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Epilogue – New Year

It soon arrived. The first Chinese New Year since the breaking of the curse. The summons were sent out as usual, with the unspoken expectation that everyone would attend. For many it would be their first time seeing Akito since it had happened. Hatori sighed as he looked at the invitation. Do we really have to go? He wondered, ultimately deciding it best not to upset the main house.

They all dressed up as usual, wearing their fine silk robes, and the girls wearing pretty hair decorations. There were two additions to the main banquet table. Kyo and Tohru had places set at the main table. Tohru was seated beside Akito, while Kyo was in his expected seat between her and Yuki, marking the new beginning of the zodiac. Everyone else sat in their usual order.

The members of the zodiac arrived first, greeting lower relatives and friends before heading up to their main seats at the raised table. Hatori was surprised to see Ren out of her rooms. Apparently some bridges had started to be rebuilt since the breaking of the curse. They took their seats, Momiji sitting just a little closer to Hatori than necessary. Silence fell as the main doors to the hall opened to admit Akito.

She, and there was no doubting now that she was a woman, was wearing a fine white kimono that flowed around her in waves of silk. Her hair, now a little longer than before, was neatly held back by a headband with various ribbons and flowers adorning it. She was wearing light makeup that made her eyes look larger, and her lips gentle. She looked very much like her mother would have at that age.

She gave a short speech of greeting, as was usually the case. Afterwards the feast began. They ate and made merry. Hatori was surprised to see Tohru and Akito getting on so well. The family head was actually smiling while talking to the younger teen. When did they call a truce? He wondered, though he supposed it made sense that Akito would be around Shigure's house more often. He'd made no secret of their now public romance.

After the meal was done the zodiac and Akito retreated to a smaller private room, where Akito sat on a raised dais by herself. The doctor watched as zodiac members were summoned one by one to exchange greetings with Akito. He noticed Momiji shiver as he watched his cousins go one by one. When it was his turn he looked at Hatori worriedly, the doctor nodding. He would wait close by and come if called.

Hatori watched Momiji kneel down before Akito, who had the good grace to look ashamed. She looked earnest and serious as she spoke to Momiji, though he couldn't hear what was said. The rabbit soon shifted to sit closer, and more comfortably. He didn't look as scared or worried anymore. At their parting Akito gave the smaller boy her hand and squeezed his lightly as she said a few more words.

"Are you alright?" Hatori checked as the blonde came down. He nodded quietly, subdued and thoughtful, but not afraid or traumatised. Hatori had little time as he was the next in line. He stepped up to the dais and knelt before the young lady, who knelt demurely.

"Hatori, you need not kneel." Akito insisted lightly, silently inviting the doctor to sit comfortably with her. Hatori did as indicated, unsure how to approach this new Akito. "I owe you more apologies than I can count…I've been terrible to you, and those you care about, and made a lot of extra work for you." She confessed apologetically, the doctor nodding his silent agreement. There was nothing she could do or say that would take back those years, or undo what had happened with Kana and Momiji.

"I understood the physical toll the curse was taking on you…It ate away at your health and your mind." Hatori replied eventually. Akito lowered her head, though whether in agreement or shame he was unsure. "I can't say I'll forgive you…Some things that I lost can never be replaced…" He added, his hand subconsciously reaching up to cover his blinded eye. She nodded her agreement, having expected his response, as she expected most of them to respond.

"I understand, which is why I shan't ask it of you, but I will promise you to be better. I won't waste the extra time I've been given. I'll try my best to make this family a little happier than before." She promised, surprised as Hatori gave her a small smile. This was a side of Akito he'd never expected to see. Not only kind and repentant, but looking to the future. Akito had never expected to have a future before.

"That's a fine goal." The doctor replied with more kindness than the lady deserved.

"Thank you…for everything. Happy New Year, Hatori." Akito added as she held her hand out, much as she had to Momiji. Hatori took her hand, surprised by the strength in her grip as she squeezed.

"Happy New Year." The doctor replied formally as he got to his feet and returned to the party, where he soon ran into Shigure. He was hovering by the wall, keeping a warm eye on Akito. He'd known about Shigure's relationship with Akito for a long time, though he'd often wondered why the author was so obsessed with the childish woman. Perhaps he knew there was someone warmer underneath.

"I see things went well…She was particularly worried about talking to you this evening." Shigure confided, and Hatori wasn't surprised. He had avoided her as much as possible since the Momiji incident. His eyes sought the rabbit, finding him talking animatedly with Tohru and Kyo. If Momiji has seen fit to forgive Akito, then I suppose I can't complain.

"It went as well as expected, though I doubt we'll ever be friends." Hatori replied, not missing the way Shigure's eyes dropped at the revelation. What was he expecting? The doctor wondered with a sigh, though he didn't mention it. "I know you love her, and I know she'll try harder…That doesn't erase the damage she's done." The doctor continued, and the author nodded his reluctant agreement. It didn't mean he wouldn't hope Hatori would change his mind one day though.

"We have a long time to make amends." Shigure murmured, and the doctor let it slide. He couldn't discount it. Perhaps one day, many years from now, he'd soften and allow himself to forgive Akito. Shigure rested his hand on Hatori's shoulder before pushing off the wall and heading up to the dais for his own audience with Akito. The doctor watched the couple, noticing the way Akito's smile brightened, her eyes soft and warm as she relaxed into Shigure's presence.

"Ha'ri!" Momiji cried as he barrelled into Hatori's waist and wrapped his arms around him tightly. Hatori's smile softened as he looked down at the blonde teen, his hand automatically reaching out to tousle the fluffy blonde curls. He was adorable as ever in his rabbit patterned traditional clothes. "How was it?" He asked worriedly, the older man sighing.

"Who's supposed to be worrying about who here? I should be asking you that." The doctor chided lightly as the blonde continued to cling to his waist. "It went well enough. Are you alright?" Hatori checked seriously, and the blonde nodded his agreement. He was brimming with energy that he didn't seem to know how to get rid of, as usual.

"I'm fine…He, I mean she, really has changed Ha'ri. She really meant it when she apologised." He insisted in an almost defensive manner. The doctor gave his young cousin an affectionate look.

"You're far too forgiving sometimes." He murmured, though Momiji had certainly heard him. Momiji smiled before releasing his guardian and running off into the crowd. Hatori smiled warmly as he looked around at his family. They'd shared something no one else could ever come close to. Despite the burdens they'd had to endure it hadn't been all bad. Hatori looked down at his hand, the hand that would no longer take anyone's memories away, and smiled.