"What in the hell is your problem now?"

Akito pretended not to hear and continued to watch the pretty white bird perched on his finger. He was angry as hell. The mutt and her interrupted everything, and made complete fools of themselves. But is that why he was so angry? Because they were having fun? What exactly made him so damn angry? The pretty white bird chirped once before fluttering away into the starless night. His fingers slowly curled into a tight fist.

"Well?" Miya tapped impatiently. Receiving no answer, she sighed as she turned her back to him.

WHAM!

Startled, Miya whirled around. Akito's hand had imbedded itself into the wall. Pieces of wood crumbled to the floor as he pulled his balled hand out. Her eyes caught a hint of a snarl on his face. Akito felt her stare burning into his back. He spun around and met her peaked eyebrow.

"Okay. Anger management classes needed, but uh, why did you do that?"

In true Akito fashion, he kept silent. His snarl most likely wasn't going away anytime soon. He began to pace back and forth across the same room where their fight had erupted. Miya watched with mild interest. She stepped over to the wall and slid down to a sitting position.

Akito knew she was still in the room, and he realized how childish he'd been. He halted and stole a glance at Miya. She seemed indifferent to his behavior, as if those pretty blue eyes came to expect it from him. Damn that girl. She knew nothing about him. Almost looked like Shigure, with a grin permanently nailed to her face. Miya had been spending too much time with the mutt.

"Feel better?" Once again, words were lost to Akito. "Okay. Glad you're all right. I'll just go."

"I have a question for you, Miya."

"Oh my god! You can talk!" Nope. He didn't laugh. "So what's your question?"

"How are things going over at Shigure's house?"

"You actually want to know?" she said, her tone skeptical.

"Of course."

"Um…it's cool. Me and Shigure are best buddies now. And I get along really well with Yuki, Kyo, and Tohru. We're a dysfunctional family." She ended with a shrug. What was it that Akito wanted to know exactly?

"Thank you. That'll be all."

Akito sighed as the fresh air hit him. This new development would be very interesting.

"That's it?"

"Yup, pretty much."

Miya had finished retelling her and Akito's conversation to Hatori. He met up with Miya out in the hall and asked her to join him in his office. At first, it was to make sure the two didn't have another fight and no bones were broken. But when he saw the confused expression on her face, Hatori knew something wasn't right. The young doctor sighed as he ran his hand through his dark hair. Knowing the young man, he knew it wouldn't be good.

Miya strolled back to the dining room. By now, everyone was feasting on chocolate mousse and strawberries. She sat back down next to Shigure. He asked her what happened and she replied nothing. Miya shook her hand, telling Shigure not worry about it. She indulged herself in the delectable chocolate.

"Ew! Miya, that's gross!" Kyo yelled. Splashes of chocolate covered Miya's mouth.

"What? It's so good!" She gulped down the last of the chocolate mousse. Napkin in hand, she wiped her mouth and grinned. "That was so yummy!"

"I'll be sure to thank the chef for you," Ayame stated.

"Thanks, Ayame."

So this was what it felt like to be accepted. She hoped they had. It was noble of Shigure to take her in a stray like her. That moment seemed so long ago and it was one she would never forget. She resumed talking with Shigure and had a blast the rest of the night.

Unbeknownst to the family members and Miya, a dark figure walked the halls to Akito's room. It had been so long…

A knock on the door shook Akito from his thoughts. Hatori had just left. It seemed suspicion had arisen when the girl told him of their previous discussion. He sneered at him and told him everything. Hatori maintained a calm demeanor, but Akito could tell underneath, he was stunned. But what did he want now? A growl rose from his throat. He didn't want to be disturbed. Whoever it was had death coming upon them. He told whoever it was to enter and to make it quick. One of the older butlers came into the room.

"Master Akito, you have a visitor."

A woman in her forties stepped into the room. His breath stopped. The hairs on the back of his neck rose on end. Why was she here? Her black hair swayed as she approached Akito. Anyone with a brain could tell her smile was forced. Her true nature sifted through her mask of fake happiness. A hardened smile flashed at him.

"Akito…my son."