A/N this chapter is a different memory, but Tohru has this flashback the same day as the other. Sorry it took me a lil while to update, I have been really busy, and I got sick. XP (I still am…but the need to write drove me on! ;))

Well, I only have two reviews as of now…  but, if that's how it's gonna be, oh well. Thanks saki-san! . My lone reviewer…

And that leads me to my next point…

Please feel free to click that little button that says "review". It's not ticklish or anything. In fact, I think it would be very happy, as it feels a little neglected right now.

And,-sigh- I don't own Furuba.

Flames don't make a difference to me either way, (in fact, they would probably help to keep me warm, and not as sick) you're the one wasting your time if you do so go right on ahead.

Taking her new book with her, Tohru left the library. As she pushed through the door, someone shouted outside…

"AKITO!"

Tohru's head whipped around, trying frantically to spot the head of the Sohma family. She heard it again, and another young woman rushed past and into the arms of a handsome, healthy blonde man.

"Oh, Akito, I've missed you!" said the couple walked away hand in hand.

Tohru sighed in relief, shaking. She couldn't believe how much his name could still frighten her…

---Flashback---

Shigure leaned back with a satisfied sigh.

"That was a most excellent meal, Tohru. Our little flower is flourishing! Such a lovely little housewife. We are so lucky!"

Yuki and Kyo glared at the dog.

"You pervert." Yuki said almost tiredly.

"Shigure, stop calling her that! She's not a housewife! And you, letting him!" Kyo yelled at Shigure, then at Tohru.

"O-oh, it's okay, it doesn't really matter…" Tohru mumbled. Before Kyo could resume yelling, Shigure interrupted, his joking manner gone.

"Tohru, there is something rather important I need to talk to you about. Akito… wants to see you. Alone."

Yuki paled at the name, and turned nearly as gray as his hair when he heard "alone".

Now, Kyo was really mad. His whole face turned bright red, and his hair spiked up. "You can't let her go alone!" he shouted.

"I'm afraid I must, Akito flat out ordered it. He said alone, or her memory will be erased." Shigure said solemnly (Yes, Shigure, said something solemnly)

Kyo didn't even answer this. He just stormed out, slamming the door behind, and dashed up to the roof.

Yuki had recovered slightly by this point, and managed to say "Why… did he say why?"

Shigure shrugged. "All he said was he wanted to see her tomorrow, after lunch, and he wanted to see her alone."

It was Tohru's turn to pale. "T-tomorrow?"

"Yes, I'm afraid so. Hatori will be coming to pick you up."

"Oh. Well, if Hatori is coming, I'd better make more lunch tomorrow! He won't have eaten. He needs to take better care of himself…"

(insert line)

Up on the roof…

Why does he want to see her? And why alone? And why do I care so much?

Thoughts like these whirled around in Kyo's head. "Dammit!" he mumbled and slammed his fist down on the roof.

(insert line)

The next day…

Everyone gathered around the table to eat lunch, and Tohru remembered that Hatori was coming.

"Oh! Where's Hatori? Shouldn't he be here by now?" Tohru exclaimed. "If he doesn't get here soon, he won't have time for lunch!"

knock knock knock!

"Speak of the devil!" Shigure sang.

"That must be him!" she hopped up and opened the door. Sure enough, Hatori was there.

"Hello Tohru." Hatori said. "Shigure, did you just call me the devil?"

"Of course not! Come in come in!" the dog said loudly.

"Oh, yes, please do come in! I just finished making lunch, and there is enough for you too!" Wen Tohru saw Hatori hesitate, she added a simple "Please?"

The doctor relented, not able to say no to Tohru. After a very enjoyable meal, Hatori stood up. "Thank you very much, Tohru, it was a delight. Now, I'm very sorry to say, we should be going."

"Miss Honda… ah, Tohru…I'm coming with you." Yuki murmured. Everyone stared at him. (A/N for those that haven't read it, or don't remember, Tohru asked Yuki to call her by her first name, sometime before this)

Mom, Yuki is being so noble! But I can't let him come, not to see Akito.

"No! You don't have to. Don't worry about me! I'll be just fine." Tohru told Yuki.

"How noble of you! Kyo, why didn't you think of that?" Shigure teased the cat.

"BECAUSE I CAN'T, YOU DAMN DOG!" Kyo stormed out of the room and scurried up to the roof.

I would go… I want to protect her, keep her safe… but I can't go to the main house, he knows that! Kyo thought angrily.

"Well, he certainly is being temperamental." Shigure noted, not remembering he had been the one to infuriate him.

"In any case, Yuki, you can't come. Akito specifically told me before I left to be sure only Tohru was brought to the main estate, and that none of you is to enter the property unless he sends for them."

Yuki's expression of worry flickered for a moment, into what the others didn't know, before worsening.

I don't have to face him after all. Wait, what am I thinking? I should insist! I can't abandon her!

Seeing the rat was about to protest, Hatori turned towards the door. "I'm sorry, Tohru, but we need to be going now. We don't want to be late."

No one argued that point. Yuki bid Tohru farewell, then retreated up to his room. Tohru and Hatori got in the car and were on their way.

"Tohru. I am sure you will be fine, but just remember, do nothing to insult him. If you need anything, I'll will be nearby, just give a shout." Hatori said in his doctor voice, not letting his emotion slip in. "And don't speak to him unless he asks you too."

I can't believe I am taking her to him, I am sure he can't just want to talk. How can I do this? It was this or erase her memory, but still! I'll never forgive myself if anything happens. Neither will anyone else.

"Oh. Alright." She gave him a smile, thinking that she was glad to have someone she knew and trusted nearby, and nearly laughed remembering when she was afraid to be alone with Hatori, who now was her protection.

The walk to Akito's room seemed to take forever. Tohru just followed silently behind Hatori until he stopped and turned to knock on a door. The knock echoed through the hallway, in synch with Tohru's pounding heart.

"Come in." was all that came from the room. Hatori slid the door open, to see Akito lying on a futon, facing the door with an expressionless look. Hatori gestured Tohru in first, and shut the door once they were both inside.

"Sit." Akito ordered

Tohru rushed forward to kneel on the floor in front of Akito.

"So. Tohru."

Tohru said nothing, remembering Hatori's words, and looked at the floor.

"How are you?" Akito asked calmly.

Tohru looked up in surprise.

Maybe he is in a good mood, and just wants to talk after all!

"I-I'm fine! Thank you…and how are you?"

"How do you THINK I am? I'm dying! You shouldn't be so inconsiderate!" Akito yelled.

Oh no! I made him mad!

Tohru apologized frantically, "I'm so sorry. I wasn't thinking. You're right, of course. I just-"

"Get. Out." He said flatly, glaring.

I don't know whether to be relieved or worried! I'd guess I'd better hurry and go! Tohru thought to herself.

She started to rise.

"Not you. Hatori." Akito said with scorn.

Tohru sat back down, her eyes wide. Hatori opened his mouth to protest, planning on convincing Akito that he should be here as his doctor. He couldn't abandon Tohru.

"I mean it. GET OUT!" Akito yelled. "Not just out of the room. Leave this house! NOW!"

A/N: And here it ends! For today, at least.