Author Note:

This is a story I'm working on as a Christmas present for a gorgeous friend of mine. I don't think she's on so I'm confident in posting it here. PLEASE REVIEW!
I'm struggling for inspiration on Chapter 3 of the ongoing story. I'm bummed. So I'm hoping if people will like this story, it will inspire me to pick up the pace and write more :D

"Arigatou Gozaimasu" the blonde American bowed politely to the Taxi Driver as she arrived at her destination. Standing by her luggage, the American looked up at the Sohma Estate. She was greeted by a large wooden gate that concealed the buildings within. Standing on her tiptoes, she craned her neck in an attempt to survey her surroundings that will soon be her accommodation. Failing to see anything, she opted to calling out.

"Hello?" She called out in Japanese. Her breath forming a fog from the negative temperatures of a Japanese winter.

Hatori Sohma had woken to a typical morning. A cigarette and coffee to go as he barely had time to stop and have a proper breakfast. His first appointment for the day was the daily consultation with their god; Akito Sohma.

Carrying the coffee around the house with him, Hatori entered a separate part of his house that was his office. Here, he organised Akito's medical files, briefing himself on her prognosis and latest conditions. Snapping the file shut, he took one long mouthful of coffee before placing the half drunk beverage on the desk. He snatched his white medical coat off the hanger and shrugged it on. Glancing outside, he knew that everyone would be in for a very cold day today. He snatched his woollen scarf from the hanger and wrapped it snugly around his neck to protect himself from the harsh cold air. It would do him no good if the Sohma Family physician were to become ill, proving to be completely incompetent to perform his medical duties and fulfil his responsibilities as physician.

Rugged up warm, the doctor retrieved his medical bag and firmly tucked Akito's file under his arm as he locked the door to his residence, making his way down to the Sohma Main House.

"Hello…?" a voice carried out through the cold brisk winds. Frowning, the doctor followed the direction of the voice. He opened the gate and was greeted by a foreigner.

Hearing the gate open, Desare whirled around and was greeted by a man in a white coat. She gasped at how handsome this stranger was for a Japanese man, though her gasp could easily be mistaken for a gasp in surprise. "Ah! Hello." She bowed respectfully.

Hatori bowed curtly "Can I help you?" he asked coldly to the stranger.

"Ah, my name is Desare Bellamy. I have an interview with a Mr. Akito Sohma for the position of the private English tutor." She knew she was rambling, but being in the presence of such a man who's occupation precedes him. It was obvious to Desare he was of medical profession from his white doctor's coat.

The doctor frowned, he had no recollection of being informed about his patient interviewing a stranger at such an early time in the morning. He hadn't even given Akito her medical consultation yet. But then again, why should Hatori be informed of such business, for wasn't he nothing but a doctor to their head of the family? He was sure the God neglected to tell her own lover, Shigure, what was going on.

"I was not aware that the head of the house has interviews lined up today."

Desare's cheeks went pink with embarrassment. 'Oh…this man doesn't know what's going on. Isn't that bizarre? She thought to herself. She certainly didn't want to inconvenience the doctor in any way, "Perhaps I ought to reschedule for another time?" she suggested to him.

A cold gust of wind blew through the air, making Desare shiver and hug herself tightly in an attempt to keep warm. She was wearing a high neck but skin-tight woollen jumper, but that seemed to be proving useless against the cold.

"No. If Akito Sohma has requested an appointment with you, I'd highly recommend to not reschedule as such a forward request to the head of the house will come across rude. Such an opportunity is rare for 'outside people'" Hatori spoke to her coldly.

Desare nodded at the man's suggestion. "I just didn't want to cause anybody any trouble." She partially rambled. Not knowing, just how troubled this family truly is. And what on earth did he meant by 'outside people'? That certainly peaked her interest in her never-ending curiosity, but she didn't question it out loud to this man.

This woman before him reminded him of his previous lover, Kana. She was a very humble and gentle being, but fate had intervened and given him no other option but to let her go.

He pushed this painful memory aside as he focused on the situation this girl has presented.

"I'll show you to the Main House." He offered as he held the gate open for her.

"Ah. Thank you so much." She bowed respectfully before wheeling her suitcase in to the estate grounds. She stopped abruptly, causing Hatori to almost bump into her. Luckily he managed to stop himself just in time. It would have been another problematic situation to deal with. "Oh my goodness gracious me!" Desare gasped aloud. It was like another village hidden away.

"The Main House is this way." Hatori motioned with his hand, pulling Desare out of her thoughts. Hatori wasn't one for idle chit-chat. He was a man who would rather address a problem straight at hand and oversee it with a quick outcome.

Approaching what Desare assumed was the 'Main House'; she admired it at every angle. It was an exquisite building, she couldn't even form words to describe the beauty of it. She had never seen anything like this in Japan. Her eyes cast from the beautiful building to an even more sight of beauty that presented itself before her – the traditional Japanese gardens. Oh how she has fallen in love with them instantly. This really was a beautiful sight! How could such a cold and miserable man not smile at what beauty he is surrounded by. Although Desare was hardly ever surrounded by beauty and her reactions were a little emphasized than the average person who has experienced more life than her.

Clearing his throat, Hatori held the door open for her and motioned to her to enter the premises. He was a little impatient at her for staying outside in the cold brisk atmosphere, and slightly in fear for keeping their God waiting. "I believe the head of the house is waiting for you. Let's not keep him waiting any longer." He told her, making her head snap up out of her thoughts.

Desare's bright, curious eyes looked up at the cold ones that were glaring at her. "Oh! I'm terribly sorry! I didn't mean to keep anybody waiting. I was just admiring your gardens. They're quite unique. We don't have anything like this back in America." She explained as she walked over to the Main House and walked inside with Hatori behind her.

"Doctor Sohma! I believe Akito is expecting you." One of the Maids greeted him.

"Yes he is. However, I believe he is also expecting a possible Tutor for Momiji." He replied. Desare stood between the two, watching how the conversation was unfolding between the two professions. "Ah. You must be the American!" the Maid said. Desare didn't know whether to take offense the Maid's tone of voice or not. Instead she opted to remain positive and proud about who she was, "Yes I am. It's a pleasure to make your acquaintance" the American bowed in respect. The maid just looked at her and bowed quickly before walking away to inform Akito.

Desare stood awkwardly next to Hatori as they waited for the maid to return. She glanced sideways at the doctor and studied him quietly for the first time. He's so cold for someone so handsome! Being a doctor, she would have thought he'd at least have some 'people skills' but he seemed to be the kind that didn't beat around the bush and would rather get straight to the heart of the matter.

Completely opposite on what Desare's thoughts were about, Hatori's remained on his profession. He thought back to his last visit with Akito and how she was, medically – which was not good. He had hoped for Desare's sake that she would be in a far better condition today. He didn't want to have to deal with Akito's aggression with a stranger mixed in betwixt it all.

"Akito will see you now Ms. Bellamy." The maid snapped both adults out of their thoughts.

Okay. Here's my chance. She thought to herself as she hugged her portfolio to her chest and followed the maid. She stopped and glanced over her shoulder. "Thank you for your hospitality Doctor Sohma." She said politely, receiving a shocked expression from the male but looked away and continued to follow the maid.

Hatori was quite shocked that the young woman had even thanked him for his 'hospitality' (if you could even call it that!). He didn't think he offered much hospitality. Tohru was one who ought to be praised on hospitality. Watching the retreating back of the two women, Hatori tapped his fingers against his file in annoyance before making his way to the kitchen to await his turn with the God.

There, he made himself a cup of coffee as he didn't get to finish his own, and opened the file that contained Akito's medical reports. He updated himself on her latest condition; last visit she was running a fever and low in her iron.

The maid came back within 15 minutes with Desare, whom was beaming. The Doctor looked up from his medical file, "Akito will see you now." She said to Hatori. She turned to Desare and said, "I will have another Maid escort you to your new residence."

As Hatori stood up and gathered his things, he saw Desare bow and happily reply, "Thank you so much for this wonderful opportunity!" The maid smiled at her flattering compliment. Obviously maids and servants of the like barely got any recognition, so for this maid, it was rather welcoming.

Waiting for the two to disappear from his sight, he stood up and made his way to the God's room. Lifting his hand up to the door, he gently rapped on the wooden door and waited for permission to proceed. "Enter" came the command.

Hatori walked in and saw Akito slouched by the window, with it wide open. "Akito." Hatori bowed politely before making his way over to the god.

"Sitting by the window like that will only aggravate your health, especially on a cold winters day like today." He told her. He watched as she turned away from the window and slowly walked over to him, brushing her hand over his heart. "Like you Hatori. Cold as snow." She repeated her words from the past. His eyes widened in hurt but he soon regained his posture. Walking over to the window, he securely shut it. Yes. Cold as snow. The spring that once melted my heart is now gone. He thought to himself. "How are you feeling today Akito?" he asked.

The god shrugged. "I'm confined to this room, I have no strength to move around as much as I would prefer. So your question of how I am feeling is rather stupid, don't you think? Do you think I'm happy? No! I cannot do what I please for my health always gets in the way." Akito began to go on a temper tantrum, but Hatori soon calmed her down with ease. "I saw Momiji's new tutor." He changed the subject, trying to maintain a decent conversation where she wasn't complaining about every little thing. He knelt down and retrieved his usual medical items such as the stethoscope, thermometer etc.

Akito let out a snort. "She's far too optimistic for her own good. Reminds me of Kana."

How Akito enjoyed putting salt over other people's wounds. Hatori did not respond to her bite. "Perhaps optimism isn't always a bad thing." He said as he placed the stethoscope in his ears and placed the silver plate on her chest. She breathed as routinely required. "Hmph. I've never had optimistic thoughts. I wouldn't know. You were in love once. Were you ever optimistic?" she asked with narrowed eyes. Luckily she asked another question before he could even contemplate on how he should answer. "What do you think of the girl?"

with Akito's chest completely clear of any bacteria present, Hatori placed his stethoscope back in his medical bag. Assuming she was talking about Momiji's new tutor, he thought about it for a moment. "I wouldn't know. I didn't see her credentials. She seems nice enough." Akito's eyes narrowed in anger. Nice!? "You wouldn't be thinking of falling in love with her? Especially as she's so much like Kana?" that remark stabbed at his heart and Akito was satisfied when she saw the hurt in his eyes. "I am here as a physician. Should she need my help, it would be on a professional relationship only. Nothing more." His answer seemed to satisfy her as she sat back against her pillows.

"Are you taking your medication?" he asked.

"Yes!" she hissed out.

Bowing once more to her, he clipped up the Medical bag and stood up. "Your lungs are clear and you seem to be in stronger spirits today. I don't think you are suffering any illness at this present stage. Should you feel a cold come on, please send for me. I fear you may possibly come down with Pneumonia from sitting by the cold window."

"Hmph." Was the reply that the Doctor received. "You may go." She allowed him his leave.

With that task done in little under half an hour, Hatori made his way back to his own residence. Where he was greeted by his now new next door neighbour. "Doctor Sohma!" the blonde greeted happily with a wave of her arm. "Look's like I'll be your new next door neighbour!" she smiled at him. He nodded at her greeting. "Ms. Bellamy. You should go inside before you catch a cold." He told her as he walked up his pathway. "Oh, just call me Desare." She said cheerfully as she followed his suit and walked up her own pathway leading to her residence. "Hatori." He told in return before opening his door and walking in his residence.

Closing the door behind him, he leant against the wooden frame. Placing a hand to his forehead where he lightly gripped his bangs, he sighed. He had never seen anyone with that much happiness; not since Kana. And it was bringing back painful memories for him.

Regaining his posture, he pulled himself together and continued to his office as he began the usual routine duties expected of the family physician.

As Desare walked inside her residence, she looked around and breathed in deeply. Now was her opportunity to set up her new home. Running her hand over a sealed box, she thought back to this morning's events. How that Doctor seemed so cold and distant…as though he was pained by a traumatic past. A man of mystery, she thought to herself. "Hmmm." There were so many boxes to unpack! She didn't know where to start!

And so begins the new neighbours.

One who possessed the same happiness of a past; And the other full of mystery.