Legal Disclaimer: Natsuki Takaya owns Fruits Basket; I just own this story...

A.N: This is kind of sad... it's Hari/Akito...

Chapter 1 Frozen Sorrows

Hatori Sohma sat silently staring at the wall. It had been two days since the "incident" had happened.

Ayame poked his head in through the door, "Hari? You o.k.?"

"Of course he's not, baka!" Shigure's voice answered sharply.

Hatori just continued staring solemly at the wall.

"It's not his fault." Ayame whispered.

"I know, I know." Shigure replied. "But still, you'd be upset also."

Yuki's voice joined the conversation. "Why are you two congregated at Hatori's front door?" he asked coldly. His brother shoved him partially through the door. Yuki's coldness melted away to show a look of deep concern. "What's wrong with Hatori?"

"Kana got married." the older men answered.

"Wednesday." Shigure added.

"At the park." That was Ayame.

"He went."

"He watched from the back."

"Why don't you go comfort him?"

"He won't talk."

"Not since--"

"Go away." Hatori said softly but firmly. The other three stopped talking. "All of you, just... leave."

"Hatori--"

"Now."

The dumbfounded Sohmas just stood frozen in place. Hatori stood up and pushed past them. He ignored the numerous protests to him leaving the property. He walked quickly. The winter air was crisp and cool. The white pure snow fell all around. Then he stop.

He just stopped. And in the middle of the woods, in the midst of all the snow, he sat down. And he cried. He let it all loose. His hurt, his pain, his sorrow.

Once Hatori had cried so long his head hurt, he realized he was lost. Not only that, but it was also cold, and he only had on a long-sleeve turtle neck shirt and a pair of jeans.

Hatori felt a hand on his shoulder and he turned around. "Hatsuharu?"

"Hatori?" Haru was dumbstruck. "From behind I thought you were Yuki, or maybe, "he shuddered, "Akito."

"Akito has been prescribed bed rest for a week. He wouldn't be out here. And Yuki, "Hatori smiled weakly. "Yuki tried to keep me from leaving. But I did and now I'm lost. I don't suppose you'd know the way back?"

"Naw. I've been wandering around for the past four hours trying to get back." Haru answered.

"At least neither of us is alone anymore. "Hatori said, trying to sound hopeful.

Haru shook his head, "You're better off without me. I'll just make you more lost."

"Better to be lost together than to be lost alone."

Once again Haru shook his head no. "Look. Take this." Haru took off his trench coat and draped it over Hatori's shoulders. "I'm leaving on my own. Good luck." And Haru left before Hatori could argue.

Hatori sighed and stood up, brushing the snow off him the best he could. Then he put Haru's trench coat on properly. It kept him just barely warmer than he had previously been.

And so Hatori Sohma walked. On and on. Past endless amounts of tree until they all looked the same. He instinctively began to walk faster as it became darker and colder.

Hari collapsed. He was tired, hungry, wet, and he was going to freeze to death.

He used every ounce of strength left in him and stood up. He stumbled three steps and fell again. And this time, he couldn't return to his feet.

He was going to die.