AUTHOR NOTES: Akito is male in my story and I appreciate any constructive criticism.

DISCLAIMER: I do not own Fruits Basket or any of the characters.

Akito heaved a ragged breath before exhaling with some difficulty. He had fallen ill, deathly, and was now spending the last year he had with regret. He'd come to realize, only too late, that his abusive ways were never going to win the love of the zodiac members and decided exactly a year ago to the day that he was going to turn things around. Unfortunately, his illness came about shortly before the New Years Banquet and was told by Hatori that recovery was unlikely this time. He wept bitterly for days, resenting the life he'd been given, until one chilly January morning he received a most unexpected visitor. Tohru Honda had heard that he was sick and wanted to give her condolences. She had thrown herself to the floor in front of him, and he struggled to sit up in her presence. Weeping hysterically she blubbered out how she was sorry if it was somehow her doing. She wanted him to know that no matter how much he'd believed otherwise, that he was important and that she was very fortunate to have known him. He stared at her astonished, his heart aching, warming at her every word. It was in this moment he finally understood that she was the missing piece to the Sohma puzzle. Slowly getting to his feet he walked to the window, calmly, as Tohru continued to shed silent tears for him. He was thinking, scheming, the way he always did before unleashing his wrath. His whole body ached from the sickness that enveloped him. He could feel a coughing fit coming and eyed his guest gingerly before speaking.

"Miss Honda…I thank you for your concern…however, my illness is not of your doing. With that being said, I am not presently feeling up to company..."

His voice trailed off as he struggled to keep his composure until she departed. He couldn't utter another word before she was on her feet and bowing in apology for her intrusion. He strode swiftly to her, lifting her face gently, to meet his eyes, with his frail fingers. His stomach turned roughly at her recoiling reaction, fear no doubt that he would hurt her in some way.

'I am truly sorry for the pain I have caused you …and my family' he thought earnestly.

"I hope that I can call upon you when I am feeling…better. There is much I wish to discuss with you."

Her eyes widened, taking in his troubling words. His hand slipped away from her chin to pull the loose robes up that had fallen down his boney shoulder. She bowed again before bidding him farewell. Returning to the window just long enough to watch her tiny form exit the estate front gate, he immediately crumpled to the floor, coughing. Clutching at his chest with one hand he signaled to a servant to fetch the good family doctor to his chambers.

In a months time Akito felt well enough to ask Tohru to return. He welcomed the brisk morning air as he stretched his arms over his head, before shaking off what sleep was left in his bones. He sighed as he dialed the number to Shigures house.

"Helllooo?" Shigures cheery voice rang.

"You are in a good mood this morning …" Taunted Akito.

Shigure sheepishly rubbed the back of his head. "Ah…Akito, h-how are you feeling today?"

He thought long before answering.

"Better today than I have in a very long time."

He was trying to make nice, trying to show the zodiac members in even the smallest ways that he wasn't who he use to be, yet knowing they would never forgive him for all the wrong he'd done them.

"Well, glad to hear it and what can I do for you this morning?"

"I would like to speak with Miss Honda… for a few moments. Oh and I will be requiring her company, so excuse her from being your house slave for a few hours."

Worriedly Shigure ventured to ask why Akito might need Tohru, but thinking the better of it and deciding instead just to accompany her to the main house. He would keep his distance from the god but stay close enough that he could ensure her safety should things take a bad turn during her "visit".

"Very well, I will send Kyo to retrieve her from the garden, please wait for a few minutes." He set the receiver down and ushered to the bottom of the stairs, his robes dragging behind.

"Kyooo…come here please!"

Hearing a few thuds and grumbles, the orange headed rascal appeared at the top of the stairs. "Yeah…whadaya want?"

"Tohru has a phone call… could you please fetch her from the garden like a good kitten?" He teased the youth with a smirk.

"Why do I gotta fetch her, I ain't the damn dog?!" Kyo fumed, fists tightening.

Clearing his throat Shigure mused. "It's quite important, so hurry along now."

Kyo squinted at him evilly, stomping down the stairs before eyeing the phone inquisitively.

'Wonder who the hell it is' he pondered, irritated. Tugging his favorite jacket over his head he nudged the sliding glass door open and disappeared.

Tohru sighed; satisfied she took a step back, standing next to her best friend Yuki. They took a moment to admire the garden they'd both worked so hard on.

"I'd have to say we did a marvelous job Miss Honda." A simple smile formed at his lips.

"I agree…though I hope these morning chills don't cause us to lose everything." She rubbed her arms worrying.

Yuki chuckled softly. "I'm positive they will be fine, no need to worry yourself."

She brimmed at him. 'That's right I should think positively, like Yuki-kun.' Immediately she knelt down to clean up the tools, while Yuki gathered the veggies in a medium basket for their lunch and dinner. Just then Kyo trod into the clearing. He watched Tohru and her tidy tendencies, mumbling to himself in frustration. 'That damn Yuki, making her do all the work.' He walked up behind her, slid his hands under her arms carefully and lifted her to her feet. Startled her body froze, not realizing who had snuck up and caught her unawares. Yuki catching all of this out of the corner of his eye, turned sharply, addressing Kyo in a harsh tone.

"What do you want, you sneaky cat, you've scared Tohru half to death!?"

Hair on end, Kyo shot back angrily. "I ain't here for you, you stupid rat, so mind your own damn business!"

Clearly annoyed Yuki set the basket down gently before launching a quick kick to the side of Kyos head.

"WATCH IT YOU LOUD MOUTHED CAT!"

Reeling, Kyo gripped the side of his head, letting out a low growl. "THAT'S IT, YOU ASKED FOR IT THIS TIME!" He screamed, preparing to shove his fist into Yukis teeth.

Tohru timidly interjected, standing directly next to them. "Uhm …please don't fight… I don't want to see either of you hurt over something so small."

Yuki and Kyo both paused long enough to jointly stare at her. Surprisingly, Kyo was the first to withdraw, shoving his fists into his pants pockets and scowling.

"Tohru…you are not a small matter at all." Yuki chirped reassuring her.

Blushing, she eyed the ground. "W-Well I just don't want to be a burden to anyone…"

'Typical Tohru, doesn't even realize we aren't fighting because of her.' Kyo thought, blood still boiling.

"It's fine…you aren't a burden…besides there wouldn't even be a problem if that rat kept his nose out of other people's business." The enraged Kyo blurted, glaring at the cat with a passionate hate. Yuki simply ignored the remark and offered Tohru a scrap of cloth to wipe the dirt off her pants. Accepting graciously she returned her smile to Kyo.

"So what brings you out here Kyo?"

Yuki nearly bore a hole through him waiting for the answer as well. Pacing, Kyo kicked the dirt one good time.

"You have a phone call… Shigure said it was important."

Tohru trembled nervously as her head began filling with all kinds of fears.

"Why didn't you tell her immediately? It could be her grandfather, you selfish cat!"

Shaking his head, Yuki grabbed the basket and Tohrus hand, rushing off in the direction of the house. Kyo didn't even have time to yell at him for interfering in his mission in the first place. A frustrated gasp escaped his lips and he stormed off after them.

Akitos patience was wearing dangerously thin as he breathed heavily into the phone.

"What is taking that useless cat so long?!"

Shigure stayed composed, in the midst of the attitude the god had now developed. "I'm sure they will be here any minute."

He couldn't have been more spot on. Sliding the door open promptly, the two friends removed their shoes rapidly before entering the house. Tohrus face flushed, she swiped at the loose strands of hair that clung to her face with sweat. Yuki collapsed next to the dining table before a "poof" and purple smoke filled the room.

"Tsk, tsk, tsk Yuki, you know you shouldn't stress your lungs, especially in this time of year."

Shigure preached with his index finger. Tohru walked briskly to the hallway, where the loveable dog was waiting, stretching the phone out to her. His cautious eyes made her shiver as he covered the receiver to tell her who it was.

"It's Akito…"

Her trembling hands took the phone, as Shigure excused himself quietly to tend to his cousin now in delicate Zodiac form.

"H-hello. Tohru Honda speaking."

A raspy chuckle could be heard from the other end and it made her freeze. "I was beginning to think, Miss Honda…that you were avoiding me."

Taking a deep breath she tried to relax her nerves. Talking to the god was never an easy thing. "I apologize; I didn't mean to keep you waiting."

Akito marveled silently to himself how, sweetly, honestly, she spoke.

'Yes, you are perfect for my plans Honda-chan.'