Back To Darkness

Chapter 1: An Unwelcome Visitor

Yuki woke gradually, gently. He thought he could hear Tohru humming tunelessly from the kitchen. Letting his eyes close again he breathed deeply, quite content in that moment.

A short while later he made his way languidly downstairs to the welcoming smell of breakfast. Tohru was flitting about the kitchen preparing food and Kyo was sitting watching her work. Yuki joined him silently. The two were still not close, but Tohru's presence meant they fought less as this upset her. Shigure joined them for breakfast, chuckling about winding his editor up, and the four ate quite happily together.

Two days before this happy sleepy morning, Yuki and Kyo had chosen to remain at home with Tohru rather than attend the annual family New Years dinner gathering. That night Yuki had slept restlessly and woken anxious and nauseous, fearing repercussions. When none came, he relaxed and fell gratefully back into his pleasant life.

Little did Yuki know, his happiness was to be short-lived.

The day passed the same as any other for Yuki, until the darkness began ebbing into the sky. He went looking for Shigure in his office and all his muscles suddenly tensed as he was confronted with the malicious eyes and cold smile, of Akito.

Rational thought seemed to escape Yuki as he struggled desperately to breathe. His head spun as his chest contracted sharply. Akito was sitting in Shigure's plush office chair, behind his desk. His legs were crossed and he used both armrests, gently tapping his pale fingers on the leather, completely owning the room. He inclined his head slightly to the side, narrowing his eyes almost imperceptibly as Yuki struggled.

"Yuki my dear", he murmured, so tenderly that Yuki felt a cold chill chase itself down his spine. "It's been too long."

A terrible fear was forming in Yuki's stomach, growing larger and more all-consuming with every passing second.

A tinkling sound behind him alerted him to Shigure's return. He came bearing a tray of tea and delicate cakes, which he promptly set down on his desk. Akito granted this selection a withering glance before returning his full attention to Yuki.

"As I was saying Shigure, I really think Yuki will have to come spend some time with me."

Shigure looked thoroughly uncomfortable, chewing his lower lip. "Do you really think that's entirely necessary Akito? After all, Yuki is quite settled here and-"

"Enough." Akito whispered, and Shigure fell immediately slient.

Akito smiled sweetly. "Yuki dear, it's time to come home."