Wraps it up. They get home, Shigure and Hatori talk some, as do Hatori and Tohru. Shigure causes mischief. More serious than the last one, but maybe more funny......? ____

As the car drove up, Shigure walked out to the front porch.

"Ah!" he called, "Kyou and Yuki, how nice. And Tohru-kun! How I've missed you every little moment-"

Yuki opened the door before the car was completely stopped, and Kyou, the cat form, leapt out . Halfway to the door he transformed back, and kept going up to his room. Yuki, then Momiji were next out, Yuki fleeing to his own corner of the house and Momiji bounding off to the kitchen for snacks. Last, Hatori got out slowly and opened the door to the back where Tohru was sitting.

"Tohru-kun? Wake up, you're home. I'll help you up to bed."

Tohru woke up a little and nodded. She skootched to the edge of the seat, and began to fall forward. Hatori extended a finger and poked her on her forehead, so she fell back onto the seat instead of onto him.

"O, That was cold Ha'ri! After all she's been through these past hours, to deny her a loving embrace!"

"You heard?"

"Yes Aya told me."

"Really. When?"

"Half an hour after Yuki-kun left. He was disheveled!"

"He was?"

"His braid was uneven and there was dirt under his nails!"

"And? You have dirt under your nails, Shigure."

"But it's Aya! He looked great otherwise. He wore some sort of velvet coat thingy."

"Indeed," Ayame changed before coming, then, "What did he say?"

"Oh, something about how she was allergic and dehydrated, and she collapsed. He said he helped you cool her down, but I'm not sure why you needed him just to get an icepack."

"Icepack?"

"What, you didn't use ice? Come to think of it, he didn't say how you did it, just a very elaborate tale of how she got sick. I think he made up the part about the soul eating (yet dashing) Great Lord of Fish, but with our family, who can tell?"

"Fish?"

"Well, he said the 'Sea and All It's Subjects,' but that pretty much means fish."

"I see. We used lots of cool water and an I. V. That's all. I needed him to help get her to a bed, too." Shigure opened his mouth to say something, but Hatori stopped him, "Momiji and Kyou helped to _carry_ her as well."

"And Yuki, right?"

"Mmmmmm," said Hatori noncommittally, "Tohru? Stay awake. Let me hear you say something."

"Yaah...... 'm 'wake. I am......" she mumbled.

"Shigure-san and I are going to help you to your bed, and I promise we'll both be perfect gentlemen. Right Shigure-san?"

"Right Ha'ri-chan," Shigure said, smirking at how formally Hatori addressed him. Hatori scowled. Shigure put on a pair of slippers by the door and walked to the car.

They both helped her sit up, and looped her arms through theirs.

She was able to walk when she leaned on them, but they avoided letting her flop against either of their chests. Shigure kicked off his slippers, and Hatori stepped on the backs of his shoes to get them off, scuffing them. The first few stairs were difficult, but they finally figured out that they could lift her up after every stair. They had her put her weight down on each step, and finally got her up to her room.

Hatori leaned her on the wall with the help of Shigure, and Hatori tuned her covers down. They took her over to her bed, and Hatori tucked her in.

"You look like her dad." Shigure teased

"H'mm. Do I really look that old?" Hatori murmured, "Sometimes I feel it........"

"No, no, that's not what I meant! I just haven't seen you act like this before with anyone, not even Momiji." They left her room and down the stairs.

"Momiji's family. I don't have to take care of her."

"So you just do? She seems like a human question, doesn't she?"

"Shigure, that is possibly the worst metaphor you've ever come up with."

"Well, I'm not finished with it. She just walks around, and keeps running head first into danger. Each one of us is dangerous, you know. The family is dangerous, even her friends are dangerous. And yet each person she comes into contact with she........ calls to. She asks of us what we need to give to keep going. She could have been hurt or damaged or, at times, killed. But someone protects her each time. She has an extraordinary talent for being hurt just when someone is there who has the need to help her."

"Shigure........... shut up. She had no choice in how this happened."

"I thought nothing happened, ne?" said Shigure.

"Yes. It didn't. And she didn't. Nothing did. And what's wrong is..... My pr- ...... my problem is I- I never thought I......."

"Could separate the person from the patient? Is that why you had her transferred to you, so she'd be just another patient you didn't have to give a damn about?"

"Not true. I care about you. And Ayame. I treat you both. You're in my care. I do my duty by all my patients."

"We were your friends first, and then you were a doctor. With one constant patient."

"Hurumph. Maybe. But that would mean she meant nothing more to me than any other family member now. No better than my duty."

"I didn't say you succeeded. Do you ever tuck Momiji in?" Hatori started putting his shoes back on. He didn't answer.

"I have to go back to the house right away. I'll be back Sunday night, to see if she can attend school."

"I figured you were leaving. That is what the door's for, after all. You mean you're coming back tomorrow? It's Saturday already."

"Oh. Really. I suppose it's only natural my internal clock would be off. I didn't sleep last night."

"Oooooooo, how could you! You never spent that much time on me! You usually just go to sleep right after the first-"

"I'm not Ayame, idiot," Shigure pretended to pout, and Hatori looked straight at him.

"I'm much more attentive to detail than Aya. It tends to slow things down," He turned away and stepped off the porch.

"What?? However do you know about Ayame? O, my Wounded Heart! First Aya, and now Tohru-kun!"

"That's enough. I'm done playing now, Shigure," Hatori took out his keys and got into his car.

"Oh, fine. Come earlier and have dinner with us. We're ordering out bentos," he sang the offer as if it were tempting.

"The food at the house is better than that dreck."

"Yes, but Tohru-kun will be up before then. She'll insist on making dinner, and none of us here would have the heart to turn down a delicious meal she'd slave so hard to-"

"I'll be over by five. Keep her resting at least until then." Hatori said. He rolled up the window and drove off.

"Ha-san? HATORI...........! I guess I'm walking Momiji home, huh...........?" -----------

Shigure took Hatori up to Tohru's room Sunday afternoon. She was doing homework in her bed. "Oh, hi Hatori-san!"

"Hello, Tohru-kun. Are you feeling okeh?" He took the chair from her desk and sat facing her. He put on his glasses and leaned forward, folding his hands together.

"Oh yes! Thank you for all you did yesterday. I know it's one of those things people say just to be polite, but thanks to you I'm fine!"

Hatori's fingers fidgeted. "How much do you remember?"

"Not much, and some of what I remember doesn't make sense. I'm kind of embarrassed."

"Why? If you have anything you needed me to explain to you, or need to.... confront me on, do not hesitate to say. I had to do some things I would not do if- I mean that" "Oh, you mean the shots? Yeah, I know, you need permission from me normally, but it could,'t be helped, right?"

"No that's...... I- I had to carry you to the shower. And get you dressed. You were never indecent, and I made sure there would be no way anyone could question your virtue or relationship to me."

"Oh." Tohru turned a little pink, "I'm not........ there's no need to apologize! You got hurt the last time, right? And I took you and covered you up? I didn't do so well then, I had to...... uh, cover you up after I got you into bed. No, wait, that sounds wrong-"

"I understand,"

"Right. So anyway, you just did for me what I did for you. So that means we're even, huh? So don't worry about it. Thanks for telling me, though! Kyou wouldn't even anything about what happened, except that it wasn't bad. The way he said it wasn't exactly reassuring, but I never thought for a moment you were......... I know you're a good man," Hatori blinked.

"Oh, but I do have one question!"

"Yes?"

"Was Yuki there? That's what's so confusing. He can't give me a straight answer. For some reason, I think Yuki was there, but it wasn't him because he said........ and the rest just sounds so weird. And some of the things I thought happened, especially the way I acted! I'm too embarrassed to say what I remember outloud! I'm sure most of it can't have happened."

"You didn't do anything wrong. As for, Yuki........... he is always as close as he can be to you. I can't imagine him being any other way."

"Oh, good! I was afraid I was out of it and just imagined him! I think I'll leave it at that. Some of the things I think you all said were also very odd......" she frowned a little remembering.

"Yes, Friday night's events were strange to say the least. I'm hoping there is no repeat of them." Hatori said, looking over his glasses at her, "If you were that sick, you couldn't have felt right. It may have been nerves that triggered it, but if you had walked home and collapsed, it may have been hours before someone found you. You have to let people know when you are in pain, and let them take care of you, or your luck may not hold up," Her face went from thoughtful to apologetic.

"I'm really sorry! I hope you don't regret having give up your plans just to take care of me! I mean, you probably have other things to do!"

"I have very few plans these days, and not Friday night. And I in no way regret anything I did to ensure your safety. You deserve to be helped when you need it."

"Thank you! Then I don't regret it either!" She said, determined.

"I- I didn't say you had to feel the same way.........."

"I know! But if you have no shame or regrets, from this, then I would definitely have no reason to either!"

"Yes. Absolutely no regrets," He paused to regain a little composure, and said in much the same voice, "I'm going to check your blood pressure and breathing, if you don't mind. That's all for now."

He listened to her breathing, not so constricted, but still not quite normal. Her lungs were weak then, like he had thought. Her pressure was still low, but safe if she didn't strain herself.

"I'm writing you a note for school. The next three days no gym, and tomorrow I will drive you to and from school. After that, speak to me if you feel faint walking or doing everyday activities."

"You've done so much, I can't ask you to drive me! I'm not even sure if I can......" Tohru stopped herself.

"Can what?"

"Well, um, uh........ I'm not sure I can pay you right now. But give me the bill, and I'll pay it off as much as I can! You can even call my boss! You can tell him to take the money right out of my paycheck if you don't trust me!"

He held up his hands in protest, "Tohru, I've never been paid more than room, board, medical supplies, and a small allowance, and I've never needed more than that. I only have a car so I can handle family emergencies, but it suffices. If I truly need something, I get it. Money is not an -."

"Hatori-san, your hands! What happened? It looks like you have rope burn!"

He pulled them back and folded them again, "I'm fine. They're not painful, and there's no need to worry,"

"Oh, that can't be true! The sore spots haven't even been dressed! Let me have your case."

"Tohru-kun, I appreciate it, but it isn't your responsibility."

"I know, but I want to! And besides that, you deserve to get taken care of when you need it too! Now let me see," Hatori gingerly let her see his hands, "I don't think I can do more than clean up the fingers, since you have to use them. But I can wrap up your palms."

"Yes."

Tohru disinfected his fingers and palms, but seemed unsatisfied. She reached into a drawer by her bed, and brought out some hand lotion.

"I have to wash my hands allot, with as much as I cook and clean. It doesn't smell girly at all, 'cause the perfume dries my skin out. You don't have to worry about that."

Hatori swallowed, "That's fine."

Tohru put on the lotion on his hands and then wrapped up his palms in the bandages.

"Is it too tight? I know you need to use your hands for work,"

Hatori flexed his hands, looking down at them, "No. I doubt I could have done better. Thank you very much," he looked back up at her, "As I was saying before, I absolutely refuse any money. I have nothing to spend it on, so I have no use for it."

"Oh.......... I'm afraid I don't have anything I can give you then.......... but you're too kind, I can't just take advantage of you!"

The corner of Hatori's mouth turned up, "If you insist....... you can do something for me."

"Oh......?"

"I am......... not so good on the phone, and I do not leave the main house much. If you could............ occasionally write I would be grateful." Hatori didn't sound nervous or scared to Tohru, just like Hatori's normal cool monotone, "You don't need to say anything about Yuki and Kyou, or anything uncomfortable, and no need to write more than once a week. I know how valuable your time is. Anything to break up my week would be appreciated. I have a postbox I use for, well for certain things, and I can write the number down for you."

"Oh, I'd love that! But is it really enough? I mean if I enjoy doing it is it really payment?"

"Depends on how you pay!" said Shigure, who stood in the doorway, " Sorry, Ha-san, I just want to know if you want Szechwan or Cantonese."

"Knock before you come into a room with a doctor and female patient in it, Shigure. I want the hot kind." Hatori said, taking off his glasses.

"Oh, the human body is nothing to be afraid of Ha'ri! Ayame makes a great living helping people to imagine themselves into this situation. I as too, frequently imagine this sort of situation, often repeatedly if it's very vivid. For story research only, of course. Anyway, I didn't know either of those types of cuisine wasn't hot, Hatori. I'll just get you something with those black peppers."

"Yes, that's fine. Also, one small difference: The 'other man' listens to them from the beginning or suddenly barges in, jealous, after most is said and done. I've heard you and Aya tell stories like this, and I think I know which role you'd take. You aren't the jealous type."

"I'm the voyeur huh? I didn't know you listened, Ha-san, or that you'd have enough experience to know what we were talking about!"

"Shigure, you know perfectly well my level of 'experience' is the same as yours, so you can't talk. I can't speak for Aya, but I can guess."

"Are you saying he would cheat?! Nay I can't believe such horrible lies! You know I care about you deeply, but he comes first. You must think me such a cad, to use you so-"

"Not here or now, Shigure, or I will take you by your mangy tail and remove you from this room."

"Oooooh, is that a promise?" Hatori glared and Shigure continued, "In any case, in this little story you've under played your role, it seems," Shigure sighed, "I would not have wasted any opportunity to show affection to any poor sweet girl, If I were in your position."

He turned to Tohru, who looked confused, "And what about, Tohru-kun?" Shigure caught Hatori's eye and rephrased, "What do you want for dinner?"

"What?! You're getting food for all of us, not just for Hatori-san? No, I have to cook! Especially for him! I'm so sorry, I thought you just didn't want to eat my food! But if I can make you all something you can't order out, not when I'm strong enough to cook!"

"No, Tohru-kun, a doctor says you aren't. I would not be so rude as to turn down anything you made normally, but you are still sick. You're just going to have to relax and eat dinner with us." said Hatori firmly, "And Shigure-san will start remembering his role here. As a surrogate parent."

"Yes, and as her guardian, I am fully giving my little Tohru-kun's body and heart in into your capable hands! Yes yes, I've got you, I'll stop, Ha'ri. No need for you to worry, Tohru-kun we won't be eating poorly at all tonight!"

"By what definition?" said Hatori.

"Well, when Ayame came by, he brought something over. It's a huge cake, and it's decorated with fresh cut strawberries and shiny chocolate frosting. It's surprisingly discreet for Aya,"

"Ah. You mean the graduation cake.......?"

"Ummm hmmm. I've never seen anything more realistic in frosting before or since." Shigure said.

"I thank God for that," Hatori replied, "The principal had to go lie down. I think he resigned after that year, or so Ayame told me. It could just be one of his stories."

"Yes, they are quite interesting!" Tohru said, finding something she could have an opinion on at last.

"Yes they are. Would you come join us, Tohru-kun?" said Shigure.

"I'd love to!" She stood up a little unsteadily, but sat back down again when her legs wouldn't support her fully, "Oh..... how embarrassing....." she said, panting.

"Here, let me help you, Tohru-kun." Hatori said and offered her his arm.

"Thank you, Hatori." she said smiling, but pale. Shigure blinked.

"Hatori!?" he said, shocked, "how does Tohru-kun know you well enough.....?"

"Oh!" she gasped after her brain caught up with what she just said, "I did it again! At least I think it's again, although it's fuzzy, so I can't be sure! Did I apologize then, or am I remembering wrong?! I may be sick, but it's no excuse for talking to you like I'm your- uhhhh, no, that sounds wrong! I mean for speaking so familiarly! Please forgive me doctor Souma-san!"

Hatori held up his hands soothingly, "Calm down, Tohru-kun, you'll faint. 'Hatori-san' is fine. No need to treat me like some friend from your grandfather's youth. I'm by no means deserving of that much respect. We all make little mistakes, and you are under a lot of strain. Now come downstairs, and sit with this lonely, dishonorable old man."

"O-okey. If you're sure...... I'm sorry............." Tohru took his arm and walked out with him. Hatori repeated that he was fine and there was no need to apologize as they walked out of Shigure's earshot.

Shigure still hadn't moved, "Ha'ri.......... made a JOKE??? Not a good one, but still! He only told jokes on his own like that around Kana! Tohru-kun and he- they aren't........ familiar? Something has to be different, even more than letting her bandage his hands. How did he hurt them anyway?"

Shigure paced and thought about where he could find the missing information. Something had to have been left out of what he was told. And if it was so personal Aya left it out, it was Big. Who could he harp on?

Yuki would just close down if he talked about the main house most of the time, Momiji wouldn't have gotten the sort of details Shigure wanted, and Tohru was passed out.

There was.... Him. He could figure it out with all the information Shigure had, but would blow up if any of the information was contrary to what Hatori told him. Despite the fact Akito always struck upon the truth, and even if he didn't explode, Akito never interpreted all of it correctly. Especially certain emotional contexts. There is a fine line between love, hate and sex. Akito could hit all three in one conversation without seeing the barrier between any of them. It tended to bias any observation Akito had on any of the three topics.

It was a shame, because love hate and sex was what most things came down to anyway, in Shigure's opinion. For that reason, Shigure only went to Akito to figure people out when there was no other way. That left only....... ah!

"Kyou! I need to speak to you! Ayame came over, and says he needs some part time help!!"

Shigure found Kyou with Yuki in the back yard, tearing out the juniper bush and sniping at eachother. Kyou was using hedge clippers, and Yuki was moving the pieces, since he owned the gardening gloves. Shigure laid a good foundation to pick Kyou for information. He didn't make it clear what position was open at the dress shop, running the register or modeling the merchandise, and made Kyou angry about something else whenever he tried to refuse the job.

Kyou ended up tearing out the juniper with his bare hands. When he tried to storm into the house, Hatori stopped him at the dining room door.

"Stay out. You aren't coming in the house with your hands like that, just so you can get it all over the furniture. The shot isn't at full strength yet."

"How am I supposed to get it off then?"

"Use the hose."

"I'm so sorry Kyou! You didn't need to go to all that trouble for me, I could have avoided the juniper!" Tohru said.

"Nonsense, Tohru-kun. You are more than worth Kyou's effort, I'm sure." Hatori said. "What the hell do you mean by that?!" Kyou yelled.

"That you were glad to do it. Now go clean yourself off."

Kyou had to wash up outside with a sliver of old soap, and then Hatori made him throw away his shirt so the sap wouldn't get in the wash. Kyou was as irritable as Shigure could hope for. Unfortunately for Shigure's plan, it became clear over the next day Aya wouldn't play along and Kyou wouldn't budge. Shigure sadly, in the face of such opposition, had to let it go.

--------- ---------

Tha's it, 'M done. If you had the patience to read it thank you. I didn't realize it was soooo long. Comments are very much appreciated, as are reviews!