i thought of this ater watching fruits basket some more and thought it would make the story a little more interesting if hatori could control edit peoples memories instead of erasing them completely.

disclaimer; owning nothing

first chapter: hatori POV

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When Kana came into my life, I slowly began to love her. And she loved me, even after she knew the horrible truth of the curse. I knew from that moment on that we'd be together forever.

I didn't think of Akito.

After that particular incident, Akito ordered me to wipe her memories clean. As much as it pained me to tamper with the memories of my beloved Kana, I did as was required.

One thing Akito doesn't know about my power, however, is that I can control the pieces of memories people remember.

Kana remembers the days we were in love; she deserved that much. She also remembered we were going to marry. The last thing she recalls is going into Akito's room to ask permission.

And that is where the memory ends.

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I was sorting my mail when the letter came. In elegant calligraphy, 'Hatori' was written on the envelope. Kana was the only person I knew who knew calligraphy. Immediately, I shut the door to my study and tore off the envelope with the eagerness of a child on Christmas.

For the past ten minutes, I've been rooted to the spot reading this letter over and over, transcribed entirely in flawless handwriting. I still don't understand.

I read the letter for the twelfth time.

Dearest Hatori,

What you're about to read may shock you, it may horrify you, it may make you immensely happy. Either way, here goes.

I don't know how to say this, so I'm just going to say it. Hatori, you have a daughter.

She's ten years old, and her name is Kyra. She's really smart, but also very shy. She's absolutely adorable. But this isn't just an informative letter.

Please Hatori, you've got to understand. The only reason I didn't tell you is because I remember Akito. I didn't want out daughter around him. The reason I'm telling you now is… complicated.

You see, I just recently lost my job and I can't afford to keep Kyra. Giving her up for adoption is simply not an option, as you can well imagine. I'd rather have her with you and Akito than with complete strangers. She has to come and live with you.

If you want to take her in, call me at 588-2300.

No matter what happens, even when I can't remember much, I'll always love you.

Kana

I have a daughter? I have a daughter? I don't understand how this could've happened. I mean, Kana and I made love on several occasions, but I'm a doctor, for God's sake! I should've been able to tell she was pregnant before she left. If I'd known, I would've fought a little harder.

I walked over to my desk and quickly dialed the number, praying Akito didn't go overboard with paranoia that his zodiac was going to leave him and tap the phone lines. Again.

It rang once, twice and three times before someone picked up. "Hello?"

Just hearing her voice brought back all the memories of love and happiness I'd long stored away. I relished in them. In fact, I was so deep in thought that I didn't answer her.

"Hello?"

I snapped back. "Kana."

I heard the sharp intake of breath. "Hatori. You got my letter."

"I did."

"I swear to God, I would've told you sooner, it's just-"

"You did the right thing," I cut her off. "You were right to assume that Akito would have a negative impact on her life."

"So what now?"

"I completely understand your proposal, and I accept it. Kyra can come live with me."

I heard the smile in her reply. "Excellent."

I met them at the train station at noon. I told Akito I was going to pick up someone very special. He was very sick, and half asleep, so he didn't ask much.

I was nearly bouncing with anticipation when the train pulled up. I'm not usually one to get excited, but this was a big deal; I was about to meet my daughter!

Kana stepped of the train wearing a pink shirt and jeans. She might as well have been wearing nothing but a sheet for as much as I saw.

Huh. I don't think I'd mind seeing that.

She smiled warmly. "Hello, Hatori."

"Kana."

"Hatori, this is Kyra," she said, gesturing to her legs.

I looked down and saw, gripping onto her leg for dear life, the cutest little girl I'd ever seen.

Even though she was ten, she was tiny, only about the size of a large five year old. She had kana's piercing blue eyes and my jet black hair. She had on a small yellow t-shirt with a big sunflower on it and a pink skirt. Her toes wiggled nervously in her sandals.

Kana got down on her hands and knees and gently disentangled her grip. "Kyra, sweetie," she murmured. "Don't be shy. This is your dad, Hatori. He's really nice, and you'll love him. You just have to give it time."

The train blew its horn. Kana smiled sadly. "It's time for me to get back."

"NO, DON'T GO!" Kyra cried, throwing her arms around her neck. Kana stood with the sobbing child in her arms and gave Kyra a kiss on her head.

"I won't be gone long," she promised. "And I'll come visit you whenever I can. But for now you have to go with your father."

"Please don't go," Kyra sobbed.

I could plainly see how this was killing her. She handed Kyra to me and pried her tiny hands from around her neck. "I'm sorry, baby. I have to."

With one last kiss on her forehead, Kana was gone.

So now I'm in the middle of a train station with a crying girl in my arms. I tried to comfort her.

"Kyra, please don't cry," I pleaded, gently rocking her back and forth. "You know she'll be back."

"I don't understand," she cried. "Did I do something to make her mad?"

"No, no. Why would you say that?"

"She doesn't want me to stay with her anymore. I don't understand; why doesn't she love me anymore?"

My heart broke.

"Kyra, listen to me. Your mother loves you very much. More than you'll ever know. But things are getting bad for her. She's going to move somewhere smaller, and there won't be a lot of space for you. She only wants you to be comfortable, not squished."

Kyra wiped her eyes and looked up at me. "Really?"

"Yes. She'll be back as soon as she can. Bust she wants to make sure things are nice when you get back. so you're coming to live with me. Okay?"

She sniffed. "Okay."

I carried her out to my car and strapped her into her car seat I'd bought a few days ago. Then I got in the front and started the car. Within minutes, she was asleep.

When we got back to the Sohma estate, I put her on a cot in my study and covered her with a blanket. Then I did some mental preparation.

When she woke up, we had to go see Akito.

DUN DUN DUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUN!

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