Tohru stood in the hall entrance, wrapped in a fleece throw.

Slightly peeved by her timing, Shigure stood before crossing the room to sweep her up in an embrace. He noted the way her body tensed at his touch.

"My dear, Tohru. It's so nice to see you again. Kyo has proven to be very poor company." He tightened his grip, leaning his head down to her ear. "He's criticizing my lifestyle. I'm glad that you are much more... accepting." His whisper sent a chill down her spine as she pulled away from him, her face burning with embarrassment.

"Tohru, are you okay?" Kyo asked, concern written on his face.

"Oh, I'm fine! Just a little hot!" She stuttered, crossing over to him.

"Well, here. Have some water." He offered her his glass and she happily took it, pressing the cold rim to her lips in an effort to calm her nerves. With a deep sigh, Shigure sat at the armchair beside the fire.

"So why did you call me, Kyo? I assume it wasn't to scold me for my sexual escapades."

"No, you idiot. Tohru and I wanted you to find a way to announce our engagement. We don't really want to track everyone down and tell them personally."

"Oh? Why not host a party and announce it then?"

"That won't work. There's no time for that. We plan on getting married in a month... and no, before you ask, it's not because of the baby."

Shigure lifted a brow, assessing the two teens.

"Very well. How about an email?"

"An email? Doesn't that seem kind of lame?"

"I don't think so. A lot of zodiac event information was communicated by email, so most zodiac members check it regularly, out of habit. Not you, of course. But you were an exception." Kyo glared at his insult. "Still, I can make it sound official enough so it doesn't offend anyone. I will even include your master. That would just leave Tohru's friends to inform."

"Oh, I can tell them. I don't mind!" Tohru perked up, seemingly excited to tell her two high school friends.

"Good. Then it's settled." He smiled warmly at her, causing her cheeks to redden.

A tune filled the air, drawing both of their attention to Kyo. After a moment, he closed his phone, rocking to his feet.

"Tohru's iron prescription came in. I have to go down to Hatori's cabin to get it." Kyo said, crossing to retrieve his coat. Tohru jumped up.

"Oh, I'll come with you!" She insisted.

"No, the weather doesn't look very good right now. I'll be back in ten minutes, max. Just stay here. I'll be back. I love you." With that, he slipped on a scarf and gloves, and walked out the door.

Tohru sat back down, turning her gaze to the crackling fire. If she pretended he wasn't there, maybe he would disappear.

"You haven't told him." Shigures deep voice seemed to bounce off of the walls.

"How could you tell?" She asked, her voice small. He chuckled.

"If you had, I doubt I would be alive right now, much less being left alone with you." He mused, moving to occupy the seat beside her. "Are you frightened of me, Tohru?" His brow furrowed.

"N-no."

"Good." He allowed a small smile to rest on his lips.

"Was the box from you?"

Shigures smile widened. "Ah, the beginners kit. Yes, my dear. Have you used it yet?"

Tohru's flush face answered his question.

"Did he enjoy it?" He asked quieter, his voice thick. Tohru nodded. "Good. I figured he would. So what's the matter, darling?"

"Well.. Hatori said that you wouldn't be helping me anymore. After... last time..." Her fingers nervously fiddled with a loose thread on her blanket.

He sighed, running a hand through his long hair.

"Yes, about that. I'm terribly sorry if my actions frightened you. I was merely acting on impulse, and it was wrong. I hope you can forgive me. You see, I had gone without release for quite some time since Akito fell ill again."

Tohru waved her hands for him to stop, pausing before speaking again.

"Is that why you are seeing Kelly?" She asked timidly. He smiled, taking a lock of her wavy brown hair in his hands.

"Yes. It is. I have needs. Kelly.. Well, Kelly is all too eager to fulfill those needs."

She cringed at the thought.

"Please don't think any less of me, Tohru." He held her hair to his lips, forcing eye contact. "I will never hurt you again. I promise."

She nodded once more, her face getting warm as she tried to look away.

"When you are ready, let me know. I'll give you the next box."

"Where do you get all of that stuff?" Tohru asked innocently.

"There are stores for such items, if you know where to look. Has Kyo introduced the toy?"

"Y-yes.." Tohru knew that she shouldn't be answering his questions so willingly, but something about him was ominously persuasive. Maybe it was the way he maintained eye contact, or the gentle way he stroked her hair. She couldn't help but trust him.

A menacing smile crossed his lips.

"I see. Judging by the way your thighs are squeezing together, I'd say you rather enjoyed it. I want you to get familiar with what I've given you. The next step will be big, and slightly dangerous considering your pregnancy. I really wish I could teach you both firsthand."

Tohru tensed at his words, causing him to let out a hearty laugh.

"Don't worry. I know that would be crossing a line. We will discuss that more once you are ready to do so. Until then, tell me, how are you feeling about the pregnancy?"

Relaxing her shoulders at the change of topic, Tohru began to share the concerns and joys that accompanied the news of a new life. Time seemed to fly by as she leaned against the couch, rambling as Shigure rolled her hair between his fingertips, listening intently. Eventually, he pulled his hand away.

"Didn't Kyo say he would only be gone for ten minutes?" Shigure asked, glancing at the clock. Tohru paled at the realization.

It had been nearly half an hour since Kyo had left for Hatori's cabin.