Author Note: Well, It seems that I've gotten my act together and actually working on fan fiction. Well, once again. Don't own Fruits Basket, wish I did but don't. Enjoy the fanfic!

The days had passed and Tohru never saw Shigure around the house. Every time she would ask Kyo or Yuki they would just look away.

"I'm sorry Tohru, I just don't know." With wide tear filled eyes, she looked at Yuki, then over to Kyo.

"Could we look for him?" Yuki brought the now sobbing girl into a hug.

"I'm sorry Tohru, but if he hasn't come home, maybe he just doesn't want to be found." Kyo nodded.

"He's a dog, when he gets hungry he'll come home." Yuki sent a cold glare to the cat but he had to agree. Kyo left the two, grumbling his usual rant about the dog till he was away from them, till he had climbed all the way to the roof.

"You stupid dog! You're making her cry! Every night she makes a plate for you and every night she waits for you. JUST COME HOME SHIGURE!" Kyo felt something wet drop on his bare foot, then again and again. Putting a hand to his face, he realized that he…was crying to.

Sad eyes watched the last cherry blossoms fall.

"Only in their death are they truly beautiful." Shigure held out a hand and a petal fell into his palm.

'Is that so Shigure?" The mans back went rigid and his arms fell to his sides.

"Akito…" Keen ears listened to every step that was taken, the small cough, and the creak of the floor boards.

"No Shigure. I am not Akito."

"Hitori?" Hitori nodded, watching as tightly shut eyes open, hidden tears threatened to fall and a bit of relaxation came over the man. Reaching over, he wiped away a falling tear.

"Shigure. Why are you crying?"

"I don't know…"

"Don't cry my dear friend." Wiping his eyes on the yukata sleeve, Shigure looked up with an empty smile, the tears still threatening to fall. Kneeling in front of Shigure, Hitori wrapped his arms around the broken man, just as he would when they were children and held him close.

"Shigure, forgive me for what I'm about to do." Leaning down, he caught the younger mans lips with his own. Pulling away, Hitori noticed the others shoulders shake with sobs, his face hidden in Hitoris vest. It had been a long time since Shigure had been this upset.

"Hitori, you are a very dear friend to me. I couldn't have asked for a better friend." Hitori pulled the man to an arms length and looked as broken hazel eyes looked up through tears, the mans smile fake.

"What are you talking about?"

"Take care of the children while I'm gone." Hitori was confused, scared almost.

"Where are you going Shigure?" That sad smile graced his facial features once again.

"No where. I'm not going anywhere."

TBC