I'm sorry it took me forever to update!  First I had writer's block, then I lost it, then I had writer's block again, and now I'm finally done with Chapter 12.  Also, the major writer's block was because of really mean review!  If you don't like my story then what do I care?  It's my story and I can do whatever I want with my story!  And if you guys really think that William never should've been there in the first place, then I'm sorry!  Looks like being in honors English is just a waste of time then too!!!  I wanted to teach something and some people could just care less, couldn't they?  I'm sorry… and now on with the story.  It's better than the others… maybe not.  Anyway, here it is: the meeting with Akito Sohma!

Chapter 12:  Confrontation

            "Akito," said Hatori, slowly opening the door.  Akito was awake, and he looked Hatori, a hint of curiosity in his dark eyes.  "You have some visitors.  Jade, Dawn, and Kairi Sohma."

"Thank you, Hatori."  Akito drew in a deep breath, remembering to keep himself under control.

"Akito?"  He looked up to see three young women, two of them very nervous.  The other, the one who had spoke, seemed determined somehow.  "I'm Jade.  These are my cousins Dawn and Kairi."

            Akito watched them curiously.  Jade sat down in front of him.  She was not afraid.  "Did you want to speak with us, or just see what we look like?"

            Dawn and Kairi gasped.  "Is she crazy?  Talking to him like that?" Dawn whispered to Kairi.

"I believe so," replied Kairi.  "It's as if she isn't afraid at all."

            Akito shut his eyes.  After eight years of suspicions that Jade was not the only one, this now confirmed it.  "You may go now.  I need my rest."

"So, you're just gonna give up on your life, Akito?  Just going to accept death?"  Jade was aware of any consequences, but it didn't matter.  Not to her.

            Dawn and Kairi left already, not wanting to see such a scary person anymore.  So, Jade thought to herself, taking a deep breath, I'm alone with him.  Not good.  "Akito… I…"

"Now that you're alone, you are afraid."  He looked outside and the sakura tree.

"You never answered me."

"I don't plan to."

            Jade could feel her courage lessening.  She had wanted Momiji to be with her, but he had classes that he needed to attend.  In fact, he didn't even know that she was here.  "I…  I have to ask you… a few things."

"What is it?"

"May I have permission to… to… marry Momiji?"

            Akito's gaze turned to her in complete shock, not sure if he heard her right.  "You came here… just to ask me that?"  He thought for a moment.  "I will let you know my answer later."

"Okay then…  And one more thing."

"What now?"

"If you allow us to marry, and Momiji and I have a son, can we name him after you?"

"Do as you wish," Akito said coldly, though he felt honored deep down.

            Jade got up.  "In that case, I'll be going now.  Good bye, Akito."

***************

            Jade sat alone in Shigure's house, trying to figure out what it was about Akito that had frightened her so much.  He didn't threaten her, or at least that's what she thought.  But still… there was something strange about him.

"Jade?"

            She looked up.  "Momiji… hello!"

"Is something wrong?" he asked worriedly.

"I…"  She turned away.  "I met with Akito today."

"When?  Why??"

"This afternoon to ask him a few things," Jade told him.  "He is still frightening somehow, but I don't know why.  Yet… it's true."

Momiji frowned.  "What is true?"

"That Akito… is not far from death."

************

            Hatori had been sitting with the resting Akito for about two hours now, not sure if the head of the Sohma family was asleep or merely thinking.  He had not said a word to anyone when Jade left, and probably wasn't going to ever speak to anyone again.  What was it about the young women that had unnerved him so much?

            Suddenly he sat up, and turning to face Hatori, he said, "Get the car ready; we're going to Shigure's."

"Alright.  Do you wish to take your medicine now or wait till we get there?"

"I wouldn't mind taking it now," said Akito, smiling like a child.  This caught Hatori by surprise.  Why was Akito smiling?

"Akito… are you feeling okay?"

"Of course I am, Hatori.  Why wouldn't I be?"

*************

            The old Japanese home that housed Shigure, and now many other relatives, was rather alive.  The three younger women were having a great time looking at old photo albums, the two older women were remembering old high school days, and Momiji and Shigure were discussing what Momiji could choose as a new career (AN: Jade is tired of seeing teachers and Momiji couldn't stand being bored all the time anymore.  He wasn't allowed to start anymore eraser wars).  Then they heard a knock on the door.  "I'll get it," said Shigure.  He opened the door and was shocked to see who it was.  "A-Akito?"

"Hello, Shigure," said the thin man.  "How are you this fine evening?"

"Uh, I uh…"

"I hope you don't mind us visiting."

"Of course not."  Shigure moved out of the way, allowing Akito to enter.  Still… why was he here?

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Disclaimers:  Fruits Basket belongs to Takaya Natsuki.  Hikari, Dawn, Luna, and Kairi belong to Shiara Ramone.  Jade belongs to me.

I hope you have enjoyed chapter 12.  Please let me know what you think.

Hikari Rioki