Disclaimer: I do not own Fruits Basket nor do I use this story for any monetary value, just practice.

A/N: A quick story I whipped up, I hope you all like it. Constructive criticisms and reviews gladly accepted. =)


Kana, I love you.

The silence was unbearable but she wasn't in tears. I was glad of that. It had been a hard week after we were denied marriage. She kept getting sallower too. We were no longer engaged. Kana had given back the ring shortly after we left Akito's room. However, our relationship continued.

She always looked melancholy since then. Whenever I tried to comfort her she pushed me away and with a weak smile told me she was fine. I tried again time after time, because I didn't know of another alternative. Maybe this time she'd let me in.

"Kana, you must understand that Akito did not mean to hurt me. He is very emotional and let it get the best of him. I will also be fine. Please stop hurting." I feigned a smile and held her hand. She shut down and then begged me to let her go home. Another attempt; another time I failed to make her happy.

I couldn't give up so that night I went to her house. She let me in with a small smile on her face. I was relieved. We had tea together while I shared some details about my mother. She enjoyed when I opened up to her about my life. Finally, we seemed normal like we were before.

The next day it took a turn for the worse. Later, I found out Akito had talked to her. Kana hadn't come to work for three days. She never let me in her house either so I continued working, hoping she'd be back soon. Until one night, she let me in. I slowly entered and sat down in front of her.

"Hello, Kana." I smiled gently and reached out for her hand. I quickly pulled away after she whimpered.

"Does it hurt?" She asked. I turned to look at her. Her eyes were lifeless and cold. So chillingly cold, I couldn't comprehend her for the first time since meeting her.

So, I said, "No." I lied.. Her face crumpled.

"Good because I want you to see it. Your eye, I mean. It's been in a bandage long enough.." She smiled. I knew it was false but I couldn't deny her request. I slowly took it off. She gasped and her hand slowly rose to touch it.

"Hatori... I'- You should go home. It's late." Another fake smile.

After that, she barely ate, she never talked and she never slept. No matter what I did, she wept.

One day was worse than the others. I came in late for work; I was not prepared for the sight before me. There was blood drops on the floor. They led to Kana.

"Kana?" She looked over to me, her face and shirt concealed in dried blood. A bleeding nose.

"I'm okay..." She murmured, her voice worryingly monotone. She was even pastier today, the shadows under her eyes contrasted with her fair skin more than usual.

"Kana, I love you." It just came out… I paused. I hadn't said that in a while. I regretted it.

"... It would have been better if you and I never met."

I tried to hide after that. I grew my bangs out and avoided meeting her gaze. It didn't help. She was constantly ill. Her immune system being compromised by her dark depression.

She never smiled after that. She was slipping away and I couldn't bring her back.

I knew just what it was I had to do. I had to, Akito had asked me to. There was no choice. I made a call to Shigure before waiting for Kana.

"Thank you, Shigure." She opened the door and stepped in, "Hatori?"

I smiled weakly and led her in, she gave me more than I deserved. It would be selfish of me to force her through this pain but I'd be lying to say I didn't want her back. I am glad she let me have this amount of happiness. She was my spring.