A Dango in the Fruits Basket

A Painful Day

A Painful Day

Chapter 1

"Twelve years ."

In a very dim room stood a tall slender figure, drowning in a kimono as their pale skin almost glowed in contrast to the darkened material. On her knees sat a young girl, whose face was not visible. Her burgundy hair flowing around her petite frame, almost acting as a curtain between herself and the tall figure. The only thing visible was the trembling of the girl's hands as she laid them clenched in her lap.

"Twelve years and no one said a thing.... Twelve years of me knowing and no one admitting to me."

The young girl immediately shot her head up and stared wide eyed at the towering figure. Her anxious mind immediately imploded with the exact reason she was brought here. Pools of emerald swan against the rough tides of purple. It was in that purple storm did the girl begin to fill with dread and terror. It was only natural for the girl to flinch away from the hand that came to caress her cheek softly.

"No one. Not Hatori. Not Ayame. Not you, Michiko."

Michiko's eyes began to fill with tears.

"It's a good thing at least one of your fathers was looking out for you. I learned the dog does a lot more singing than a bird."

Shigure.

"Please Aki-"

A scream escaped the girl's mouth as the tall figure balled her hand into her hair and pulled her up. She brought her face close to Michiko's face. They smirked as she saw the tears begin to escape.

"Michiko, you did a very bad thing keeping this secret from me for so long. Remember what happens to bad girls."

Michiko's eyes widened as she shook her head, her hands both holding onto the figures' wrist in an attempt to release her hold. "I'm so sorry, Akito. I'm so sorry."

SMACK!!

The girl stared at the ground as the stinging heat grew on the left side of her face.

"I think it's a little too late for sorry. I told Hatori you needed those lessons with me. Look at the little brat you turned into. Since you didn't learn your way, maybe you'll listen if Hatori loses sight in his other eye."

"PLEASE AKITO, NO!"

Akito moved their hands so now they were encasing Michiko's face, she dug her nails into her face and scalp, causing the girl to wince in pain. " No, you all deserve to be punished. You all thought I was so stupid, I wouldn't find out!"

Akito's chest rose quickly as he heavily breathed, staring down the young girl.

"SPEAK! DO YOU REALLY THINK ME SO STUPID!

Akito painfully grabbed Michiko's throat," TWELVE YEARS! YOU THOUGHT YOURSELF SO SMART!THINKING THE WHOLE TIME I HAD NO IDEA!!"

Michiko shook her head. " It was harmless." She gasped out.

Akito chuckled,"Harmless? Which part was harmless? Was it the lying or the deceiving ?!" Akito smiled as another small scream left Michiko's mouth as Akito threw her face first into the wall beside her window.

The room was tense and silent.

The young girl lay crumbled on the floor. She slowly moved back onto her knees to face the Sohma head. Her breath was short and rapid as her heart beat in her ears. It was more than her hands that were trembling at this point. It's been years since she's been alone with Akito like this.

Michiko felt warm liquid coming down her cheek, the cheek that made direct contact to the wall. She looked up to meet purple iris glaring back at her. Once Akito was angry there was no way out. " It- it isn't what you think."