Author's note: Still don't own Fruits Basket. I just got Volume 8 today and felt compelled to write! Thanks to everyone for their reviews. Please don't stop. Your comments are what keep me writing!

Chapter Three:

Kana walked into the room, looking slightly nervous, but smiling all the same.

"Hello Hatori. It's been a long time hasn't it."

Hatori managed to regain composure.

"Yes, it has. Is there anything I can do for you, Kana?"

"Well…I was hoping to talk to you about something. Oh…I'm not sure why I'm here. You probably won't be able to help but my mother said it couldn't hurt to talk to you and she's right it couldn't hurt and my problem somehow does involve you and…"

"Kana!" Hatori interupted her. She always used to start babbling when she was nervous. It was part of her charm. I thought it was so cute…I still do. Don't think about those things Hatori! They're all in the past. Just find out what she wants and get her out of here. Yet… part of me doesn't want her to ever leave…NO! I cannot think about that!

"Hatori? Are you alright? You look distracted."

"No…I'm fine. You said your problem involved me? What is this problem? And I'm sorry to do this but I have meetings and I must ask you to make it short." Meetings? I have no meetings. I don't want her to make it short. I want to hear her voice…stop it Hatori. You were lucky to have Kana's love once, don't expect it again. It's over.

"Yes, I understand. Well, this problem…it's not a problem really. Just strange dreams I have been having that have been affecting me strangely. They're dreams of…this is a little embarrassing but…dreams of you. Of us…together. But when I wake up…I have these terrible headaches. I also feel, incomplete, like I have forgotten something important. What do you make of it? Oh…I know you have work but perhaps we could meet later and talk? This must seem strange to you but I have been feeling so off lately and if you can help in anyway, I would greatly appreciate it."

"I don't know Kana. I am very busy. And what does your husband think of all of this?"

Kana turned very pink and dropped her head. "I don't have a husband anymore. My marriage ended awhile ago."

Oh god! She looks devastated! I am a stupid man for bringing it up. I want to put my arms around her…but I can't…I NEVER could. And despite that, she loved me. Oh Kana! Why are you back! Why are you doing this to me!"

"I'm sorry Kana. That must be very difficult."

"I am surviving. Please…is there sometime I can meet and talk with you. It IS so nice to see you. I would love to catch up."

Hatori sighed. "Very well, I am free tomorrow afternoon. Give me a call around two and we'll make a more formal plan."

"Thank you Hatori! I am so glad I came to see you today! I feel better already. Look! It's snowing! How beautiful! Well…I don't want to keep you from work. I remember how busy it was when I worked for you. Anyway, good-bye! I'll see you tomorrow."

After she left, Hatori sat back down in his chair. He lit another cigarette, thinking of what would happen tomorrow. He smiled slightly…despite all of the heartache, it was wonderful to see her again.

Then suddenly, Hatori sat upright in his chair, his breath short, his eyes wide.

"I hope Akito doesn't find out about this…"