CM: HOORAY! The chapters finally here! Everyone rejoice! Thank you all once more for waiting. ON THIS DAY, your patience will be rewarded.

GOLDEN LINING

The Monday of Golden Week came and Kylie and Shigure left the house on their way to their grandiose vacation. "So where are we going and how are we going to get there?" Kylie asked as the car sped off in a direction she didn't recognize.

"Where we are going is a surprise….but we will be getting there by bullet train," Shigure explained with a smile.

"I've never been on a bullet train before," Kylie said with unrestrained excitement.

"Well, now you finally get your chance," Shigure said, happy that she sounded so thrilled.

They made it on the train in time and once it started going, Kylie was a little surprised by how fast it went. "I guess I can see where it got its name from," she said with a small laugh.

"Yes indeed. With this train we will be reaching our destination within 10 minutes," Shigure explained watching her face with pleasure.

"Cool, but you still haven't told me exactly where are destination is," Kylie said tilting her head in curiosity.

"Patience, love," Shigure said tapping the tip of her nose with his index finger. "All will be revealed in due time."

"I'll hold you to that."

In no time at all they arrived at one of the islands that belong to Japan. Kylie stepped off the train and was in awe of the beauty of the island. "Where is this?" she asked stunned.

"This is Okinawa Island. The Sohma family has a special resort on this island which is where we'll be headed," Shigure explained.

"So we get to stay here for an entire week?" Kylie asked in amazement.

"Well, five days and four nights," Shigure corrected.

"Still, this is going to be amazing! Can we go to the beach? Or are we touring the island? Maybe shopping? I mean I know most guys don't like to go shopping but it would be really cool if we just looked around at the stuff they had. This is really amazing! Thank you so much, and I'm sorry I'm just hyper right now." She was practically bouncing up and down with excitement.

"We will do whatever you want to while we're here," Shigure replied laughing. "We are definitely going to the beach at least one of the days we are here….what we do the rest of the time is completely up to you."

Kylie's eyes widened with delight. "Sweet! Okay, well, I think we should probably get settled in wherever we're staying first. That way I can look at some brochures and we can decide what we can do."

Shigure nodded and lead the way to the street where he called a cab and they rode off to the Sohma family resort. When they arrived Kylie saw how huge the place was and that it was beach front property. "So what do you think?" Shigure asked helping her get out of the cab.

"I suddenly feel very small and insignificant," Kylie said staring unblinkingly at where they would be staying. Shigure chuckled before taking her by the hand and leading her inside.

"Hello, Sohma-san," the woman at the desk greeted warmly.

"Good morning," Shigure returned the greeting. "I believe I had a reservation."

"Ah yes, the couple's suite. Right this way," she said obtaining a key and handing it to him.

"It's room 13 on floor three." Shigure thanked her before taking the key.

They took the elevator to the third floor which only had two rooms on the floor. Shigure went and opened the door to room 13 and held it open to allow Kylie to enter first. When she went in she saw an enormous living room with several couches and a beautiful view of the beach through window that took up the entire wall.

The sight of it took Kylie's breath away. "I take it you like what you see," Shigure observed as she walked slowly through the room as if afraid she might accidentally break something.

"This… this is way too much," Kylie murmured. Never had she imagined actually standing in a room like this, let alone be staying in one.

"You don't like it?" Shigure asked.

"It's not that, it's just… it's so… grand."

"Well it is a suite after all," Shigure said grinning.

"Obviously you've never been in a couples suite in Motel 6," Kylie said dubiously.

"No I've never even heard of such a place," Shigure replied curiously.

"Well, picture a room about as big as your kitchen, with a small window, a cable t.v., smelly carpeting, and uncomfortable beds that feel like you're sleeping on concrete," Kylie elaborated.

"That doesn't sound very promising," Shigure murmured. "Why would someone stay in a place like that?"

"It's the cheapest place to stay," Kylie said with a shrug. "Our family was never exactly what you'd call well off financially. But we weren't dirt poor either. We just could never afford, well, this," she gestured at the room around her.

"I see….well take as much time as you like to enjoy your accommodations," Shigure said gesturing around him. "There are brochures on the table that you can look at to decide what you want to do first."

"I think we should both decide," Kylie told him as she went over to examine a few. "After all, you're probably more familiar with this place than I am, so you would know what attractions were worth seeing."

"True," Shigure agreed sitting down next to her. "There will be several festivals going on during our stay here. Perhaps you'd like to attend one of those?"

"I've never been to a Japanese festival before," Kylie said thoughtfully.

He ruffled her hair. "You'll find yourself doing a lot of things that you've never done before the week is out."

Kylie looked up at him. "Shigure.... I…" She paused, then said, "Let's have lots of fun while we're here, okay?" Shigure merely smiled and nodded his agreement.

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"So the two of them left this morning?" Hatori asked as Linda joined him for work. "Do you know where they went?"

"Nope…but it doesn't really matter. Wherever they go I doubt anything big will happen," Linda said putting a file into its rightful place.

"You seem to have a lot of confidence," Hatori noted.

"Yeah well, Kylie has a pretty good leash on Shigure so there won't be anything he can do against her will," Linda explained with a little laugh.

Hatori smiled in spite of himself. "I can't help but admire her for being able to accomplish something I've had to work on for years."

Linda smiled. "Well, it kind of helps that she happens to be the woman who caught his interest."

"Just about every woman catches his interest," Hatori replied bluntly.

"True, but she is the only one that he truly fell for," Linda told him as she turned and gave him a big smile.

"Well, I will say this much, she has certainly toned him down the slightest bit," Hatori admitted with a small smile as he flipped through some medical records.

"Say Hatori…." Linda started finishing up what she was doing.

"Yes?"

"Um…could we go to one of those events going on this week? I've never seen one and I thought it would be fun."

Hatori looked over at her after he replaced the files back into their designated drawer. "Of course we can. I should be done here in a little while."

"Great," Linda said with a grin.

"Also, I was curious," Hatori began.

"Yeah?" Linda asked.

"Would you like to have dinner with me tomorrow night?" he asked with etiquette.

"Sure thing," Linda replied immediately. "Where would we go?"

"I was thinking of going to the Sohma family Restaurant. It's not far from here so we could walk on over after work."

"Okay….I'll have to make sure that I bring something appropriate to dress in. Knowing the Sohma family places it'll probably pretty ritzy huh."

"You don't have to wear a dress if that's what you're worried about," Hatori took into account her aversion of wearing dresses.

"I don't mind it as long as I'm not showing too much skin," Linda shrugged. "Just please don't call Ayame."

"Don't worry I won't," Hatori promised with a soft smile.

"Good, I'll find something suitable for tomorrow night and we'll be all set," Linda told him smiling widely.

"Just try keep out of trouble while you're at it," Hatori warned her.

"Hey, I've been doing really well lately," Linda said in her defense.

"That may be, but that doesn't stop me from worrying," he said reaching up and touching her cheek.

"You keep worrying so much and you'll get wrinkles early," Linda joked with a small laugh.

"Well if I do it'll be because you weren't being careful."

"Sorry, maybe I should just start living in a bubble and then you won't have to worry about me."

Hatori's mouth twitched. "Knowing you, there would still be need to worry for one reason or another."

Linda punched him lightly in the arm as a frown appeared on her face. "Oh come on I'm not THAT clumsy."

"Forgive me, but weren't you the one who said I needed to develop a sense of humor?" He asked with a smile before placing a kiss gently on her lips.

Linda was a little shocked to see him crack a joke but she laughed anyway. "That was a good one….you really can be funny when you want to."

"Yes I can, now it's time to get back to work…unless you really don't want to go anywhere tonight," Hatori said smoothly as he turned and went back to work.

"Yes sir."

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It was the third day on their vacation and Kylie was having the time of her life. They had taken a road trip around the island, visited several of the shops and restaurants, and went to the festival and watched the shows and plays that were for public viewing. It was noontime and after spending the days walking around, Kylie was ready to relax on the beach and catch plenty of sun rays.

"Hey Kylie….could you do me a big favor?" Shigure asked coming up behind her.

"What is it Shigure?" Kylie replied somewhat wearily.

"I was wondering if you could wear this to the beach for me." He held up a tiny string bikini and had one of his perverted smiles on his face.

There was a very long pause, so silent that a bird could be heard cawing as it flew by the window. "No way, I absolutely refuse. I've worn some pretty erotic things working at Ayame's store, but this is where I draw the line."

"Please just this once….for me," Shigure pleaded not wanting to lose what might be his one chance.

"There's hardly anything there," Kylie said exasperatedly. "I might as well go naked for all the cover it's going to give me. And wipe that grin off your face right now because that isn't going to happen either."

"Okay then how about just around the suite?" Shigure suggested compromising.

"Not on your life," she said crossing her arms.

"You're so cold," Shigure whined, drooping his head.

Kylie rolled her eyes playfully. "I won't wear that, however, I am willing to compromise. I found a cute two piece while we were out shopping. It may not be as… showy, but I think you'll like it."

"Ah alright, I guess I'll just have settle with that," Shigure expressed looking down at the suite he was holding in disappointment.

Kylie almost began to pity him but she reminded herself she couldn't let the puppy dog face get her every time. So quickly turning away she told him she would be right out before entering the bathroom to get changed. After a few minutes of waiting on Shigure's part, he heard the door open. "Okay, I'm ready," Kylie said stepping out.

Shigure stared at her for several moments taking in the sight and loving every inch of it. "So I take it you like what you see?" Kylie asked moving from side to side.

"Oh yes very much so," Shigure breathed unable to say much else.

Kylie giggled at his reaction. "See? Now isn't this much better?"

He had to admit the swim suit really did suit her. "You're like a tropical flower."

Kylie smiled at the compliment. "Well, we better get going. The day won't last forever."

Shigure smiled and together they headed down to the beach where Shigure almost immediately dove into the water. Kylie decided to stay on the beach and work on her tan, just so she could relax. "Come on Kylie, the water's fine," Shigure shouted seeing Kylie sitting on the beach.

"No thanks," Kylie called to him. "I really would rather not."

Shigure cocked his head and began making his way towards her. "What's wrong? Can't you swim?"

"Of course I can."

He came up to her. "Then why not come join me?"

"….I guess I'm more afraid of what's in the water than being in it."

"What do you mean?" Shigure asked crouching down beside her so that Kylie could see the water trickling down his sleek torso.

"It's just, the water's so shadowy I can't see what's around me," she said finally.

"Well in that case I'll check it first to make sure you won't be bothering any wild life," Shigure offered jumping up and running back to the water. He splashed around for a bit making a complete fool out of himself. "Well if there was any life out here their gone now. Come join me," Shigure called out smiling.

Kylie couldn't help but laugh. Feeling now that she owed him after that little display she got up from the beach towel and made her way to the water's edge. She stood just where the water swept into around her bare feet and was very cool compared to the midday sun. "You're not going to get much swimming done there," Shigure remarked.

"Give me a moment," Kylie said trying to stall for as long as she could.

"If the water is colder than what you're used to then just dive right on in," Shigure told her as he splashed water all over her. "There did that help any?"

Kylie gave a small scream as the cold water splashed over her. "You jerk! I'm going to get you for that," she declared.

"Good luck accomplishing that from there," He said as he began to floating on his back away from her.

Kylie smiled. "Oh just you wait…" Bracing herself she ran out into the deeper water. It was much colder than she had anticipated and she had to swim around a little to get used to the temperature.

"See? Now that wasn't hard," Shigure said floating by.

"Yeah, now I'm just going to get hypothermia," Kylie replied as she stood waist deep in the water, shivering. It was a lot colder than the beach back home.

"I won't allow you to get sick on our little vacation," Shigure declared. "So just enjoy the water and try not to keep too much of your body above it." He floated by again on his back flicking little bits of water at her as he went. "You keep up like that and you just might get hypothermia."

"Sure, and while I'm at it, I'm make sure not too much of you is above the water," she replied before tackling him, completely catching him off guard, and causing him to sink below the surface with her on top of him. Served him right.

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"Which one which one," Linda thought going through the dress section of the clothing store. "She had no idea what would be appropriate enough nor did she really have a good sense of style…and she knew it. She had been standing around moving from dress to dress unable to decide and unwilling to try on some of them. "Some of these look really nice, I just wish they didn't show quite as much skin," she thought bitterly to herself holding a dress up to herself and not being satisfied.

"Well hel-lo there," A boisterous voice boomed and Linda immediately felt her spirits sink lower than ever.

"Oh no…"

"It's good to see you Linda, my dear. It's been rather lonesome not having Kylie around the shop so I thought I'd cheer myself up by do a little perusing. But my, how lucky I am to have found you."

"Yeah… lucky," Linda replied with biting sarcasm.

"What's this?" Ayame asked her noticing the dress she was holding.

Linda looked down to see what he was pointing at and quickly hid the dress behind her back. "It's nothing," she said backing up slowly.

Ayame was quicker though and deftly grabbed the dress from behind her back. "You are going dress shopping?" he asked in surprised. "Then why not allow me to help you? I'm betting this is for Hatori so I know just what to get for. Mine," Ayame called out.

Mine came running up at the sound of her bosses call. "Yes?"

"Linda here is dress shopping, but it would cost too much to get her dress from here so let's bring her back to my shop."

"No I'm going to get my dress here and I'll do it myself," Linda declared turning her back on them…big mistake.

Linda felt a vice-like grip on her shoulder and saw to her horror Mine with a sadistic glint in her eye. "Come with us," she whispered. "We'll make you something special."

"That's right," Ayame agreed. "I shall not have Hatori's significant other wearing just any dress. It must be THE dress that was MADE for her."

Linda groaned and tried to fight back but to no avail. Mine and Ayame quickly swept her away from the store and went back to Ayame's shop. "You're just bored aren't you," Linda guessed heaving a huge sigh.

Ayame ignored her question and immediately went flitting about his store looking for a dress that would be perfect. In moments he came back with a dark blue dress that had a very low cut in the front.

"I'm not wearing that," Linda declared staring with skepticism at the dress.

"Just go try it on," Ayame said shoving the dress into her hands and then her through the curtain of the dressing room.

Linda sighed again but knew that she wasn't leaving until he had found the dress for her, so she tried it on and saw that the front showed quite a lot of her front. She immediately took it off and shouted through the curtain "No way."

"Hmm, I forgot, Kylie told me you were more of the conservative type," Ayame thought out loud, putting a finger to his chin in thought. Then after a few moments he snapped his fingers. "Well, we'll just have to keep trying. Mine, could you grab the collection of dresses from over there?"

"Yes sir," Mine said before rushing off. She gathered the dresses and brought them to the dressing room Linda was in. "Try some of these," she told Linda.

Linda sighed but did as she was told. She tried on dress after dress feeling satisfied with some while Ayame said no, and really not liking others while Ayame said yes. It took at least an hour but eventually Linda and Ayame came to an agreement on a dress. "You sure he's going to like it?" she asked looking the dress over.

"Of course he will," Ayame said without any lack of confidence. "Once he sees you he'll never be able to look away. He'll have to tear his own eyes out before he can will himself to look at anything else, heaven forbid of course."

"He didn't hear about what happened at the hot spring did he?" she thought to herself somewhat worried. "Well I never thought I'd say this but….thanks Ayame," Linda said with a slightly embarrassed smile.

"No trouble at all," Ayame replied with a low bow.

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CM: Wow, things are definately looking up? What could make life any better? Hmmm.... I wonder.... Stay tuned! ^_^