(I do not own Fruits Basket, and obviously I'm not following the Manga, just thought I'd throw that in so I don't get chewed out. I don't have my tapes at the moment either, so I'm going to skim the Hatori getting hurt part just because I can't remember what Akito says verbatim. I'll try my best though. Also, thanks to those of you who responded to my last chapter's inquiry. I'm still not 100 sure. I apologize if my timeline is screwed up, but I'm having trouble remembering it.)

Chapter 3: Disasters and Decisions

"No! I will not allow it!" There was a crash as a vase shattered against the floor. A piece must have flown up and hit Hatori; he was holding his face and bleeding badly. Shigure reacted instantly, grabbing hold of Akito to restrain him as the weak man's outburst continued, "Hatori?" He turned a shaking finger on Kana, "It's your fault! It's all your fault!"

"Kana," Shigure shouted, "Get Hatori out of here!" He continued to hold the struggling family head, "Now!"

Shigure waited till they had fled the room. This had been a disaster. One, he felt certain, that would hover over the family, a warning against falling in love. He released the still fuming Akito once he was certain the two lovers had run far enough.

Later that evening as he walked to his own home, his mind replayed the events of the day. Starting with his visit from Mii, and ending with Akito's reaction to Hatori and Kana. He thought of Mii, of the possibility that had crossed his mind that perhaps they could form a relationship. Shigure didn't necessarily believe in love at first sight, but he did believe in a very strong attraction at first sight. And he knew he had been very attracted to Mii. She was just such a cute girl.

But when he thought of what had happened between Ha'ri and Kana, what Akito had done. He couldn't pursue any sort of relationship with this woman. He would be putting himself and her at risk. Of course, he reminded himself, she probably wouldn't have wanted a relationship anyways.

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Mii sat in her apartment, staring at the wall. For some reason, she couldn't get her mind of the bright, cheerful young man. Try though she might, she couldn't focus on anything else. She tried to tell herself it was simply a matter of being excited about her new job, but the butterflies that filled her stomach when she thought about seeing him again told her differently.

Mii was, as many young women start out to be, a hopeless romantic, who did believe in love at first sight. But, she surely couldn't have fallen in love with a client. It went against professional ethics! The scandal, had it been anyone else but her involved, would have sent her cooing over how romantic a scenario it was. But not with her involved. No, it wouldn't happen, she wouldn't let it.

Besides, she didn't know if he would feel the same way. Although, the way he had smiled at her suggested that perhaps he did. Why was she dwelling on this! She'd made up her mind to not let it happen, so she needed to stop thinking about it! Still, it would be nice to know if he had felt anything as well. No, she reminded herself, that would only risk a breach of conduct.

She glanced down at the clothing she was wearing. It was too tight fitting. She needed to get a new outfit that wasn't so provocative. She couldn't seem like she was trying to seduce him, and couldn't risk the things a form fitting outfit might provoke in a man. Later that week she would go shopping. Find something new, maybe another skirt suit in blue; it was her favorite color, and the look worked for her. She glanced at the full length mirror that hung near her door. A haircut, she'd get her hair cut as well. A shorter, more mature look. She'd always thought she'd look nice with shorter hair.

She planned a shopping spree for Wednesday and settle back into her couch with a sigh, turning on the TV. She flipped through the channels as her eyelids slipped shut. The remote slipped from her hand as she fell asleep.

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Later in the week, Shigure was on the phone with yet another member of his Mabudachi Trio. Ayame was in an indignant state over the latest news of their friend Hatori, "Honestly, Shigure. To just flat out tell Ha'ri that he had to erase her memories! I can't believe it! The girl is able to forget ever having loved him, but he has to carry the memory with him. How awful! If I were him, I wouldn't have done it! I don't care what..."

The man continued to ramble on and on over the phone, Shigure was half listening, half dwelling on his own thoughts about poor Hatori. Shigure knew he should have foreseen this. Hatori had had to erase Kana's memory have ever having been in love with the doctor. It was Hatori's own special burden in the curse to be held responsible for the memories of those who found out. No one, Shigure thought, would ever be allowed to find out about the curse and leave with their memory in tact.

Another reason, he suddenly realized that he couldn't attempt a relationship with anyone. He certainly didn't want his editor to forget about him. He didn't want her to be reassigned; she was far too much fun to tease. But women were tricky creatures. He would have to be careful just how he acted around her, or she might misread his 'signals'.

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That Wednesday Mii went on her shopping trip as planned. She found a suit very similar to the one she already owned, but with a more professional fit. Then she went to the salon. Her hair fell to the floor as she had what hung midway down her neck snipped off.

Now, there were two more days to go till she had to return to Shigure's home to pick up the partial manuscript.

(Argh It's short! Sorry. Please review Pleeeeeeeeaaaaaaaaase? Don't make me beg! Look, I'll even doshout outs!)

Shary: Yay! Another ShiixMii fan! HAHAH! We are few and far between I must say!

Lymerai: Poor Hatori couldn't hear you pleading for him not to go….

Princess Miyazawa: Thanks, I wasn't sure how In Character I was able to keep people. And yes, I will continue, just for you!