[Video + Action]

[you_will_suffer]

[A figure stumbles from the docks, dressed in black. They are incredibly pale, the black strands of their hair sticking to their cheeks and neck. The heat is not their friend and the sudden change in circumstances isn't helping.]

Where...is this? [Akito runs a hand through their hair, dropping onto the nearest bench available.] I am Akito Sohma. If I have been kidnapped, I demand to know the reason why.

[It really is hard to tell their gender. At first glance, one would think boy, but that can be misleading. Their voice is feminine, but low. Or maybe they are projecting it lower on purpose.]

Tell me.

Comments

[theonigiri]

[A mantra, which Tohru briefly echos in actions: She touches the photo in her pocket, reminding herself that she, too--

Hold on.

What was it Akito said after that?]

E, Ehh? Sick? Did you say sick? [She stops and spins around, a frantic expression overtaking her previous smile. That's right! Hasn't she heard that Hatori looks after Akito? And given how Yuki is... No no, hopefully it's nothing serious??]

I'm sorry, I didn't realize! Should I call a doctor when we're inside? I should make soup, I could make soup, I will make soup.

[you_will_suffer]

[She is confusing. Akito scowls, expecting that this is some sort of deception. Does Tohru want the upper-hand? Can they trust anything she makes for them?]

Calm down. [Rubbing one temple with the palm of their hand, they sigh in frustration.] And don't be so loud. I get bad headaches; Hatori is the only one that can help.

[The pain is likely caused by tension or they could be migraines. Hatori is a gifted physician, but Akito also loves him. Dearly. Possessively.]

[theonigiri]

R, Right. Gotta be calm. Be sharp! [Especially after Akito says that it's a headache. Is there medicine for that? Is Tohru's convenience store medicine even good enough for Akito?]

Leet's get in quickly. [Tohru guides them to her apartment, now more motivated than ever.] I'm no where near as smart as Hatori-san, but I think I have medicine?

[you_will_suffer]

[What even.] I'm not going to fall for your little...act. [That is a risk they can't take. Tohru is young, attractive and she could leave ruins behind her.]

...aspirin. [Maybe.] With your soup.

[If only they could get cool. Akito collapses into a chair inside, burying their face in their hands.]

[theonigiri]

[The meaning of those words don't register with Tohru. Act? Akito must be as annoyed with how she worries as Kyo gets! She needs to tone it down. Less selfish panic, and more helpful action!]

Yes, of course. Here, let me-- [Tohru goes to turn on her floor fan. Sure, the apartment has AC... But Tohru is not used to it, and has the fan out of habit.]

Please, rest your eyes. You can use the bedroom if the kitchen is too loud. Oh, and. [She stands up after turning on the fan. And now, asks a question that may seem like it's coming from the left field:] Are you okay with turtles?

[you_will_suffer]

[The cool counter feels nice against their feverish forehead. Akito exhales, long and slow, willing their pounding skull to quiet. Air from the fan cools the sweat on their skin and finally their surprisingly fragile body begins to relax.]

Turtles - ? [They lift their head slowly, carefully, eyes narrowed.] I don't think about them.

explaining pokemon can't be done normally i'm so sorry

[theonigiri]

Yes.

[She's on her feet and making her way to the kitchenette. Headaches and fevers don't always go hand in hand, but she decides to play it safe. Tohru is first fetching a glass of ice water, with plans to get Akito a cool cloth next.]

You see, there's a giant turtle in the bedroom. [It's her Pokemon. Tohru is definitely ready to elaborate, but she's already returning with the glass of water.] But if he's a bother, I can move him. Your comfort comes first.

8( he's perfect.

[you_will_suffer]

[For them, they usually do. Both offerings will be used - their sign of being appreciative - but you can bet Akito's bad temper will be back when they are feeling better.]

...a giant turtle? Really? [Now they pick themselves up and walk to said bedroom. Apartments shouldn't be that difficult to figure out, right? Oh hi, giant turtle. Akito blinks several times before kneeling down and stretching out their hand.]

five years later

[theonigiri]

[She watches Akito, trying to train her expression to be neutral. Also, failing. She doesn't sense any malice in Akito and finds herself trusting this interaction with Grotle.

The Grotle in her room is three feet tall, including the leafy hedges growing from his shell, and he lifts his head when Akito approaches. He doesn't know anything about the Sohma family. Tohru would never even mumble that guarded secret to her Pokemon. As a result, he stares at Akito with no malice. He lowers his head, inviting safe contact.]

These animals are called 'Pokemon.' They're all over this city right now. Oh, and I call him 'Akane.'

[Tohru sets the glass of water nearby, then goes back to hunt for medicine.]

<33333 you're fine!

[you_will_suffer]

[Akito is careful, touching the leafy hedges in wonder, seeing where they connect to Grotle's shell. Then they lightly touch the Pokémon's head, caressing him like they do their little birds. When they aren't crushing the poor things instead.]

Akane...

[This is a wonderful creature and Akito sips on the water absently, watching him move about.]

He doesn't seem like a monster.