Disclaimer: I do not own the characters of Fruits Basket. I do own the character Mikage Tamae and any family members I create for her.

Chapter 2

"Tamae? How did your meeting with your mentor go?" Tamae cringed inwardly at her father's voice. She knew that her work hadn't been exactly up to par and she appreciated that he was so concerned he would apply for a position in the mentoring program for her, but she still resented that he hadn't discussed it with her first.

"It was fine, Otosan," she replied. "He was very nice."

"His name is Sohma, correct?"

"Hai. He's a writer. I don't quite know why a writer would be interested in the program, but he's acceptable to me." He was also very...attractive. That bothered her. She didn't want to be attracted to anyone. Not right now.

"He's also part of a very large, very powerful family." Her father mused.

"I didn't know that. Perhaps I should apply for another?" It wouldn't do to cause trouble for Otosan.

"Ie, I was just thinking out loud. Do you think he will be able to help you?" She thought for a minute before answering.

"I don't know," she said honestly. "My professors seem to think I'm in need of help. I know that I've been depressed lately but I'll pull through it, Otosan. There's just something that's been bothering me."

"Do you mind if I ask what?" She really didn't deserve to have a father who took such an interest in his daughter's life. She felt guilty for her lingering resentment towards him.

"I'm not sure. It's probably just a delayed stress reaction. You shouldn't have to worry so much about me. I'm sorry." She meant it.

"It's my job to worry about you, Tamae. I want you to be happy."

"I know, Otosan. Arigatou. I'll try to do better in my studies."

"That's not what this is about, Ta-kun." He sounded even more concerned. She knew she was withdrawing. She couldn't help it. She sighed.

"I know. I'm sorry. I just...I don't know." There's a wall in my head. She was aware of it, but she couldn't remember if it had always been there. Maybe it had. Maybe it was the reason why she couldn't get close to anyone.

"I'm kind of tired, Otosan. I should get up early tomorrow and go to the library." She changed the subject abruptly. She didn't want to think about anything right now, especially her father's concern and her own depression.

"I understand, Tamae. Sleep well. Your mother is looking forward to having you over for dinner this weekend."

"I'm looking forward to eating her cooking! I'm not very good at that sort of thing. I must take after you." He laughed at that.

"I suppose you do. Have a good night, Tamae."

"Oyasuminasai, Otosan." She hung up the phone, wishing it had been a cradle phone instead of a cell. There was something so satisfying about setting down a handset with a 'click'. Sighing, she laid down on her futon and quickly fell asleep.

"Ohayougozaimasu, Mikage-san! How are you today?" She blinked out of a research trance to see Sohma-sensei sitting in the chair opposite her. When did he get here?

She still loses herself in research. I wonder if that's an escape for her? Shigure had actually been sitting there for several long minutes before he spoke up, examining her bent head and musing on how to move forward.

"Ah...ohayougozaimasu, Sohma-sensei. I'm doing well." She kept her gaze on his left ear. She always felt so...naked...when she looked in people's eyes. Like they could see right through her. It made her uncomfortable. "H-how are you?"

"Fine, fine. It's a nice morning. Do you always come to the library to study?" He already knew the answer.

"Ah, hai. My apartment is very small and there isn't much light...it's easier just to come here." She replied in a rush. Why am I so nervous? It's not a strange question.

"You must not spend much time at home." It was an observation. Shigure leaned back in his chair, the picture of ease. Her eyes moved from his ear to the space behind him. Why doesn't she look at my face? Did she act like this with Rin? It was a shame he couldn't ask Rin about Tamae's behavior when they'd first met.

"I don't."

"Then it's a good thing I thought to look for you here! I wanted to ask you for your class schedule." She blinked at him.

"Why?" she asked suspiciously.

"So I'll know when you're in class, what classes you're taking, and so on. It will help with developing my character. And acting as your mentor, I'll need to know when your time is occupied so I won't inadvertently schedule a meeting with you when you're in class." It was a plausible excuse. He wondered if she would appreciate the reason of it like the girl he'd known would have.

"I see. Of course, you may have it." She pulled out a fresh sheet of paper and quickly scribbled out her schedule, the names of her classes and her instructors. As he examined it, he noticed her precise writing.

"You have very nice handwriting, Mikage-san. Very legible."

"A-arigatou, Sohma-sensei." Her gaze shot to his face for a brief second before again focusing on the air next to his head. He returned his attention to her class schedule.

"Is it usual for students to take so many classes?" He couldn't stop himself from asking the question. She had listed eight—eight!—classes, not including study groups, labs, and personal study time. Her day was scheduled to the nth degree!

"Ah...ie, Sohma-sensei. I...don't know why I signed on for so many classes this term. I've been...distracted...lately." Her eyes flicked down to the open text on the table and stayed there.

"Distracted?" Now this was interesting.

"Ah, hai." She admitted reluctantly.

"In what way?" Better not come on too strong.

"I'm not sure. Every time I try to figure it out, I feel like I hit a wall in my mind." She shrugged, eyes still on her book. "I'm sure I'll get through it eventually."

That would not be good. Akito had been right. Perhaps her personality was too strong for Hatori's hypnosis. He'd never heard of anyone recovering from Ha-san's 'therapy' before, but then he'd never asked the ryu if he'd ever failed to completely erase someone's memories.

"Perhaps you're taking so many classes to keep yourself from thinking about it." She nodded.

"I think I am. It's going to be hard, but I can do it!"

"No, you can't. This is far too much. I can understand taking four, maybe five classes, but half of these have study groups and labs that make up part of your grade, don't they? I can't see how you'll have enough time to even take care of yourself, let alone do the work for all these classes. I'm going to have a talk with your counselor."

"D-demo...Sohma-sensei!"

"Mikage-san, rest assured my concern is not only for your health but also for my research. I don't see how I'll ever be able to see you with your schedule like this. If you burn out because of this class load how will you be able to help me? This isn't about just you anymore." Her eyes shot to his and stayed there. He was almost pleased to see the irritation that flared acid green through the hazel.

"What are you saying?"

"Have you forgotten your promise so quickly? Mikage-san, I'm hurt!" She blushed to her hair and looked back down at her hands, which were fisted on the table. He was sure her fingernails were digging into her palms. Excellent.

"I haven't forgotten, Sohma-sensei."

"Good. Now, won't you tell me about these classes? How many of them are specific to your major?" She visibly relaxed and began explaining the purpose of her classes.