"What the hell is going on in there?" He ruffled his hair angrily.

The remainder of the group sat silently, afraid to voice their own ideas on what Tohru was experiencing, yet all naturally assuming the worst. Momiji was the only one being openly optimistic, reassuring the others that everything would be fine. Kyo paced back and forth, like a nervous father waiting for his daughter to return from a date. His hair on end from all the pacing created enough friction to light half the estate. Hatori had eyed the house multiple times as well without realizing he was. Shigure on the other hand had noticed but said nothing, for he too was curious. Hatsuharu had wandered off in search of Kisa and Hiro, who were on their way back from an outing in the city. Suddenly, Momiji sprung between the two older men in the direction of Akitos, where a lovely Tohru stood waving merrily to them all.

Extending a hand in the air Yuki waved back. "Miss Honda!"

Shigure, Yuki and Ha'ri made their way towards her, while Kyo stayed crouched in his spot on the wall. Standing he put his hands on his hips and let out a sigh of relief.

"Ah...Tohru how was your visit?" Shigure wasted no time prodding her for information.

Momiji stepped in front of him and grabbing Tohrus hand twirled her around, making them both giggle.

"Momiji… please let Miss Honda be for a few moments." Hatori preached in a stern tone and warned with his index finger. The boy stuck his tongue out at the doctor before taking a spot next to the dog.

Tohru giggled again. "Oh I don't mind at all...it's nice to have fun with people you care about." Her big blue eyes sparkled up at him and he felt his knees grow weak for an instant.

'What has come over me?' His mind ventured.

Ever since their first meeting he'd always admired her from afar. He admired her sweet vibrant smile, her engulfing sapphire eyes, her amazing personality, her creamy smooth skin. He shook his head instantly of any further thoughts, returning a small smile to her. She brushed a stray strand of hair from her face and returned her attention to Shigures question.

"It was nice…we talked about simple things…I think he really just wanted some company." Shigure and Hatori shared a look of disbelief. "Hmm... that is odd for Akito. He could have called upon any of us for that."

"I don't know him as well as you all do… but I think he didn't want to bother any of you or he was worried he'd burden you. I remember when you all visited me when I was sick...I sure enjoyed the company." She babbled on like she always did without noticing.

Shigure finally shrugged it off, thinking he'd return to the matter later. Yuki eyed the house one last time as they were leaving, seeing Akitos shrouded figure staring back at him. Hatori and Momiji bid the others farewell and headed back to their own homes. Momiji scampered off mid-way, leaving Hatori to walk to rest of the way alone. He felt a light tap on his shoulder and turned expecting to see Momiji, instead met those luscious blue eyes again.

"Hatori-san would you like to come over for dinner?" Her pink cheeks lifted as she looked up at him.

"I wanted to thank everyone for worrying about me…n-not that you were… just that I didn't want to leave anyone out …Momiji and Haru have already left …but I thought.."

She twiddled her thumbs nervously behind her back. 'Why do I get so nervous talking to him?'

"It would be my pleasure." His steady voice soothed her frantic nerves.


"Ah Tohru…you've outdone yourself again." Shigure said flopping down beside the table to rub his extended stomach.

"Yeah thanks."

Kyo set his chop sticks down over the top of the now empty soup bowl. He got to his feet slower than usual but excused himself the same way he always did, vaguely and without a second thought. Yuki scoffed at the rude gestures from both his housemates.

"Once again Honda-chan please forgive my completely uncivilized cousins with whom I am certain I share no genes." He rubbed his forehead exacerbated. A small smile formed at her soft lips.

"Oh it's alright, I'm just glad everyone had enough to eat." She stood and began clearing the table.

"I must say it was quite delicious Miss Honda." Hatori spoke quietly.

He stood and politely aided in the cleanup process. He'd caught her off guard with his generosity but she bowed sheepishly, while stacks of plates and bowls teetered in her hands. Yuki got to his feet ready to assist and grabbing a few things followed them to the kitchen.

"Yuki, I'll handle the cleaning tonight."

Grabbing the dishes from Yuki he headed to the sink. Yuki eyed Hatori warily before excusing himself for the night.

"Good night Tohru…Hatori."

Tohru watched after him as he climbed the stairs and disappeared. She turned, walking to the sink. Setting the dishes down, she grabbed her worn apron and tied it tight around her thin waist. Hatori organized things while she began washing and rinsing. Returning to the dining room he made for the lazy dog that had been sprawled out in the floor. Instead he found the room empty, aside from a single slip of paper neatly scrawled on in Shigures clear character.

'Ha-san, I apologize for not giving a proper adieu but I had to retire for the evening so that I could finish work on my latest masterpiece. The sake gave me some really good ideas. Yours tenderly, Shi-san.

P.s. I trust you can let yourself out. Ta-ta!'

Rolling his eyes he crumpled the paper into a ball and tossed it into the kitchen trash as he made his way back to help his hostess. Tohru hadn't noticed that he'd come back, she was too busy in her work to think about anything else. He stood in the doorway watching her slender form shuffling back and forth as she tidied up. That was another thing he admired about her, her diligence. There were quite a few things he admired about her but her kindness the most.

'She's always the first to lend a hand, completely selfless…a fine quality in a companion…'

His mind had veered off course, so he pinched himself, making a mental note not to forget his place. Thinking such things was something a man his age shouldn't be considering when looking at someone out of his league, not to mention she was fresh out of High school. He strode to her side and began drying the dishes she had scrubbed clean.

"Oh you don't have to do that!" she exclaimed worriedly, finally noticing his presence.

"Please Miss Honda I insist after that exceptional meal you prepared." Her face reddened at his compliment and turning away slightly she hid her face. Saying nothing more he'd seen her reaction and inwardly smiled.

"Well I'm glad you enjoyed it but I'm not sure it was exceptional…" Resting his hands on the counters edge he faced her with a serious look on his face.

"You are too modest…you should take credit for all the wonderful things you create or accomplish." Looking back up at him her eyes wavered momentarily as warmth filled her cheeks once more.

'Oh mom…what's happening to me…?"

A tiny blue bird nestled on a tree branch just outside the kitchen window chirped twice then flew off into the setting sun.