after school, and be back in time to make dinner.”

 

They were taken aback by her resolve.

 

“Has she always been this stubborn?” Kyo wondered.

 

“In her quiet little way. I guess there's no stopping you, Tohru.” Shigure conceded.

 

“Just, promise to be careful, Honda-san.”

 

“I promise. Now, we will be late for school if we don't leave soon.”

 

Shigure watched them leave. Everything was falling nicely into place. Now, for Mii-san…

 

(-)(-)(-)

 

Haru glanced up from his book. He had asked to be left alone today. “Tohru-nee?” What was she doing here?

“Hello, Hatsuharu-kun. You didn't come to school today, so I decided to deliver this to you, here.”

He stared at the brightly colored parcel in her hands. “What is this, Tohru-nee?”

 

“Happy Birthday, Hatsuharu-kun,” She smiled at the surprised look on his face. “Did you forget? Shigure-san said to invite you over. We'll have a feast in honor of you 17th birthday.”

 

“But, Tohru-nee…How did you get inside?”

 

“Oh, Akito-san asked to see me. I have to go now, but I'll see you later.” She set the parcel on his table and left.

 

To see Akito…this can't be good. He followed her. Akito will not hurt Tohru-nee.

 

(-)(-)(-)