Like a Switch [Fruits Basket]

Chapter 25

Like a Switch

Chapter Twenty-five

It was insane; what you were doing was insane. Every part of you wanted to run but you held your ground. Or rather, you didn't move from the bench where you currently sat. You were waiting for Hatori. You had hurried home after work so that you could make yourself tired enough for a short nap. After that you had called Hatori and pressured him to meet with you. Given that he had been the one to remind you that Akito would eventually find out that you were back, and that he had made no promise to keep your return from him like the others had, it was understandable why you were so nervous and afraid. Other than Akito himself, Hatori was the one that you should have feared the most. He had been the one to take your memories after all.

It was exactly for that reason that you called him. Hatori had been the one to take your memories even if it had been on Akito's orders. There was something about being the dragon of the zodiac which allowed that to happen. You were hoping that his ability went both ways. That he'd be able to return your memories so that you could make sense of what was going on. You had felt bad that you couldn't remember much before you met Ayame; his actions made you frantic inside as you tried to understand what was happening.

"Sorry to keep you waiting."

The smooth, confident voice of the man of the hour made you tense in your seat. You looked up to see Hatori I'm well pressed pants and a white button up shirt. Considering how humid and warm it was, you couldn't help but feel that his outfit was impractical. You had no idea how he could be comfortable in a long sleeve shirt and pants in the middle of August. At the very least the area you'd asked to meet him at was in the shade. That offered some respite from the sun.

"Thank you for meeting me away from the estate," you spoke out quietly as you pushed your nerves back.

You still really just wanted to run. This had been your idea but you still wanted to run. You needed answers and the good doctor seemed like the one to ask at the time. But you still wanted to run.

"Is something wrong?" Hatori asked as he leveled you with the look in his eye. "You look like you're about to collapse."

And considering the fact that you were sitting down, that was saying something.

"I'm fine; physically I'm fine," you told him, motioning for him to sit down.

You figured that maybe if he was sitting down and not looming over you, it would be easier. If you didn't have to look at his face and be reminded that he was the one who took your memories in the first place, it might be easier. Thankfully Hatori sat down silently and waited. He was, more or less, a patient man. Considering his profession and the majority of his clients that patience came in handy.

"Did you know me when you took my memories?"

"Yes," he answered easily.

"Did Shigure and Ayame know me as well?"

"Yes, better than most."

You clenched your hands to your knees as you felt your body tensing up. What did that mean? Better than most?

"I take it you've recently seen Ayame again?" Hatori asked.

You nodded and made a sound of confirmation. Hatori let out a deep breath. If you didn't know any better you would have thought that the exhale sounded understanding in a way. Like he was sympathizing with your internal plight. As though he had an inkling of what you were going through. You bet he had no clue - he never had his memories taken from him. He didn't know what it was like to try to piece together fragmented memories enough to blend in with society.