The Ghost of Affection

It had been a week since Akito had recovered from his illness, and Yuki couldn't help but notice the anxious glances that Tohru had been giving him for the past week.
“ What would happen if someone found out about us?” He asked, seated upon the porch of Akito's room, staring out into the garden. The cherry blossom trees were in bloom and little pedals fell onto the grass and into the bushes, looking almost like snow.
“ Why do you ask?” Akito caught a blossom in the palm of his hand and surveyed it with interest. Yuki didn't reply, he sat silently, watching his feet dangle above the grass. “ Are you afraid of what they might say?” Akito sat beside him, still watching the blossoms in the garden. “ Does what they think, really matter to you?” Yuki gasped and glanced up at Akito. He wasn't sure what Tohru, Kyo, or Shigure's opinion meant to him. He knew he would be embarrassed if someone found out and told. He shuddered at the thought of all the questions Haru and Momiji would ask. Akito and himself were probably the most unlikely couple known to man. “ It shouldn't.” Yuki looked up at Akito, who was staring solemnly down at him. Akito did make sense. He shouldn't care so much about what people think of him. But then again, it was Akito who had taught him to fear people. Akito reached out and brushed a few stray strands of hair from Yuki's face, then leaned in to kiss him gently. Akito's lips were cold as always, soft but cold. Yuki always wondered how Akito stayed alive with no body heat whatsoever. Yuki remembered those hands, how they used to be the main source of fright for him. He may of confessed his love for Akito, but something deep inside him was bothering him. It was like an itch that couldn't be scratched. As those icy cold hands roamed across his body, he was taken back into his mind. The darkness of the room, the voice. The pungent smell of blood, his own blood. All his physical scars from the torture had healed, but he was still bleeding mentally. Why had he done this to him? If Akito had loved him, why did he do all those things. Why did it hurt so bad? Why did every moment beneath Akito feel like agonizing torture, yet heaven on earth at the same time? He looked up into those stern eyes, searching for a reason. Akito stared down at him, a weary look upon his face.
“ Why?” Yuki whispered quietly, staring up at Akito. Akito leaned back and sat upon the porch, glaring out at the cherry blossoms.
“ I know you are still afraid of me, Yuki.” Akito said quietly as Yuki rose, still watching him. “ I have no explanation for what I did to you.” A long silence followed his words. Yuki suddenly felt livid with anger. So that was it then? Akito was just going to fuck him, and not tell him why he had tortured him all those long miserable years of his pathetic life? Yuki stood, hastily buttoning up his shirt.
“ Where are you going?” Akito stood as well, as Yuki turned to leave.
“ Let me go.” Yuki wrenched himself from Akito's grasp, heading for the door. Akito grabbed him by the arms and forcefully slammed him against the wall, glaring furiously at him.
“ Why do you demand a reason for everything?!” Akito shook him harshly, slamming him against the wall with a loud thud.
“ You're pathetic.” Yuki spat, trying to free himself from Akito's death grip. “ You tell me you love me, yet you can't even come up with a good reason why you tortured me all those years?!” Yuki struggled harder, feeling his rage boil over. “ I hated that room! I hated you! I hated myself because of you!” His arms began to ache from Akito's grip. “ You took everything from me! My friends, my confidence, and now you can't even give me a reason why?! I can only assume now that you got off somehow on torturing me like that! You probably still do!”
“ Do not speak to me like that.” Akito snarled viciously, the look of feral anger returning in his eyes.
“ Or what?! You'll torture me some more?” Yuki felt himself being slammed back into the wall at his words. “ Are you going to hit me? Are you going to put me back in that room? What are you going to do?!” Yuki cried, his knees buckling. Akito gritted his teeth and released Yuki from his grip, turning his back to him. Yuki could see Akito's shoulders quivering from where he stood. Yuki rubbed his arms gently, caressing the feeling back into them. Without a word, Akito brushed past him and went back out onto the porch, seating himself upon it. Yuki felt his anger cool, watching as Akito's expression turned from anger to pain. Yuki slowly walked towards him. With a sigh, he seated himself beside Akito, staring out at the garden as well. They were silent, watching the blossoms flutter across the grass and bushes. The only sound was the soothing echo of the wind chimes throughout the house.
“ I thought you were leaving.” Akito finally said, his voice slightly hoarse. Yuki sighed in reply, not looking at him. Akito let out a defiant snort, and went back to surveying the garden. They sat in silence for hours, both thinking things over carefully. The sun began to set, and Yuki found himself wishing that the days would become longer.


Hatsuharu stood outside of Yuki's classroom, waiting for the bell to ring. He had cut class because he was in a bad mood, and had somehow ended up here. He heard the school bells ring, and the door slam open.
“ Haru?” Yuki said as he looked up and hoisted his bag across his shoulder. “ What are you doing here?”
“ I need to talk to you.” Haru said, dragging him into the nearest boy's restroom. Haru checked around to make sure they were alone, then locked the bathroom door.
“ What do you want?” Yuki asked, shifting his weight irritably.
“ I know about you and Akito.” Yuki's eyes widened and he stared up at Haru in horror. “ Don't look so scared. I promise not to tell anyone.” Haru said, chuckling quietly.
“ Haru...” Yuki began, but swallowed his words. He knew Haru must be infuriated, and he wasn't sure if he was dealing with Black or White Haru here.
“ Do you love him, Yuki?” Haru asked suddenly, breaking the silence. Yuki averted his gaze, a faint blush creeping to his cheeks. “ Do you think he loves you?” Yuki looked up at him, and nodded slowly. “ Then you're wrong.”
“ Haru, please don't say that.” Yuki set his bag down upon the floor, relieving himself of the extra weight. “ Even if he really doesn't love me back.” He whispered quietly. “ I'll still...Want to be near him.”
“ Listen to yourself! You're making me sick!” Haru strode forward, grabbing Yuki by the front of his school uniform. “ Have you forgotten what he did to you?!” Yuki glared up into the eyes of Black Haru.
“ I didn't forget! I forgave.” Yuki shut his eyes as Haru shook him forcefully, expecting to get punched or kicked. “ I forgive him, Haru...” Yuki repeated.
“ You're stupid.” Haru released him, and stepped away from him. “ You'll be the one hurt in the end...” He brushed past Yuki and stepped out the door, leaving him quivering against the bathroom wall. Every time he was willing to forgive and accept Akito, someone always reminded him of the past, he thought furiously. Was he not allowed to put it behind him? Was he supposed to suffer for the rest of his life? He was sick and tired of hating Akito. It took so much energy to be afraid, and it took so much more energy to run away. He fell back against the wall and sank to the floor, his vision blurring with tears of frustration. He heard the school bells chime in the distance, but ignored them, still sulking against the wall. An even more depressing thought loomed over him in his current state. He was just coming to accept Akito, coming to love him. The fate of their god was to die early on. Just how long did Akito have left? Did he have enough time to accept him completely? He buried his face in his hands, tears pooling in his palms. He remained inside that bathroom most of the day, thinking things over and calming himself enough to make it to the last of his classes.

Akito was seated upon his favorite window seat, admiring the sunset across his garden. Nearly all the blossoms had fallen, and the trees were bare and gray. He knew he didn't have much time left in this world. He ran his hand through his hair, furrowing his brow with thought. The thoughts of how little time he had left brought him waves of nausea. He stood and staggered across the room towards his bed, glaring down at the sheets. He stared down at Yuki's side of the bed, a few dust colored strands of hair shimmering in the fiery sunlight. He collapsed onto the bed and stared up at the ceiling. He groaned as he heard a timid knocking upon his door.
“ Akito-sama.” A maid with long blond hair entered and bowed politely. “ Hatori-sama is here to see you.”
“ Show him in.” Akito said wearily, sitting up and resting against the pillows.
“ Hello, Akito.” Hatori entered the room shortly after the maid had left, wearing his usual doctor's attire and carrying his large brown bag full of the pills and syringes Akito so hated. Hatori went through the routine of checking his blood pressure and temperature.
“ Hatori.” He asked quietly, not watching as he felt a needle pierce the skin of his arm.
“ Yes?” Hatori said, not looking up from his work.
“ I know you were outside the door that day.” He said, glancing down at him. Hatori grunted in his direction and went back to rummaging in his bag.
“ Is love supposed to hurt this much?” He asked, staring down at the bubble of blood forming on his wrist.
“ Of course.” Hatori said, readying another syringe.
“ How long do I have, Hatori?” Akito watched as the needle pierced his wrist, and winced slightly.
“ You know I can't give you an exact date.” Hatori said, pulling the needle out and going back to his bag.
“ Give me an estimate then.” Akito growled, feeling another syringe pierce his arm.
“ I've told you, I do not know.” Hatori said calmly, carefully concentrating on the medicine he was injecting into him. Akito sighed, feeling a massive headache starting at the base of his neck. “ You shouldn't stress so much, you'll make yourself even sicker.”
“ Hmph.” Akito grunted, sliding back beneath the covers.
“ I will come check on you tomorrow.” Hatori said briefly as he strode out the door. Akito watched as the sun set, the room becoming dark. The medications had made him drowsy. He turned to stare at the pillow beside him, feeling a deep longing within him. He wished he had more time. He knew wishing would get him nowhere, he'd already wasted so many years with that. All of his thoughts ceased as he fell into a deep sleep, too deep even for dreams. All that awaited him was a endless black abyss, the edge of despair. The end of reason, and the end of being. Lost in his sorrow, he couldn't even remember his own name. Letting it all just slip away. Letting all thought be engulfed by that vast nothingness. He wondered how long until he became part of it as well.

Yuki gathered his books and shoved them into his bag irritably. His fight with Haru still plagued him. Haru wouldn't even look in his direction now. He stood as the bell rang, hurrying out the door. He had recently discarded his student council duties and taken refuge at the main house. Who would of known that the place that he had hated most, was now his favorite place to be. It had been cold that day, and Yuki hadn't brought a coat with him. He shivered as he made his way to the front of the school, weaving through the mass of students. He had just begun down the road towards the main house when he heard his name called.
“ Sohma-kun! Wait!” He turned to see Tohru trotting up to him, holding out his coat. “ I noticed you left without it this morning.” She said, holding it out to him. He smiled brightly at her, taking his coat and putting it on.
“ Thank you, Honda-san.” He said as he buttoned up the front.
“ Where are you headed?” She asked curiously, smiling sweetly up at him. He didn't want to lie to her anymore, but she could never find out the truth.
“ I'm going to see Akito.” He said quietly. She looked up at him, shocked.
“ Do you need me to come with you?” She asked, placing her hand on his. He shook his head and stepped back from her grasp.
“ I'll be fine.” He readjusted his bag, and turned, starting on his way again.
“ Wait, Yuki-kun!” He started and turned. It had been the first time she called his name. He gazed down at her flushed face in wonder. “ Should I save some dinner for you tonight?”
“ That would be wonderful, Tohru-san.” He said, patting her upon the head gently. Her face lit up in a smile, her cheeks going even redder at the sound of her name.
“ I'll see you then!” She hurried back towards the front of the school, waving as she melded into the crowd of students. He let out a sigh of relief, his mood becoming increasingly better. He continued on his way to the main house. He wondered if anyone besides Haru had noticed his strange behavior. He had tried to stick with his normal routine as best he could, but thoughts of Akito put his mind in a daze almost every minute of the day. He thought back to the room. He couldn't help it, there would always be lingering memories of that place. He had changed since then, and he hoped Akito had too. Things were different now. It was a time of peace, the eye of the storm. He knew storms didn't stay calm forever, he knew someday it would all uprise in a massive hurricane of chaos. He just hoped that the time for that, would come later, much later. He arrived at the main gates, shaking those dismal thoughts from his head. As usual, he was guided by a maid to Akito's room. There was something different about his room. It wasn't as cold, and it smelt floral, like springtime. Akito was seated upon his favorite window seat. He turned to face him slowly, a faint smile playing at his lips. He beckoned Yuki towards him without a word, watching as he came closer. He stood and ran his hand through Yuki's hair, his usual greeting.
“ Akito?” Yuki gazed up at the taller man, feeling his hand leave his hair and drift to his cheek.
“ Yes?”
“ Have you...Asked Hatori...” Yuki asked quietly. “ About how much time...That is.”
“ He will not tell me.” Akito said, sounding frustrated. He drifted away from Yuki, walking slowly towards the bed. He sat and ran a hand through his hair, looking irritated. “ Even if I knew, you know I wouldn't tell you.” Yuki sighed, sitting beside him. Akito looked so miserable just then. Akito seemed strong and superior on the outside, but he was decaying slowly from the inside. The glow of the sun outlined his fragile frame, casting a dark shadow across his face. Only Yuki could see Akito for what he really was, frail and helpless. He wondered what he looked like to Akito. Did he look strong? Or weak? The words that were said in the dark room returned to him. Back then, he looked weak and insecure to Akito. Inferior and small. He wondered what Akito thought of him now. Did he make Akito happy? Did any of it even matter anymore? It was a heavy feeling. Not being able to see, but knowing that his lover was dying right before his eyes. He felt somewhat blind. He hated it. Akito turned to him and reached out to brush his hand against Yuki's cheek. Akito's touch was cold as always, but soothing. He had just gotten used to the feeling of Akito's lips against his. He could never forget how Akito tasted. Sweet, yet fresh, almost like mints. His gasp was caught in his throat as Akito began planting gentle kisses across his jaw. Akito brought their lips together again, holding Yuki tightly against him. Yuki could feel the beating of Akito's heart against his chest. The kiss became frantic and needy. Yuki could hardly breathe with Akito's tongue prodding against his. Yuki felt Akito begin to unbutton the front of his shirt, sliding it from his shoulders. He allowed himself to be pressed down into the covers, his shirt keeping his arms at his side. He shivered slightly as Akito ran his hands down his bare chest, stopping at the hem of his pants. He lifted his hips as Akito slid his pants and boxers down, letting them fall from the edge of the bed. His shirt had begun to annoy him somewhat, he wanted to touch Akito, but the cloth of his sleeves was preventing that. Akito saw him struggling irritably against the cloth, and chuckled quietly, lifting the boy into his lap. The shirt fell easily onto the covers behind him.
“ Better?” Akito breathed, still smiling slightly. Yuki replied by wrapping his arms around his neck and pulling him into another kiss. Yuki could feel Akito's need throbbing against him through his robes. He weaved his hands into Akito's robes, watching as they slid slightly from his shoulders. He had never actually touched Akito before. It was Akito always doing things to him. He hesitated for a moment, then delved his hands deeper into the robes. He wrapped his fingers around Akito's cock, feeling it twitch against the touch. He heard Akito's breath hitch as he slowly began to stroke him. It was different, being the one controlling things. He glanced back at Akito, who's eyes were shut tightly, a deep blush creeping to his cheeks. He smirked to himself. He rather enjoyed that look upon Akito's face. He slid back from his spot in Akito's lap, sitting back on his knees and looking up at Akito. Akito glanced down at him, before allowing Yuki to push the rest of his robe off. Yuki leaned forward, coming face to face with Akito's pulsing arousal. He bit his lip nervously before looking up at Akito, who was staring down at him with an expression of wonder and lust. The smell of his excitement was intoxicating, and he couldn't resist flicking his tongue out and running it against the tip. The noise Akito made was more than enough to push him forward. Akito let out a long low moan as Yuki took his arousal into his mouth. Yuki felt Akito grip his hair tightly, coaxing him to suck harder. It didn't taste bad to Yuki, just a bit bitter. He tried to relax the muscles of his throat, adjusting to the feeling of Akito's cock prodding at the back of his mouth. He tried not to gag as Akito began to rock his hips forward, moaning even louder. He had never heard Akito really moan before. It was always heavy breathing, or grunts of pleasure.
“ S-stop.” Akito gasped, wrenching himself from Yuki's mouth.
“ Did I do something wrong?” Yuki looked up at him, wiping his mouth with the back of his hand. Akito shook his head slowly, regaining his breath. He forcefully pushed Yuki into the bed, lifting his hips shakily. Yuki cried out as Akito thrust into him without preparing him. Yuki arched off the bed, letting out a yelp of pain and pleasure as Akito thrust into him a second time. The pain subsided almost instantly. The pleasure was blinding, Yuki swore the room was spinning. Akito let Yuki's hips fall onto the covers as he leaned over him, continuing to thrust in and out of him at a merciless pace. At this rate, Yuki knew he wasn't going to last long. He felt like he was hyperventilating. He just couldn't get enough air into his lungs as he gasped over and over again.
“ Yuki...” His breath caught in his throat and he nearly choked in surprised as he looked up at Akito who had actually called his name. “ Yuki! Yuki!” Akito cried above him. It was like music to Yuki's ears. He felt Akito slide his hand beneath his chin and lift his face towards his. “ Look at me...” Yuki willed his eyes open. Akito's eyes were ablaze with lust, watching him intently. Yuki nearly screamed as he came. Everything seemed to shatter. The spinning of the room increased as he felt Akito release his essence deep inside him. He lay beneath Akito, gasping for breath. He must of fallen asleep, or blacked out because he awoke to the feeling of Akito gently cleaning him off with a towel. He looked up at Akito, who tossed the towel off the side of the bed and pulled him into a tight embrace. He pulled the covers over them, and kissed Yuki gently on the forehead.
“ Stay with me tonight.” He said quietly, still holding him tightly.
“ Alright...” Yuki whispered, already falling back asleep, completely forgetting about everything else, even Tohru. Shigure Sohma's house was quiet that night. Kyo and Shigure had gone to bed, leaving Tohru in the kitchen, standing at the counter. She stared down at the food wrapped beneath a layer of plastic wrap. She frowned, eyeing the clock and turning to head up the stairs, leaving the plate of untouched chicken curry and rice upon the counter, hoping Yuki would see it when he got home.

The next morning, Yuki awoke to find that his uniforms had been washed and folded neatly at the foot of the bed. He dressed silently, heading towards the window seat. He peered outside and found Akito sitting on one of the stone benches beside the large pond in the garden. Yuki stepped out onto the porch and watched him. Akito looked up at him with a faint smile and eased himself off the bench, walking slowly towards him. Yuki watched as Akito let a few blades of grass fall from his hand onto the porch. They were soon blown away by the wind.
“ Will you be coming to see me tonight?” He asked quietly, stepping back into the room and shutting the door.
“ Yes but, I have a lot of homework I should catch up on.” Yuki said, rubbing the back of his neck. It was true that he had been letting his grades slip recently. “ Can I come by later tonight?”
“ Of course.” Akito said, rummaging in the old wooden wardrobe against the wall. He pulled out another silk robe, tossing it over the one he had on and wrapped it firmly around him, shivering slightly. Yuki hurried to the door and hesitated a moment.
“ Akito.” Akito looked up at him, an eyebrow raised. “ Thank you.”
“ For?” Akito's brow raised even higher. Yuki smiled and pointed at his uniform. Akito gave a quiet chuckle and shooed him out the door.
“ Yuki?” He jumped at the sound of his name and turned to see Momiji running towards him. “ Yuki, Yuki!” He bounced beside him, grinning happily.
“ Good morning, Momiji.” Yuki looked down to see a huge grin across Momiji's face, that could only mean Momiji either knew or was plotting something.
“ I bet you were here to spend the night with Akito again!” He nearly shouted, a couple of maids that had been sweeping a nearby porch scoffed and went inside the house with loud sighs of disapproval.
“ Momiji! Be quiet!” Yuki clamped his hand over Momiji's mouth, glaring down at the blond angrily. “ Who told you?”
“ Ha'ri told me!” Momiji said, escaping from Yuki's hold.
“ Hatori...” Yuki rubbed his forehead, continuing to walk forward.
“ It's okay, I won't tell anyone or Tohru!” Momiji hobbled beside him, grinning up at him. Yuki glanced down at him, and watched as the grin faded from his face. “ You know, Yuki.”
“ What?” He gazed down at the boy walking beside him.
“ Akito is a very sad man.” Momiji said quietly. “ Akito may do some really really mean things. But he only does them because he is so hurt inside.” Yuki listened quietly as they walked down the sidewalk together. “ You were also sad, weren't you?” Yuki slowly nodded, staring ahead. “ Now both of you are happy!”
“ Do you really think I make Akito happy?” Yuki asked softly, staring up at the sky.
“ I know you do!” Momiji said happily, bouncing in front of him. “ He wouldn't want to see you every day if you didn't.” Yuki looked up at Momiji and smiled brightly. Momiji did act childish, but he was really quite insightful. He always knew how to cheer people up. He felt at ease. Someone had found out, and didn't have anything negative to say about it. He was glad that at least one person acknowledged his newfound happiness.
“ Thank you, Momiji.” Yuki said, still smiling. Momiji nodded up at him, grinning widely. Yuki walked Momiji to his classroom, and tried to ignore the disapproving glare Haru gave him as he waved to Momiji. He headed towards his own classroom, his head still in the clouds. He took his seat and stared ahead at the board, his mind miles away.
“ Yuki-kun?” He fell out of his daze and turned to stare at Tohru standing beside him, shifting her weight slightly. “ You didn't come home last night...Is everything okay?”
“ Oh...I'm so sorry, Tohru-san.” He apologized quietly. “ I completely forgot. I'm sorry...”
“ No! It's alright!” She said happily. “ I'm just glad you're okay.” She called as she took her seat. As soon as the bell rang, he returned to that daze once more, staring out the window for the remainder of the day. He was grateful as he heard the last bell. He gathered his things, and headed down the the halls as quickly as he could. He decided to put off his homework and go straight to the main house. Just as he was nearing the gate, he felt someone reach out and tug his arm gently. He turned and found Tohru panting for breath, trying to keep up with him.
“ Tohru-san?”

Akito paced his room irritably, tugging at the robes around him. Hatori had told him not to go outside for a while, that he was still recovering. He scoffed, he felt fine. He took a long look at the wardrobe on the other side of the room, debating with himself. He came to a decision and hurriedly undressed, walking towards the wardrobe. He dressed in his usual black attire for when he left the house, and strode down the hallway. As he reached the door, a maid timidly approached him.
“ Akito-sama...Didn't Hatori-sama tell you to stay inside?” She asked quietly.
“ Don't you have something to clean?” He snarled at her. She jumped and bolted back down the hallway. He scoffed and stepped out the door, planning to head to Yuki's school. He may be acting selfish, but he wanted to see Yuki at least once before he came later that night. It had been a while since he had actually walked anywhere. His personal driver came to him and tried to lead him into the car, but he brushed him off, continuing to walk down the streets. He looked around at the scenery of the city. He hadn't actually taken a walk like this in years. He was always too weak and afraid of the outside. He took a deep breath as he saw a couple students walking home. He knew he was slightly late, but he knew Yuki had student council duties and was probably still around. The front of the school was deserted as he approached it. He looked around and found two figures standing to the side by a tree. He'd recognize that dust colored hair anywhere. He stood and watched. He stilled his breathing as he could hear their words.
“ I'm just worried about you, Yuki-kun.” Tohru said quietly, looking up at him.
“ Do not stress yourself, Tohru-san.” Yuki patted her upon the head gently.
“ No, Yuki-kun! Please...” She grasped his hand and held it tightly. Yuki stared down at her, his eyes wide. “ Please don't push me away anymore...”
“ Toh-” He gasped as she stood on the edge of her toes and pressed her lips against his. Akito felt as if his heart had shattered. He continued watching, hoping he would push her away in disgust. Yuki reached up and grasped her shoulders, careful not to embrace her. He didn't push her away, but kissed her back, if only for a moment. Akito's legs felt like jelly as he hurried down the side-walk, back towards his house. He began to run as fast as he could, unable to stand being outside any longer. It had been so many years since he ran, and so many years since he'd felt this much pain. It was too much to bear, too much to handle. He finally reached the front gates, his vision blurry. Akito avoided the front entrance to the house, and took refuge in the garden just outside his room. He collapsed by the base of a bare cherry-blossom tree. He glared down at the fallen petals beneath his hands. The petals had already began to shrivel and dry. He gripped a handful of petals, crushing their delicate forms in the palms of his hands. He gasped as a silvery tear fell from his eye and landed upon the back of his hand. It had been so long since he had cried. More tears followed, splashing upon the backs of his hands, his grip upon the petals quivering slightly. He shook his head, trying to get a grip on himself. He stood and wiped the tears away, steeling himself. He made his way to his room, breathing heavily, still trying to calm himself. He undressed and slid back into his robes. The sun had begun to irritate him, and he closed all his windows and doors, pulling the blinds shut and curling into a ball upon his window seat, burying his face in his hands and pulling his knees tightly against his chest, sitting alone in the dark.

Hatori opened the door to Akito's house, slipping his shoes off and hauling his bag up into the hallway with him.
“ Hatori-sama.” A maid emerged from the hallway and bowed to him. “ I'm sorry but Akito-sama is not here. He is taking a short leave and will be back in a day or two.” She bowed again.
“ I know he's here.” Hatori scoffed, knowing all of Akito's escape tricks. He walked towards Akito's room, with the maid trailing behind him.
“ B-but he told me to tell anyone who came to see him that he was away.” She stammered, trying to stop him. He brushed her off, and she hurried back down the hallway as he reached Akito's door. He knocked, and when there was no response, slid it open anyways. The room was pitch black save for a few beams of moonlight coming through the shades.
“ Akito?” Hatori stepped forward, peering around the room. He could see the silhouette of Akito, standing beside the window.
“ Hatori.” Akito said quietly. It was then Hatori knew something bad was about to happen. Akito didn't use that tone unless he was serious about something.
“ Yes, Akito?” Hatori replied, still standing in the doorway. Akito turned to him, his eyes reflecting the moonlight, ablaze with hatred.
“ I want you to erase Tohru Honda's memories.”