Chapter 1: Lonely Hearts

Disclaimer: I don't own fruits basket but if I did there would so be a second season ^_^

It's been two years since I saw Akito. I wonder how he's doing. It's not that I expected him to want to see me especially after all that's happened. I guess I just hoped maybe, just maybe I could make a difference.

"Shigure, it's time for breakfast." I called. "Shigure."

I went to his study and peered in. He was sleeping. I guess even someone as energetic as Shigure gets tired sometimes. He's been working awfully hard. I wonder if things are going well but I couldn't possibly ask him. That would be prying.

I shut the door and returned to the kitchen, putting half the food away for him later.

Oh mom, it's so different. Kyo is in the mountains training with his master and Yuki went to college. It's not like they don't visit or that I expected them to always be so close by. I guess I just never expected it to feel so...so lonely.

I know I should be grateful that Shigure allowed me to continue living here and I am I guess. I just wish everyone wasn't so busy but I guess that's just being selfish.

I ate my food and washed the dishes. Then there wasn't much to do except wait for work, I guess.

"Tohru, what's wrong? You look kind of sad." Momiji peered around the door and she jumped in surprise.

"No, I'm not sad, really. I was just thinking. Is... is something wrong? Not that I want there to be I just wasn't expecting your visit... not that you aren't welcome. I guess what I mean is...mmm."

Momiji laughed, his usual smile on his face. He really had grown up and as a senior in high school was really popular with the girls and really handsome. Despite the change in appearance he was still the same.

"I'm happy to see you too but I'm not here to visit. Not uh, I came to deliver a letter just for you, Tohru." He bowed and I felt my face turn red.

"A letter, I wonder who it's from."

"I don't know. Hari gave it to me. Who knows maybe Hari likes you."

"Oh no, I'm sure that's not it not that I wouldn't be flattered. He is a handsome doctor..."

"I was kidding."

"Right." I guess I was a little out of it. I had been so caught up with thinking about everything Momiji caught me completely off guard. "Would you like something to eat? I can make some rice balls."

"No thank you. I have a date."

"Ooo, a date. That sounds so exciting." He nodded enthusiastically.

"Well, I have to go. Bye now." He waved and as quickly as he showed up he was gone leaving me with a letter.

I opened it.

To Miss Tohru Honda,

Akito requests your presence at the main house. He says that you are to be there by noon today. That is all.

There was no signature but it did sound like a brief thing Hatori would say. I wonder what this is about. I mean I was just thinking about Akito and now this....

Noon!! Oh no I have work. I can't possibly miss work.. Oh, but I can't say no to Akito. What do I do?

"Tohru, I'm starving. What's for breakfast?" Shigure came into the living room.

"I'm sorry. I put your breakfast in the fridge."

"That's fine. I'm a grown man I can heat it myself which reminds me. Speaking of grown men, has my little flower finally found herself the..."

She felt her face turn red as she shook her head. "No, why do you ask?"

She followed him into the kitchen as he took a seat. "Well Tohru, you're a grown woman now."

"You want me to leave?"

"No, it isn't like that. You've done so much for me and for everyone. I just worry about your happiness. You haven't been yourself since Yuki and Kyo left. In fact if I were to guess you look a little sad."

"Not at all. I'm happy they found something to fulfill their existence. Mom always said when one hears the call they should to it."

"Yes, a call. Well I personally don't know what they were thinking leaving a little flower like yourself alone to face the world of scary men." I laughed and shook my head. Shigure certainly had a way of putting things. "To the point then. I think you should go out and have fun, find your calling."

I automatically thought about the letter still in my hand. Maybe it was a sign.

"You're right. I'll get started right away."

"That's great but first... maybe you could heat my breakfast. I'm afraid all that writing has made me a little weary." I laughed and nodded rushing to help. It didn't take long at all. "Thank you, Tohru. You really are too good for an old man like me."

"Not at all. Please excuse me I have to make a phone call." I bowed and went into the other room. I called my boss. I guess it wouldn't really be skipping work if I promised to work an extra day next week.

"Hello."

"This is Tohru Honda. I was wondering if maybe I could have the day off. I'm sorry to call last minute, it's just something came up and..."

"You may take as much time as you need."

"Thank you. I'd be happy to work an extra day if..."

"That won't be necessary. I received a call earlier from the Sohma estate and expected this to happen. Don't worry about a thing." I forgot Momiji's father owned the company. I guess the Sohma's are all connected somehow even though they have such a large family.

"Thank you." I hung up and looked at the clock. It was still early but I bet I could get some errands done while I wait and maybe pick up some bento for Shigure this afternoon since I won't be here. "I'm going now."

"Be safe." He called and I smiled at the familiar phrase as I headed out the door.

I wonder... It might be presumptuous but maybe Akito's lonely too.

(A.N. I'm working on Semester with the Sohmas still but I thought I'd give a different coupling a try. Akito/Tohru and Hatori/Tohru tend to be my favorite. Please R/R)