Yuki finally sat down on the ledge of the walkway on the outer part of the house as he continued to gaze at all the snow around the forest area. Everything looked so dead; it was more depressing as Yuki analyzed the sight even more.

Suddenly Yuki heard the sliding doors behind him open and then slowly shut once again. Yuki turned his head and saw Tohru standing there with two blankets in her hands. She smiled softly towards him as she sat by his side and broke the silence. "I thought you might be getting a little chilly by now and I didn't want you to get sick again. So, I thought a blanket might warm you up."

Tohru handed Yuki one of the blankets and Yuki slowly placed it in his lap as he smiled softly towards her. "You're very kind, Ms. Honda. Thank you." He said softly as she wrapped herself in her own blanket and replied, "Oh, you're welcome."

She smiled as she looked away from Yuki and gazed at the sight before her. "The snow seems endless." She whispered as Yuki nodded, but did not respond.

"Yuki?" She asked as she glanced back over at him. "Is something the matter? You seem like something's bothering you. Do you want to talk about it?"

"Huh?" Yuki was shocked as to how fast Tohru had pried into his thoughts, but he smiled at her concern. "It's just that...I feel selfish at times. I live my life here, away from the Sohma house and I feel as if I've resolved something, but the truth is...I forget that others are still suffering." He said in a shameful tone as Tohru went to lean on him, but stopped, remembering the consequence that would happen.

"I spoke to Momiji last night, thinking that Akito was behind the tears and desolate eyes of the boy...But it turned out it was in fact Hatori who had broken Momiji's spirit." Said Yuki as Tohru looked at him in shock and asked, "Hatori? But how...and why? They always seemed to be dependent on each other."

"They are, Hatori has always looked after Momiji and in result Momiji has come to see Hatori as a father figure. When Momiji is in trouble Hatori would be the one to punish him. When Momiji was happy Hatori would be the reason behind the smile." Said Yuki as Tohru continued for him. "And now he's the reason behind Momiji's tears."

Yuki nodded his head as he continued, "Akito...as you know, loses his temper easily. And as Shigure told us Akito took his temper out on Momiji...But what Shigure did not tell us was that Akito was originally going to release his wrath on Hatori."

Tohru looked at Yuki in shock, hypnotized by the story that was spilling out of Yuki's mouth. "Momiji saw this and told Akito, Don't punish Hatori, please. It was my fault he was late...It was my fault."

"So...Momiji was protecting Hatori...From Akito." Whispered Tohru as Yuki nodded his head and replied, "After the event...Hatori told Momiji he was a nuisance, in the way of things. Hatori told him he was just a problem." Yuki stopped his words as he looked Tohru straight into the eyes and asked, "What do you think of Hatori now? Do you think he is cruel? Breaking a little boys heart just because he was protecting him?"

Tohru was silent for a moment and then shook her head in disapproval. "No, I don't think he's cruel. I think he's scared." She said as Yuki waited for her to finish. "I think he is afraid to see Momiji hurt again. And I also think it also broke Hatori's heart as well having to see Momiji in pain...And even more so...Push him away just so he can guarantee he'll be safe from harm and Akito."

Yuki nodded his head as he replied, "I just hope he doesn't completely abandon Momiji all together. Hatori is all that boy has."

As Yuki and Tohru continued their conversation Shigure had finally finished his cigarette as he let out one last drag of smoke from his mouth. He had listened to their conversation from beginning to end through the sliding door and he couldn't help but think about the phone call he received earlier that day.

***

Shigure sat in his office, glasses on and pen in action as he heard the telephone ring next to his papers he was working on. He let out a soft sigh as he set his pen down and picked up the phone.

"Hello?" Asked Shigure as he waited for a response. "Shigure, it's me."

"Ah, my dear Hatori! What a pleasure to hear your voice! Have you called to talk to Momiji?" He asked, as Hatori quickly replied, "No, I just wanted to talk to you. I just wanted to know how Momiji was doing."

"You could know a lot more if you asked him yourself, you know?" Shigure said in a taunting and playful manner as Hatori let out an annoyed sigh. Shigure took off his glasses and leaned back against the bookcase that was behind him.

"It seems like he's fine when it comes to his wound, but he still hasn't ate anything. He's also been sitting by that window in the spare room all day, just watching outside, like he's waiting for something." Said Shigure, already knowing what Momiji had his heart set on.

"Are you going to come?" Asked Shigure, his curiosity got the best of him. Hatori was silent on the other line for a moment before he replied, "I probably shouldn't. I need him to understand that even though he cares for me...There still needs to be a distance."

"Hatori, aren't you being a bit cruel?" Asked Shigure as Hatori let out a small sigh and asked, "Put yourself in my situation, Shigure. What would you do?"

"Well, I would tell Akito to find a new buddy to hang out with." Shigure said jokingly as he giggled and Hatori replied bitterly, "No, you wouldn't."

"I know, I know. I see where you're coming from." Said Shigure as he became more serious and asked, "By the way, was there a specific reason why Momiji couldn't stay at his own place last night? Or even yours?"

Hatori was silent as Shigure continued, "You went and saw him again, didn't you? You were afraid Momiji would follow again."

"Yes, and I didn't want him to get hurt." Said Hatori as Shigure asked, "But what about you? Did Akito hurt you this time?"

"Shigure, this morning I told Akito that I had to up the dosage of medicine for him. Meaning I'd have to give him his shot every other day along with new antibiotics." Said Hatori as Shigure broke in, "Things are getting that bad, huh?"

"You know Akito, He makes becoming sick a form of art, but he is getting a little worse. The point is...I could have just given him a multiple dosage today and it would have sustained him till next week, but..." Hatori paused in mid sentence.

"But you want to see him more often. Is that it?" Asked Shigure as Hatori quickly replied, "Medicine can only do so much for him. If he realizes someone can care for him then maybe his will to live will grow stronger. And in the end it's Akito's will to live that will decide if he continues or ends his life."

Shigure smiled as he replied softly, "You have a big heart Hatori, especially after everything that has happened with Akito. You still have love for him in your heart, but you need to be careful. What if Akito becomes more attached to you? What if you're the only reason he finds worth living for? What then?"

"It's a chance I have to take, Shigure. For Akito's sake and for the whole Sohma house." Said Hatori as Shigure decided to be blunt. "Hatori, there are many levels of love and affection you can show someone. You must be careful you don't take it too far with Akito. The only love he's really received was from Akira. His one and only father figure. If you're love tips the scale of the father figure...Well, I don't mean to be rude about this, but...Akito may think you're love is falling into a different genre."

"I don't feel as if I portray myself as a man willing to give my heart entirely to another man, Shigure. That's more of yours and Ayame's role." Said Hatori in defense as Shigure let out an amused laugh and replied, "I didn't mean to offend you, Hatori. But seeing as you are spending all your time with Akito I just thought I should ask...But enough of that...Are you going to come straighten things out with Momiji?"

***

Shigure stopped his reminiscing as he heard footsteps run quickly down the stairs. Shigure slowly got up and poked his head out of the room, now catching sight of Momiji standing at the bottom of the stairs at one end of the hall way. His eyes were filled with tears, but not with sadness.

Shigure turned his head and looked down the same hallway at where the main door was. Hatori had just placed his bag on the ground at the doorway before he stood straight up and glanced at Momiji.

Momiji was contemplating what to do. Right now, all he wanted to do was hug Hatori, but a small part of him was scared to do so. What if Hatori didn't come here to see him?

Thinking about what Yuki told him, that small ember of hope that burned inside of him burst into a glistening flame. Momiji didn't care what happened, he just wanted to show how he felt, having the older man come and see him.

Momiji ran up to Hatori, tears of happiness rolling down his face. He hugged Hatori around his middle and buried his face in the doctor's stomach.

Hatori had a shocked expression on his face as he looked down at Momiji. After the pain he had put him through for one day he still had the heart to run up to him and express his love unconditionally.

Hatori glanced over at Shigure and Shigure just smiled at the sight and then closed the sliding door. Leaving the two in privacy. Hatori looked back down at Momiji and his eyes couldn't help but soften and show his love.

As Momiji held his head against the doctor, Hatori brought his hands forward and rested his arms on Momiji's shoulders as his hands pressed against his back, pulling Momiji closer, if that was possible.

"I wanted to protect you." Whispered Hatori as he continued; "I did what I thought was best, but I know now that sacrificing one love for another isn't right. I want to love both you and Akito...We're just going to have to work things out. What I did was wrong. I pushed you away when you needed me the most. I'm sorry...my little Momiji."

Momiji looked up at Hatori and, for the first time in almost two days, smiled his same, happy, loving smile for Hatori and he held onto the man. He couldn't believe what was coming out of Hatori's mouth. Yuki was right about Hatori, about how he was just trying to protect Momiji. Hatori still loved him, and that was all Momiji needed.

"Its okay, Hatori," Momiji said, smiling through his happy tears; "You wanted to protect me like I protected you! You can love Akito, too, if you want…" Momiji's smile dropped a little, before picking back up again, "As long as there's room for me!"

Momiji buried his head back into Hatori's stomach, inhaling Hatori's scent that he missed.

'I will always love you, Hatori, no matter what…'

And for the first time Hatori lost his emotions. He couldn't do it anymore. He couldn't hide his regret, his sorrow, and his love. Momiji took a step back as he felt Hatori stumble. Momiji still had a tight grip on Hatori's shirt as he watched Hatori fall to the ground on his knees.

Momiji was in shock as he saw silent tears fall from Hatori's eyes. Hatori was crying...He was showing his regret right in front of Momiji. The mask had been torn off.

Hatori looked up at Momiji, only being a few inches taller then him, now that he was on his knees. The tears fell and Hatori looked so sad as he whispered, "I promise...No matter what is said or done...I will always love you as well, Momiji."

Momiji's shock subsided and he smiled at Hatori, a few tears lining his eyes and slowly making their was down his face. Momiji embraced the older man, nuzzling into his neck before lifting his head and whispered what he was thinking, "Me too, Hatori, I will always love you, no matter what happens to either of us…Hatori…"

Momiji pulled closer to the older man, and rested his head on Hatori's shoulder, breathing lightly on his neck. He was hoping that maybe by being there and showing his love for the older man would make the tears that were coming out of his eyes and wetting his shirt stop. He didn't want Hatori to be sad anymore, he just wanted to be loved by him; and if loving Akito too meant Hatori was happy, then he was just going to have to accept it.

Momiji nuzzled his face back into Hatori's neck and gingerly placed a hand on his head. Momiji ran his fingers through Hatori's soft, black hair; hoping to sooth the saddened soul.

Hatori brought his hand to the boys back and held him tightly. Momiji's words were more then comforting to him as the tears began to stop. Hatori felt embarrassed at his sudden outburst but knew Momiji would not think less of him just because of a few tears.

It had been so long since someone held him this way. The last person to show so much affection, so much love towards him was Kana. And even then he couldn't hold her that long before he transformed. Hatori slowly pulled his hands away from Momiji as he pulled himself together and began to stand up.

Momiji had let go of Hatori as he stood up and wiped his face. As Hatori regained his composer he blushed, trying to think of something to say to end the awkward moment.

"Shigure tells me you haven't eaten anything since I dropped you off. You must be starving." Said Hatori.

"Not re-" But in the middle of his sentence, his stomach betrayed him and growled, "Okay…a little bit" Momiji said while rubbing the back of his head.

Hatori smiled softly at him, "Well, I believe Tohru is making dinner as we speak. Why don't we go out to the dining room?"

Momiji nodded his head as Hatori lead him to the table. Hatori sat down first, and Momiji soon followed, sitting very closely to Hatori, so that they were almost joined at the hip. Momiji looked up at Hatori and smiled, he was so happy to feel loved by Hatori again.

At this time Yuki, Kyo, and Shigure all walked into the dining room. Shigure gave a warm and knowing smile. Yuki smiled softly, putting the pieces into place and figured out what had happened. Kyo, on the other hand, was confused as hell. 'What the hell?! The kid's sad one moment, then happier than before the next?! What the hell's wrong with him,!? I swear…' Thought the dense cat.

"Ah, Momiji. You look much better today." Said Shigure as he sat at the far end of the table, adjacent to Hatori. Yuki sat across from Hatori and near Shigure as Kyo just sat all the way at the further end, across the table from Shigure and as far as he could be from Yuki.

"Yeah, what is with you anyways? I think Hatori here needs to put you on some mood pills." Said Kyo as Yuki glared at him. "Shut your mouth you stupid cat." Said Yuki as Kyo hissed at him and replied, "Don't call me stupid! You damn rat!"

"Then don't act stupid." Said Yuki as Shigure smiled and waved his hands. "Now, now. Let's not get into it just yet. Dinner hasn't even started." Said Shigure as Tohru came from the kitchen with a main dish in her hands.

"I hope everyone's hungry." Said Tohru as she paused and noticed Momiji and Hatori at the table. "Oh, Momiji! And Hatori! What pleasant surprises!" She said as she brought the plate to the table.

"I hope I'm not intruding. If there's not enough food then I'll just-" Hatori was cut off as Tohru shook her head and replied with a big smile. "Of course we have enough food." She said as Shigure smiled at Hatori and replied, "Besides, you look like you need to eat more."

Hatori let out a small sigh as he raised an eyebrow and asked, "What are you trying to imply?"

"Oh, nothing, nothing." Sang Shigure as he replied in a playful tone. "It's just that you look a little pale to me and I thought perhaps it was your low nutrition diet. But then again it could be because a few minutes ago you were out in the hallway-"

"Say another word Shigure and I'll make sure your name becomes ruined in every publisher's eyes." Threatened Hatori.

"Oh! You're so mean to me, Ha-Chan!" Shigure whined.

Hatori glared at Shigure. "What have I told you about calling me those childish nicknames."

"Oh Ha-Chan! You're so funny!" Shigure joked, waving off what Hatori just said to him. Hatori just rolled his eyes at the childish man; he wondered how anyone could stand to live with him.

Tohru served everyone their dinner, and they started eating. "Mmmmm…" Shigure groaned, "Ah, my dear Tohru. Your delicious cooking gets better and better every time I taste it." Shigure said and smiled.

"Indeed, it's very good," Yuki said and smiled softly at the girl.

"Its not too bad…I guess…" Kyo said, it was as close to a compliment as he was going to give.

Momiji just smiled and held a 'thumbs up', while stuffing his face and giving a cheeky smile.

"Yes, your cooking is excellent," Hatori finished the round of praise for the young woman as everyone continued to eat.

Tohru let out an embarrassed giggle as she replied, "Thank you so much, and I'm glad everyone is enjoying it."

Hatori watched as Tohru sat next to Yuki and began to eat off of her own plate. Hatori couldn't help but to notice how kind and gentle she always seemed to be to all of them.

'Perhaps one day you'll be able to pull one of those young boys out of this God forsaken curse.' Thought Hatori as he looked away from her and continued to eat the meal in front of him.

Oddly enough the meal was quiet and enjoyable, which was strange considering how wild Kyo likes to be during dinnertime.

"Ah, So full!" Said Shigure as he patted his stomach and leaned back to breathe easier. "That was so good Tohru!" Said Momiji as Tohru smiled and replied, "I'm just glad you finally decided to eat something. You had me worried for a moment there."

Momiji just smiled, "Yeah, but" he stole a quick glance at Hatori, "I think I'll be okay from now on!" Momiji said happily.

Tohru gathered half of the dishes and headed into the kitchen to wash them. "Here, let me help you with those," Yuki insisted and took the other half and walked into the kitchen to help her.

After a few seconds of silence Hatori got up from where he was sitting. He left the room, only to return with his coat on and his bag in hand. He bowed slightly, "Thank you for allowing me to come over," he said.

"Of course Ha-Chan!" Shigure said in his over happy voice, "Any time!"

Tohru exited the kitchen along with Yuki. "Leaving already, Hatori?" she questioned.

"Yes," He replied, "I'm afraid it's time for me to return home."

Momiji shuffled around a bit before speaking, "Hatori…" He looked up at Hatori with eyes filled with hope. "Do you think…I could come home with you?"

Hatori was silent for a moment and then passed Momiji a small smile. "I see no reason why not." Said Hatori as Momiji jumped to his feet in excitement and smiled at Hatori.

"Well, someone looks happy." Said Shigure as he let out a small laugh. Hatori looked at Shigure for a moment before glancing back at Momiji and lowering his body just slightly so his face was closer towards Momiji's.

"Well, you seem well enough." Said Hatori as he kept his small smile on his face. "Meaning you'll be able to attend school tomorrow morning."

Momiji's smile disappeared, before lighting up even brighter, "Okay, Hatori!" He said happily.

"Go upstairs and grab your things," Hatori ordered, politely, with the same small smile on his face.

Momiji nodded, before running upstairs to grab his things. Momiji was in the spare room smiling happily while he packed the few things he had brought. He gathered his things, and walked out the door of the room, glad to be going home with Hatori.

As Momiji was about to turn the corner and make his way down the stairs he caught sight of both Hatori and Shigure standing near the bottom of the stairs with the dining room door closed behind Shigure.

Momiji pulled back a bit so the two men could not see him. He could hear whispers and he tried to slow down his breath so he could hear the two.

"And what of Akito?" Asked Shigure, speaking in a low whisper.

"I'll just have to make it clear to Momiji that when I'm with Akito...He cannot disturb me. Otherwise, Akito will just get angry; thinking Momiji is stealing me away from him." Said Hatori as Shigure nodded his head and replied, "Well, be sure you make it clear to Momiji...I don't want to see another repeat of what happened a few nights ago."

"Neither do I." Replied Hatori.

Momiji sighed, he didn't want Hatori to get hurt, but he didn't want him to be mad either. He would just have to agree with Hatori when he told him, but he would still watch over Hatori and be his silent guardian.

Momiji quickly traveled down the stairs and met up with the two grown men with a large smile. "Ready!"

Hatori gave Momiji a small smile, "Lets go, Momiji." He said and started walking towards the front door.

Momiji turned around and waved at everyone, "Bye, Tohru! Bye, Yuki! Bye, Shigure! Bye, Kyo! Bye everyone! Thanks for letting me stay with you!" He yelled as he followed Hatori out the door and to his car.

Shigure waved at Momiji and replied, "Bye Momiji! You take care and give Ha-Chan a hard time for me!"

Momiji giggled at Shigure's poor joke as the two of them reached the car and quickly got in. Not wanting too much of the snow from the top of the car to fall onto the inside edge of the seats.

Momiji just smiled as he watched Hatori move as he usually does when he drives. The focused look on his face, the smell of his clothing, the gentle movements as he's navigating the steering wheel. To the typical person no one would notice these things, but to someone like Momiji, someone infatuated with love for Hatori; they would notice.

Night had fallen already as Hatori pulled his car into the territory of the Sohma house. As he parked he gazed over towards the window where he had saw Akito the other night. The sliding doors were closed, but he could see the room was lit inside with a warm glow.

Hatori turned his head and looked at Momiji for a moment. Momiji noticed what Hatori had been looking at and asked, "I guess Akito is still awake."

"Yes, I suppose he is." Said Hatori as he leaned back against the car seat and continued, "Speaking about Akito. I have something to ask of you Momiji."

Momiji remained silent as he waited for Hatori to continue. "When I'm with you, it's our time together. Just you and me. We're able to express ourselves and talk about things we'd like to share with each other." Hatori paused as he focused on Momiji and kept his hands on the steering wheel. "Well, I need the same thing with Akito. He never leaves his room or tries to get in contact with me, but when I'm there...I feel as if that's our time with each other. It's my chance to get Akito to warm up to me and become more of a social person."

"Meaning you don't want me there." Said Momiji as Hatori let out a small sigh and replied; "It's not that I don't want you there. It's just that...Akito must be treated as if he were a scale. One single grain of rice can cause the scale to tip drastically. I want to be the grain that can bring his side of the scale up. Just one act of kindness after another. The scale is bound to tip...At least...I hope."

Momiji saw the desperate look in Hatori's eyes as he gazed over at Akito's window. Momiji leaned on Hatori and laid his hand on Hatori's arm for a moment. Hatori looked away from the window and back at Momiji.

Momiji had soft eyes as he asked, "Hatori...Why is it that you care so much about Akito? All he's ever done is hurt you. He took Kana away. He took part of your sight. He makes you take care of him and spend all your time trying to fix him...Even though he doesn't want to be fixed."

"That's where you're wrong Momiji." Said Hatori as he looked away from Momiji and back towards the closed window. "I take care of Akito because I want to...Not because he forces me."

Momiji held a look of confusion and understanding for Hatori. He understood what Hatori was trying to accomplish. "You have such a kind heart, Hatori. I don't think I could ever do the things you do." Momiji said softly, as he looked up at Hatori, his big eyes shining. "You still want to help the person that hurt you so badly, after all of those things that he did, you still hold hope for him." Momiji's smile grew slightly.

"I understand if you don't want me in the room with you, Hatori, when you go see him. Just like I wouldn't like it if Akito followed you around all of the time…" Momiji sighed. The one part he didn't understand was why Hatori would still want to help Akito.

"It's okay if you want to spend time with Akito, Hatori…just…" Momiji inhaled deeply, he didn't want to cry again, but instead his tears just created a coat of shimmer to his eyes. None of the tears fell though. "Can you promise, that you'll never love Akito more than me?…" Momiji sniffled and looked down, "No, I'm sorry…never mind that, Hatori…I'm being selfish."