Disclaimer: Neither Fruits Basket nor the original Fruits Basket characters belong to me. They are and shall remain the property of Natsuki Takaya. --heavy sigh--

But, the plot and all original characters do belong to me. That makes me happy.

A/N I must confess, I love Shigure, he is my absolute favorite Sohma, so I think he gets just a little more spotlight in my stories than some of the others. Don't misunderstand, I love all of the Furuba cast, but everyone must have at least one favorite.

I didn't really think the last chapter was such a cliff hanger, but I guess maybe it was. Here is the continuation. Please read and enjoy. Reviews will be much appreciated as well.

Thank you.

Chapter 16 Advice for a Wounded Heart

Tori looked at Shigure through older wiser eyes. He looked tired and with his defenses down discouragement and sadness shadowed his features. Shigure did not often let people see the man behind his happy–go–lucky mask but Tori was an exception tonight. He was too tired of hiding from himself and others to really care what she might see.

"Shigure-san, please join me. I have chocolate cake and tea in the kitchen."

"Thank you Tohru-kun, " Shigure's old smile was in place but it didn't quite reach his eyes.

"You said you wanted to talk Shigure-san…what about?"

"Oh, just a little bit of this and a little bit of that. How have you been these last seven years? How has Momiji been treating you…that sort of thing you know…"

His voice trailed off as he caught the look in Tohru's eyes. He was not fooling her, not this time. His flower had done some serious growing up in the last seven years.

"You know, Shigure-san…I think I know a little bit about how you feel. I would be so angry to find out that someone I loved had deliberately hurt someone else whom I also loved. I think I would be very angry and find it hard to forgive that person. I would feel betrayed, but you know, Mom…Mom used to say that if you stay angry at a person and never forgive them, you are hurting yourself far worse. It's okay to get angry but that anger should never be permanently engraved on your heart. That anger, that unwillingness to forgive, causes you to lose a part of yourself, a very important part, the part that gives love and in return receives love. Even if just that one person is cut out of your life, it hurts terribly. I think that maybe we really don't hate that person. We just think that we do Shigure-san.

I know from Momiji-kun that you are angry at Akito-san. I know that because of him, you felt it necessary to keep a secret from your very best friend, a friend with whom you've always shared everything. That must have hurt very much Shigure-san."

Tohru-kun what have you learned of the darker emotions of the human soul? Did Akito's harsh treatment of you that night color your world with just a trace of darkness? Is it possible that maybe you do understand? Shigure watched Tohru as she considered what she would say next.

"I'm not sure if I truly know everything you are feeling Shigure-san, but I do believe this. I believe that Akito-san's actions have hurt you terribly because they forced you to go against his wishes. It hurts to defy the wishes of someone you love and I do believe that you still love him and that you should allow yourself to recognize that. How will you feel Shigure-san, if Akito-san should die before you have forgiven him? Are you ready to live with that?"

"I don't know Tohru-kun. I only know that he hurt you terribly and I'm not sure…"

"Shigure-san, I've thought about that over the last few months…since I told Momiji-kun about what happened that night. At first I didn't understand why such a thing would have happened. I think I understand now. I understand what Akito-san was feeling. Some people don't cry when they are hurting. They choose to get angry instead. I think Akito-san is that kind of person. He must have been feeling betrayed, alone and scared. I think he blamed me for those feelings and struck out at me in his anger.I think he thought that after I was gone all would be normal again. I am sure he was sorry later, but by then it was too late, the damage was done. When I realized that, I stopped hating him, I stopped fearing him. I know he won't like it but I started to feel sorry for him. I forgave him, and even now…even now Shigure-san, I am glad to have met him."

Tori looked at Shigure, her teal eyes sparkling with compassion and understanding. Shigure sipped his tea. It was cold and his cigarettes lay forgotten and unopened by his plate. "Tohru-kun…you don't believe that any of this was your fault, do you? I don't think I could ever forgive Akito if…"

"No, I don't believe I did anything wrong. At first I may have felt that what happened was my fault.I know I used to think everything was my fault when I was younger.I think I may have felt that if I could have been a better person, that if I could have thought of the right words to say, he would not have hurt me.But Shigure-san, now I realize it is not me but it is Akito. He is his own worst enemy.

I can see the results now of what began ten years ago and I would like to believe that I played a small part in the way things have turned out. Kyo-kun learned to accept himself and Kagura's love. Now they have a wonderful family. Yuki-kun has found someone to love in Karin-san and I know they will be very happy. Haru-san, Momiji-kun, and Kisa-chan are all happy in their own ways. I think Hatori-san is content with his life.

Shigure-san, a lot of this is due to you, to your willingness to take in not only Yuki-kun but alsoKyo-kun and myself as well. You provided a safe place for us to live and to get to know each other. Your house was a safe haven for Haru-san, Momiji-kun, Kisa-chan, and Hiro-san. You even liked Rii-chan and allowed him a chance to find himself.

The atmosphere at the main house was heavy enough to crush a person's spirit. Mine was almost crushed, but because you cared for me I was able to survive what happened that day and I am happy. My happiness is from knowing you and all of the other Sohmas, from knowing Uo and Hana, and from the love and strength of my mom. I have been truly blessed Shigure-san. Thank you."

Shigure felt the ice melting from around his heart. Perhaps he and Akito could reconcile after all. He knew Hatori understood his actions and perhaps…perhaps there was still hope for Akito.

"Tohru-kun, Ayame once said that you had a talent for saying the things that a person most needed to hear when they most needed to hear them. He was right. I did lose sight of my dream and you've reminded me of it." Shigure walked around the table and gave Tohru a voluntary hug for the first time ever in his life. POOF

Tohru knelt with her arms around the dog's neck. "Thank you Tohru-kun. I needed to hear those words."

"Shigure-san, I think you knew all of this in your heart. You just needed someone to speak the words. I am pleased to have helped in some small way."

"Tohru-kun, there is one other thing I think as well. I think that you coming to America is the best thing that could have happened to you. Because of the experiences you've had and the people you've come to know, you are a stronger more confident person than you were before that night. I think you must have grown to be very like your mother."

"Thank you, Shigure-san. I do hope that is true." Tohru and Shigure sat quietly for awhile, her arms around the dog's neck. Shigure was quite content to remain there in her arms, but then he looked at the wall clock. It was getting late and soon the boys would be returning.

"Tohru-kun, perhaps you should let go of my neck now. Momiji and the others will be returning soon and I really don't want to feel the wrath of Yuki-kun and Kyo-kun tonight. You know what they will think if they see us sitting this way."

Shigure thought for a moment and then chuckled.

"Then again, I wouldn't mind.Think about it, you and me alone in this house. Who knows what might have happened?You will have to marry me if we are found in such acompromising situation..." His tongue lolled to the side and Tori could swear he was laughing at her.

"Shigure-san!"

"Just kidding Tohru-kun, but you must admit they will be upset if they find us this way."

"Of course, Shigure-san, you are right. However; we aren't alone in this house. Kagura and Kisa are upstairs along with the children. Besides, I am sure you would be much more comfortable in your normal form."

"Actually Tohru-kun, I kind of like being in this form when I can have such a cute young lady hug my neck."

"Shigure-san…" Tohru sat back abruptly , her cheeks crimson.

For the first time in years, Shigure felt like he was himself once more. Tohru scurried over to the table to clear away the dishes while she waited for Shigure to transform. POOF

"It's okay Tohru-kun, I'm decent now. Tell me though, I heard a rumor that you and Momiji actually slept together the night before we arrived. Can I hear that story?"

"Shigure-san…how did you..."

"It's okay Tohru-kun. A girl should never kiss and tell." He winked at her and resumed his seat at the table. "May I have some more of that delicious cake, and perhaps some more tea?"

Tori smiled to see the old familiar twinkle in his eyes. "Of course Shigure-san. Just a moment."

When the boys arrived back at Momiji's home they were quite startled to find Shigure and Tori sitting at the table laughing and joking.

Momiji looked at Haru. "Haru, do you think perhaps Shigure is himself once more?"

"I think it does appear to be that way Momiji. Tori is still the miracle worker for the Sohma family."

"Shigure, what the hell are you doing here at Momiji's house alone with Tohru at this time of night?" Kyo demanded.

"Ahhh…Kyonkyon…I came to ask her to marry me after all…" Kyo's fist did connect with his cheek this time.

"Oww, Kyo, that hurts" Shigure said with an unrepentant smile.

Yuki smiled at the chaos caused by Shigure's remarks. I never thought I would admit this, even if it is only to myself, but I am happy to have the real Shigure back. He's only been a shadow of himself for so long.

Tohru started giggling and soon everyone was smiling. Kagura entered the kitchen just then and looked around. She watched Shigure as he teased the younger boys about how he had declared his undying love for Tohru and she had agreed to be his wife. A smile lit her face. It had been so long since she had heard Shigure in such fine spirits.

Tohru-kun, thank you. Shigure-nii-san really needed to see you again and know for himself that you are happy and doing fine.

Kisa heard the laughter from upstairs where she had been poring over her texts. She went downstairs to see what was going on and saw Shigure in the center of the group. Uncle Shigure, welcome back. I am so glad to see you like this again. Thank you Sissy.

After Shigure's late night visit, Tori was in seventh heaven. All of her beloved family was going to be all right. She enjoyed getting to know everyone again and had a great time building sandcastles with little Tohru and Kyoko. She loved holding Katsuya in her arms, and laughed and chatted with all of the Sohmas. She and Karin found they had much in common and became good friends. All in all, it was a happy time for everyone. Finally the week was coming to a close and the Sohmas were scheduled to head back to Japan.

As they were preparing to board the plane Yuki turned toward Momiji and Tori. "You two be sure to come to our wedding in April. As a matter of fact, why don't you make it a double wedding?"

Tohru blushed and Momiji found himself stammering. "Yu…Yuki, don't you think you are rushing things a little?"

"Not at all, think about it Momiji-kun. I already talked to Karin about it. She thinks it's a great idea." With a grin Yuki boarded the plane and left Tori and Momiji gazing at each other in confusion.

They still had not recovered from the shock of Yuki's suggestion when the plane left the tarmac to go back to Japan.

On the plane the Sohmas settled back for a long flight. Hatori glanced at his closest friend and smiled to see the sparkle back in his eyes. "You are looking well Shigure. I suppose that late night visit with Tohru-san was of some benefit."

"You could say that Ha-san. She helped me to find some truths that I lost somewhere along the way. I really would ask her to be my wife if she wasn't in love with Momiji." Shigure turned to stare out the window of the cabin.

Hatori looked at his friend, his gaze sharp and discerning. "You really do mean that Shigure, even if you don't realize it."

"I do realize it Ha-san" Shigure said seriously.

"You are still the pervert Shigure…" Hatori said with a slight edge to his smile.

"Ahhh…Ha-san, don't be so cruel. Can you honestly say that you aren't just a little bit in love with her yourself?"

Hatori decided that comment did not deserve to be dignified with a reply. He continued to sit by Shigure, smoking a cigarette in companionable silence.

After a little while Shigure looked over at Hatori once more. "You know Ha-san, I am going to go see Akito when we get back. I feel like perhaps I have something to say to him again."

"I am glad of that Shigure. I believe he has truly missed you over these last few years."

Momiji and Tohru climbed into his car as the plane sailed out of sight. Momiji was still thinking about what Yuki had said. The more he considered Yuki's suggestion, the more he thought maybe it really wasn't that bad of an idea.

"Tori, let's get dressed and go out to dinner tonight." Momiji suggested.

"Okay, but where will we go?"

"It's a secret!" He said with a smile.

They went back to the house and got dressed then Momiji escorted her to his car and opened the passenger door for her. "Sit back and enjoy the ride Tori."

"I will Momiji." She smiled and he felt his heart pound. If only tonight was successful.

After a drive of about an hour, the two of them were at an exclusive country club overlooking the harbor. The lights on the ships and behind them in the city were a kaleidoscope of color. The restaurant was old and elegant, the wine and food superb. After dinner, Momiji invited her to walk with him in the secluded garden that was a part of the country club grounds. Eventually they ended up near an old ivory colored bench beneath a large cherry tree.

"Let's sit here for a little while Tori."

"Sure."

She sat down on the cool bench and Momiji knelt in front of her.

"Momiji…what in the world."

"Tohru remember our first trip to the hot springs for white day."

"Yes, I remember that." She smiled softly at the memory.

"Even then, I was in love with you, Tori. I told you then that you could be Princess Tohru and that I would be your prince."

"I do recall that Momiji-kun." She slipped into the old mode of address as she thought about the trip and the fun she and the boys had there at the hot springs.

"Princess Tohru, would you do me the honor of making me your prince and becoming my bride?"

Momiji pulled a box from the pocket of his coat and presented it to Tori. She accepted it with shaking hands and opened it. "Momiji, it's beautiful!"

An engagement ring glinted on the dark blue velvet lining the box. It was old-fashioned and elegant. It was a perfect fit for Tori's personality.

"But you are even more beautiful Tori. Will you marry me?"

"Oh Momiji…of course I will. I love you Prince Momiji."

"And I love you Princess Tori." Momiji slid the ring on Tohru's finger and kissed her thoroughly.

A/N One more short chapter and then the epilogue and this story comes to a close.Sorry if this chapter ending is a little corny, but that's not necessarily a bad thing. I hope ya'll enjoyed it. See you for the next chapter.