A/n: Well all I'm so sorry for the delay. I have been so busy with school and my son that I just haven't had the time. But I'll try to do better. looks at lone review with tears in her eyes Thank you for reviewing. I just wish more would so I knew if this story was even being read…shakes self This is no time to be depressed!!! If they're not reading it then that's their problem and their loss.

Fair warning things may get a little angst in this chapter. Enjoy though!!

Ch. 8

Hatori's POV

As I pulled into the drive of Shigure's house my thoughts once again went to the kiss that Tora and I had shared. What had possessed me to do such a thing? I have put her happiness and even her well being on the line if Akito were to ever find out. I still cannot forget what happened to Kana. I still cannot forgive my-self for not protecting her.

Still, the kiss left a feeling of warmth on my lips like the spring sunshine on the last snows of winter. So gentle yet strong enough to melt the coldest of snows. I hadn't felt like that since Kana left.

As I walk into Shigure's house Tohru greets me at the door.

"Oh, Ha'ri! Hi! Are you staying for dinner? I was just on my way to the store and I can pick up more if you would like." I shook my head.

"Sorry, Tohru. I have an appointment with Akito this evening. Some other time perhaps?" She just gave me her big smile and took off.

So much had changed since Miss Honda had come to live with the Sohma's. I sometimes find my-self wondering how we got by without her smiling face and cheerful, if albeit, clumsy manner. But I know that most if not all of the Sohma's had come to cherish her. Especially Yuki.

I let my-self into Shigure's house and removed my shoes. I then headed down to his office. Tapping on the door I let my-self in and sat down in front of him.

"At to what do I owe this unexpected, yet delightful visit Ha'ri?" He asked looking up from his manuscript. I was actually surprised to see him working on it till I noticed Mii sitting in the corner with a shotgun to his head. Ignoring the poor insane woman, I got straight to the point.

"I kissed her." I stated simply with no emotion. "I don't know what happened. I just did and now I have no idea what to do and what exactly possesses me to ask you for advice." Shigure looked surprised the got the one look on his face that I hated seeing there. That calculating look. The one where it seems he is thinking of how to best use the information to his advantage. "Not only that, I believe Akito knows. He has summoned me this evening to the main house for a meeting. I can't let her get hurt. I can't have this turn out the same way as Kana." I could hear more emotion in my voice than I had ever heard there before.

"You care for her do you?" Shigure said with that same look in his eye. I nodded slowly unsure of how much to reveal. "Then the only thing you can do to protect her is to stay away from her. That is the only solution I can see here." He sat back, putting down his pen. I heard the shotgun being cocked behind him. He jumped slightly and picked the pen back up to continue writing.

"I think you are right. But what of her sister? She has Isuzu's blood. You know what Akito will do if he finds out. He will order her to be taken and for her families memories erased. She will be locked up till the new horse is born and then…" I couldn't bring my-self to finish the thought. To be truthful the thoughts in my head I didn't even want to think. Akito would be relentless and drastic measures would be taken to keep the secret from the outside world.

I stood and made to walk out the door. Shigure called out. Turning I saw him holding a piece of paper saying. 'CALL THE COPS!!! SHE'S GONE OFF THE DEEP END!!!' Closing the door behind me I left.

A/n: As I said, some slight angst. Hopefully you enjoyed though. Review please, I like reviewers.