Chapter 11 – Love Not Forgotten

After sitting with Akito in recovery for as long as she would allow, he went home to get a shower, as well as a good meal. It was just about dark when he arrived home.

Looking in the front window, he saw a pleasant sight. Kyo was sitting next to Tohru, laughing away, despite Yuki's presence.

"This will make them even happier!" he thought to himself.

"I'm baaaack!" he called, throwing his keys onto the end table by the couch. He heard a splash, and rolled his eyes. "Sorry, whoever's drink that was," he apologized, fishing them out of the cup of Coke. "But, I've come with great news. Akito's cancer has been successfully removed and Hatori-san said that she'll make a full recovery."

"Oh Shigure, that's wonderful news!" Tohru squealed. Kyo rolled his eyes, and Yuki smiled.

"Congrats," Kyo spoke out of duty, not joy.

"Yes, congratulations Shigure, I'm sure now that your stress level is a bit relieved, you'll call your editor. She's been calling every hour, on the minute, to ask if you're home yet. Though, last time she called, she did leave her sympathy. I felt I had to tell her, seeing as how consistently she called," Yuki spoke, relieved of his phone duties.

Shigure laughed good-humoredly. "I should probably call her…but can I have some dinner first?"

"Of course!" Tohru rushed to get a plate and silverware, then serve him.

After eating, Shigure got things straightened out with the anxious editor, and got a shower. Having his first real night's sleep in over two monthes, the faithful dog felt refreshed. He went to be by Akito's side when she woke for the morning.

When he got there, she was talking to Hatori. They were agreeing, but something seemed wrong to him. He knocked lightly.

"Morning!" he said cheerfully, going to the bedside chair and taking a seat.

"Hi," she said meekly, drained of most of her energy. "I was talking to Hatori-san… I-I asked to have my memory erased… except for our love, of course, but he doesn't know if he can do it like that…" she sunk back into her pillow and breathed heavily.

He looked bewildered, but concerned. "Are you sure? After all, if it doesn't work…" his heart was shattering as he spoke the words.

"I will never leave you, Gure-chan, never, but I'm in so much pain, it really would be best…" she smiled reassuringly and reached for his hand. It was there instantly.

"O-okay, b-but…" he was unsure and faltered.

"Yes, now, if you don't want your memories erased, too, I suggest you leave…" she smiled again, so trusting that it would work, that the dog couldn't help but smile.

Ten minutes later, Hatori left with a tired expression. Shigure rushed in and saw a quite calm and peaceful Akito, laying there.

"She's an angel," he thought as the sun hit her still body in an angelic manor. Still, it unsettled him that she shouldn't be as anxious as always.

She looked at him and smiled. "Gure-chan? Is that you?"

"Yes, darling, don't you remember?" he said, looking worriedly at his love.

"I-I think so…I love you?" she said, as if trying to fight through a thick fog.

"Yes, and I love you. I will never leave you, my love."

"Oh Shigure, I know," she said. "I won't either, if I knew where I was, I could promise you better," she spoke as though confused, but looking around, seemingly content.

"Oh, deep down, I think you remember, it's just buried. But, my lovely Akito, for now I'll tell you everything you want to know…" he kissed her, and she kissed back, running her fragile fingers through the author's hair. He caressed her cheek, but went no further, knowing they'd both regret it.

So, they spent the afternoon, chatting, and kissing when they thought necessary. The dog conveniently left out her hate for Tohru and Kyo in his explanation of the family tree.

That night he left, happily going home. He planned on having Tohru and Kyo visit the next day, to see if anything would come back. Hopefully, she wouldn't remember the hate. He liked this peaceful life.