Hilo everyone! Guess what? I edited and added on to every chapter! Basically, the paragraphs of text in italics are in Akito's point of view. I didn't want to put "Akito's POV" because that would have disrupted the flow of the story. I felt bad because I couldn't show you what Akito was thinking, so I decided to do that. Plus, the transition would be easier once I switch completely into her perspective much, much later into the story. In addition, no one told me I had miscounted on the number of guests! I slapped my forehead because I realized that only a week ago. Anyways, please reread the story, and I hope you like the new and improved version.

"Why does mineral water that 'has trickled through mountains for centuries' have a 'use by' date?"

. . .

"Hello? Hii-kun? This is Tohru Honda… I know it has been a while, but I was wondering if you could help." She sounded unsure of herself.

"Hey Tohru-chan. Yeah, how can I help?" I was a little nervous talking to her.

"Oh, thank you so much!" She said loudly, which made me wince. "Do you have room at your house?"

"Do you need to stay over?" I was mildly confused. The last I had heard of her was that she was staying at a few of her guy friends' house which was fine with me. Of course as long as they were trustworthy and responsible.

"No… My friends' home caught on fire and so some of their family needs a place to stay during the reconstruction. Do you think you have enough room?"

"How many people?"

Tohru quietly counted and came up with an answer within a few seconds. "Um, about six, I think?"

"Yeah, that's okay. Are you coming over today? Tomorrow?"

"Will today be fine?"

"Yes."

"Oh, thank you Hii-kun! We'll come over immediately. Um, can I have your address?"

I had a sweat drop in the back of my head. Yup, that's Tohru, I thought. I recited the address slowly so she had enough time to write it down. I even gave her directions from a certain point. "See you later," I said lamely as I hung up the phone. It's going to be noisy for a while, I thought as I started to neaten up my house including the guest rooms.

I hadn't talked to Tohru since a few years before Kyoko-sama past away so it had indeed been a while. Six years, in fact. I was at least eager to help her out as long as I could give my condolences. My parents forbade me to even go to her grave since it was Kyoko-sama's, so I couldn't even see Tohru. I hated my parents after that, especially my father. Unfortunately, or fortunately (I hadn't decided which), my uncle past away and gave me this house along with money from his insurance. I immediately got a job as a tattoo artist and moved in as soon as I turned eighteen. By that time, I was afraid to call her because I thought I was too late to say anything.

After I thought everything was suitable, I waited by the stairs so I could open the door when they arrived. Just as I sat down, there were knocks on the door.

The fire had chased us out of our homes, and even though no one had gotten hurt, I would never be the same. Even though Tohru had told us the good news of a new temporary home, I wasn't sure if it would be a good thing to go. What if his home became another victim of arsen?

. . .

Not much was added to this chapter, but it was needed. I hope the italics don't get messed up, I really hate it when that happens. Same with the non-appearing line-breaks. I'll try and keep a close eye on that.

"Why is it called Alcoholics Anonymous when the first thing you do is stand up and say, 'My name is Bob and I am an alcoholic.'"