Disclaimer: Neither Fruits Basket nor the Fruits Basket characters belong to me. They are the property of Natsuki Takaya.

Hello everyone. It's taken me a long time to write this chapter. It was much harder than I had anticipated and it is also much longer than I originally intended. It was my thought that while we had some idea of what was going on in the minds of Shigure, Hatori, Momiji, and Akito, we had no idea what Tohru might be thinking or feeling. Hopefully this chapter will help with that. Also, please keep in mind that this plot is purely my own and has no relationship to the direction the manga is taking. It holds true up to the point that the anime ends, but after that, it is all my imagination.

Thank you to all that have read and reviewed the previous chapters. It is due to your interest in my story that I will continue it to its conclusion. It may take longer to post than I wanted it to, but I hope each chapter will be worth waiting for. Please let me know what you think of this chapter. Thank you very much for continuing to read.

Chapter 5 The Persuasion of Tohru

Tohru hummed as she prepared lunch for Shigure and herself. Neither Yuki nor Kyo would be home for lunch. Yuki was meeting some of his college friends for lunch and then spending some time working at his secret base. Kyo had been invited to Master Kazuma's for lunch and then he was going to help with some of the beginning students that afternoon. She had to admit to a sense of guilty relief that neither of them had invited her to go along. Having Kyo and Yuki home for the break between the terms had been wonderful, but she found herself missing the peaceful lunches she and Shigure-san shared when the two were away at school. She and Kyo and Yuki had spent almost every minute together since they had come home and next week they would be returning to classes. She knew she would miss them once again, but right now she missed working with Shigure more. He had given her the time off from her job as his research assistant so that she might spend as much time as possible with his cousins, including Momiji and Hatsuharu. He told her to take the time off because he was between novels and needed a break before starting a new one but she was certain he was just being kind. She knew from experience that he was always researching new novel ideas before the last one was even completed. He was happiest when he was writing and some of the times she had enjoyed most were when the two of them were doing random research and brainstorming new plot ideas. She smiled as she remembered him swearing her to secrecy so that Mii, his editor, would never find out how hard he actually worked.

Being able to work with Shigure-san on his research had been a lot of fun and she had been doing it since she graduated from high school. When she had been offered the chance to work with Shigure as his assistant or to continue as a night janitor at Soma Building #12, she had accepted the offer and never regretted it. The work had proven to be exciting and fun, and Shigure-san himself had been a demanding but considerate employer. His fertile imagination and cleverness never ceased to amaze her. The fact that she was actually getting paid to do something she enjoyed so much was even more remarkable. It really would be nice to talk to him without an argument erupting during the middle of the meal because Yuki looked at Kyo wrong, or Kyo said something to annoy Yuki. The two were always doing such things to each other, but there was a friendship growing there just the same. It was one of her New Year's wishes finally coming true.

"Tohru-kun, I'm home," she heard his mellow voice from the entryway and stepped out of the kitchen to greet him.

"Shigure-san, welcome home."

Shigure looked up and smiled as he saw the welcome in her beautiful eyes.

"Something smells delicious. Is it almost lunch time?"

"Mmmhmmm…lunch will be ready in a few minutes. Would you like a cup of tea while you are waiting Shigure-san?"

"That would be perfect Tohru-kun and bring one for yourself as well. I have something I need to discuss with you. And by the way, while you are at it…accept my proposal, marry me!"

"Ehh…Shigure-san, you shouldn't say such things. It isn't…I mean let me go get our tea. Excuse me please."

He grinned as she fled to the kitchen to retrieve the tea tray. Her reactions are always so cute and so predictable. It really doesn't take much to turn her cheeks that lovely shade of pink.

Tohru slowly put the tea things on the tray while she waited for her heart to slow down. Lately, every time he made teasing remarks such as that she would find herself wishing…but what was she wishing? Perhaps that he truly meant them. That was silly! "Mom, I wish you were here to talk to, I don't understand what is happening to me. Why do I react so strongly to those statements when he makes them? He has always teased me in this fashion and in the past it didn't affect me this way. Why suddenly does it have such an odd affect on me now? I know he doesn't mean it and it somehow makes me feel just a little bit sad…I just don't understand myself right now Mom."

Kyoko's voice echoed in her thoughts once more. "Tohru, Tohru just be yourself. Take it slowly and in time all will become clear."

"Thanks Mom, I needed to hear those words."

"Tohru-kun, Tohru-kun, is everything alright? Do you need help with anything?"

"No Shigure-san, everything is just fine." She turned with the tea tray and almost walked into him as he was leaning against the doorframe watching her efforts. She almost dropped the tray and he reached out a hand to steady it. "I'm sorry Shigure-san. I guess I just spaced out there for a couple of minutes. Please take this to the table. Lunch is ready now and I will bring it out."

"Tohru-kun, what have I told you about not being totally honest with me?" He asked the question with discerning gray eyes.

"Everything really is okay now Shigure-san." She looked at him earnestly, her teal eyes pleading with him not to ask any more questions. He smiled and accepted the tea tray.

"Very well Tohru-kun. We'll table this discussion for another time."

Tohru sighed with relief as she turned back to the kitchen to place the food on platters.

Shigure was the one person she always had to be herself around. With most people her smile and her assurance that all was well were accepted at face value. They didn't really want to see below the cheerful, optimistic personality she presented to the world. She missed Uo and Hana at times like that. Uo had gone to the United States to follow up on her career as a fashion designer and Hana had moved to England when her father was transferred there last year. Even with them, she sometimes tried to pretend to emotions she wasn't feeling, but she couldn't do that with Shigure-san. He always saw through her false smile and pretend happiness. Each time she attempted to deceive him she felt his penetrating gaze and knew he wasn't buying into her act. When it was just the two of them, he insisted that she be honest about her feelings and recognize that she didn't have to always be happy. "Tohru-kun, just be yourself, it will be enough." He assured her on multiple occasions.

Shigure accepted the tray from Tohru's hands and took it to the table. It suddenly dawned on him that he hadn't heard Kyo and Yuki. "Tohru-kun, where are Yuki and Kyo? Aren't they having lunch with us?"

"I'm sorry, I forgot to mention it. Yuki and Kyo had things to do today and said they wouldn't be home for lunch but they will be back in time for dinner. It's just you and me for lunch today, Shigure-san."

"No wonder it is so quiet. Speaking of dinner, before I forget, Ha-san will be joining us tonight so be sure and plan for an extra place at the table."

"I will. It will be so nice to see Hatori-san. I haven't seen him in quite a while."

Shigure felt just the slightest jolt of jealousy at Tohru's unfeigned tone of happiness in seeing the doctor. This won't do he thought to himself. I can't keep getting jealous every time one of the others is mentioned.

As he was retrieving two place settings from the cabinet, he realized he hadn't developed his plan of attack just yet. He considered the onus Akito had placed on him. He had to get Tohru to agree to this trip to Greece and he had to do it quickly since they had to leave in five days. He returned to the table with the place settings and sat down to consider his options. His mind quickly dredged up and discarded several plans. What he needed was the easiest way…well the most entertaining way of convincing Tohru to accompany him. This might prove to be a difficult task due to the grandeur of the idea. He had to give Akito full marks for imagination on this one. Unfortunately, even after six years of living among the Sohma, Tohru still balked when offered something she felt was not deserved. He smiled as he recalled her reaction to being offered a salary for helping him with his research. Not only was it difficult to convince her she should be paid for her assistance, but also, once she accepted, he could not convince her to accept the amount he felt was fair. Instead she had insisted on a much lesser amount and on keeping track of how much time she spent as his assistant. When he found he could not overcome her obstinence on this, he shrugged his shoulders, paid her what she asked, and then opened an account in her name where he deposited the rest of her earnings based on his calculations. When the time came to present it to her, he had no doubt but that he could convince her to accept it. For someone who had contributed so much to his family he would not do anything less. The same would probably be true in convincing her to go to Greece. Of course he could always invoke Akito's name and Tohru would immediately acquiesce even if she were unhappy about the dictate. However, there was no challenge in that path and no fun. No, he had to come up with an idea to convince her she had to go. Akito's name would only be a last resort. He hit upon an idea just as Tohru brought the serving platters to the table.

"I'm sorry I was so slow with the tea Shigure-san. You said you had something important to discuss with me."

"That's okay Tohru-kun. There would not have been enough time before lunch at any rate. We will talk about it after we have eaten. The delicious aroma emanating from these platters is chasing all other thoughts from my head."

Tohru gracefully knelt and began serving up the plates of food. They ate in companionable silence for a while and then Shigure threw in his opening gambit. "I went to see Akito today and he has a very interesting idea for my newest novel. Would you like to hear what it is?"

"Akito-san had an idea for your next book? That's wonderful. He really does care a lot about you doesn't he?"

"Well, that may be true. And his idea is a very good one." Shigure tried to be modest about his position with Akito, but with very little success. It didn't really matter because Tohru had already latched on to the second part of his statement.

"Really, please tell me quickly, I've been so curious about your newest project."

"This isn't the one I was originally considering, but I do like it better. Akito suggested that my next novel be based in Greece. Here take a look at the literature he gave me to start our research with…it is very interesting. The island is called Kytheras and in mythology it is the birthplace of Aphrodite, the Greek Goddess of love. It also has an interesting history of piracy, wars, and people struggling to make a living. All in all, it seems it will be perfect as the background for a historical novel. Just think Tohru-kun…"

Tohru scanned through the papers quickly and her eyes sparkled in anticipation. She looked up to see her excitement mirrored in Shigure's eyes. She loved the way his gray eyes sparkled when an idea excited him. Yuki and Kyo were intelligent, but they seemed to lack that extra spark that was Shigure's trademark in life.

"Wow, this place is amazing. How could so much have happened on one small island? I bet there are so many interesting places to visit and research there."

"A novel is taking shape in my mind as we talk Tohru-kun but I have never been to Greece so know very little about it or the people who live there. I wonder what makes them tick, what they do to enjoy life? I think I just may have to make a trip to this island and do some up close and personal research."

"You mean you may be making a trip to Greece Shigure-san? That would be so wonderful for you."

"But you know Tohru-kun, I don't think I will be able to make this trip." Shigure said with a woebegone look in his dark eyes. "How can I possibly make a trip like this with no one to help me out with my research. It would be so lonely by myself. Oh, and my health would probably suffer because bentos won't be as easy to order and I don't know a lot about cooking for myself and I'd probably forget to get enough rest. Perhaps it would be better to remain here in Japan and research everything on the Internet and in the library. But then, Tohru-kun, that would be terrible, too. I still wouldn't understand the people in this small nation and I must understand them in order for my novel to be a success. I think I may have to tell Akito that I can't use his idea after all."

"But Shigure-san, that would be so sad and all of Akito-san's efforts for you would have been for nothing. You mustn't let an opportunity like this go by…just think of all the people you could meet and the new experiences. Do you really think Akito-san would let you make this trip? Perhaps…"

"I am certain Akito would allow the trip, after all, he is the one who suggested the location. But what did you mean by perhaps Tohru-kun?" Shigure allowed just a small hint of hopefulness to shine in his eyes. "Did you perhaps come up with a solution that would make it possible?"

"I was thinking, I mean…uh…" Tohru's two index fingers were working together which usually implied that she was getting ready to say something that she wasn't sure how it would be received. "What I mean to say is that…Do you think it is possible that Akito-san would allow me to come with you? I really believe you should make this trip and I could help with the research and make sure you have good meals, and…"

"Tohru-kun! You would do this for me? You would come along on a trip to Greece with just myself for company? Do you really think you might Tohru-kun? That would make this so much more possible."

And so much more fun…CHECKMATE! Shigure had to stifle the enjoyment he was getting out of convincing her to fall in with his plans. It had been easier than he had believed it would.

Tohru looked down at her hands and clasped them firmly in front of her. "Yes, Shigure-san, I would do that if you would like. After all, I am sure this novel must be written. It is such a wonderful idea."

"Come Tohru-kun, we must get you a passport since we are leaving on Monday. I already have one myself."

"Leaving on Monday? But Shigure-san how can that be? We only just now decided to go didn't we?" Tohru looked thoroughly confused.

"Tohru-kun, don't be so surprised. Since we have made this decision there seems no reason to delay our departure does there. The only thing to keep us from going is your passport. Tohru-kun, you haven't changed your mind have you?" Shigure put the most disappointed face he could imagine on for Tohru to see.

"Oh no, of course not Shigure-san. It's just that Yuki-kun and Kyo-kun…"

"Remember Yuki and Kyo are returning to school on Monday so there is no need to worry about them."

"Oh, that's right. I didn't think about that. Then it should be okay. Uh…how do we go about getting my passport."

"I know just the person to see. He will put a rush on our order and we will be all set by Monday. Let's go talk to him now. We will be back in time for you to fix supper. We can stop at the market on the way back so you can pick up everything you need for tonight."

"Alright, but give me just a minute please to get ready. I wasn't really planning on going anywhere this soon today."

"Of course Tohru-kun, but don't be too long."

"I won't" Tohru rushed upstairs and checked her closet contents for an outfit in which she could have a picture made for her passport. She quickly brushed her hair and added ribbons so that it would stay out of her eyes. Ten minutes later she was back downstairs and joining Shigure.

Shigure took in her short navy blue skirt and the lighter blue blouse with navy blue trim. It complimented her eyes perfectly. She would look very cute in the passport photos he thought.

"Tohru-kun, you look very cute.The blue is perfect with your eyes. Shall we go?"

"Ahhh…not really. I don't think I look that cute. Please don't say that Shigure-san."

"But you do, Tohru-kun. I wouldn't say it otherwise."

He held out his hand, which she took in her trusting grip. "Thank you Shigure-san for being so kind." Once again she had turned pink in embarrassment and was unable to meet his eyes.

Shigure's eyes twinkled but he managed to not laugh at her expression. "The next bus will be along shortly and will take us into town."

Once they were in town, Shigure escorted her to a photo studio operated by one of his old college friends. He was greeted enthusiastically the moment he walked in the door.

"Sohma-san, long time no see. How can I help you today. And who is this lovely young lady. You've never come to see me with a woman before. What type of photos would you like, suggestive, innocent…."

"Genma-san, you have absolutely the wrong idea about this visit. I only came to see you because I knew you could put a rush on a passport photo. Tohru, excuse us for a moment please."

"Certainly, I'll just look at the portraits on the walls. Some of these are very good."

"Thank you very much Miss…." Genma looked to Shigure for an introduction.

"Forgive my manners. This is Tohru Honda-san. She has been a live in housekeeper and my ward for the last six years. Tohru-kun, this is Yamasuki Genma-san. He's been my friend since my senior year in high school. We attended the same college."

"Hello, I'm pleased to meet you." Tohru bowed courteously and Yamasuki returned her bow.

"I'm pleased to meet you too, Honda-san."

The two men stepped into the office and Tohru continued her tour of the displays.

"Yama-kun, I do hope you can help me. The head of our family has ordered Honda-san and myself to Greece for a research trip. It has to do with one of my novels. I have a passport but unfortunately, Honda-san does not and I need it by Monday."

"By Monday…. That's a tall order Gure-san, but I think I can pull it off for you. Tell me something, Gure-san, I've never seen you look this happy before. Is this girl somebody special to you?"

"Special to me? Oh, of course not Yama-kun. I do have three cousins in love with her though." Shigure waved his hand in a deprecating manner.

"Three cousins in love with the same girl? Doesn't that cause trouble Gure-san?"

"Not really…no more than usual at any rate. You see Yuki and Kyo have always been enemies so if they fight, it is nothing unusual. And everyone loves Momiji-kun so no problems there. And as for Honda-san, she doesn't really recognize the fact that all three are madly in love with her. They are all her dear friends and she does know she is important to each of them."

"Perhaps they are all her friends, but who does she love? Does she have a favorite among the three?"

"Yama-kun you are being quite impertinent. Who knows a woman's heart? It's certain that I don't." Shigure's eyes narrowed and he took on a dangerous air.

Yamasuki looked closely at Shigure and decided to drop the subject. "Of course you are right Gure-san. I am being rude, but she is very cute and I just thought…well never mind. I can get the passport ready for you by Monday, I have some contacts at the government offices and I still develop quite a few of my own photos. Plan on picking it up Monday morning."

"Thank you very much Yama-kun. Now shall we get the passport photo processed? Oh, and Yama-kun?"

"Yes?"

"Is there anyway I might get an 8x10 of the portrait?" Shigure asked the question with a wink and a grin.

"Of course, but it will cost extra."

"That is no problem. Thank you."

Yamasuki watched Shigure as he exited the office. That man is in love with this girl. Gure-san…three cousins…hah! You should have included yourself as well.

"Honda-san please come with me and we will get your picture made. It will only take a few minutes. Sohma-san, please wait here."

Shigure paced the room as he waited. It was only five minutes but it seemed like thirty. He really needed to get better control of his feelings. Obviously his feelings for Tohru were apparent to anyone who knew him well. That Yamasuki should pick up on them…he was really losing his touch.

"Shigure-san, Yama-san says it is okay to go now. Don't forget we have to stop at the market on the way home."

"Yama-san?" Shigure asked. If he had been in his zodiac form, he had a feeling his hackles would be rising.

"Well, he did ask me to call him that instead of Genma-san. Did I do something wrong Shigure-san?" Tohru asked in surprise.

"No, no you did nothing wrong Tohru-kun. I was just surprised you were already such good friends."

"He is a friend of yours, so that does make him a friend of mine as well, right?"

"But of course Tohru-kun. And Yama-kun and I are very old friends." He thought about putting the emphasis on 'old' but then that would remind her of his age as well…not that his age really mattered, he decided.

The two of them stopped at the neighborhood market on the way home, and then with Shigure's help, the groceries were quickly put away.

"Thank you Shigure-san for your help."

"No problem Tohru-kun, this just makes it possible for us to take a closer look at the research materials before Yuki and Kyo arrive home."

"Okay, let's do that. I'll bring a tea tray, it'll just be a minute I promise."

The articles that Akito had used for research lay between them as they sipped their tea. They discussed the various directions he might take his plot. Shigure found it helped to have someone to bounce his ideas off of and get some feedback. That had surprised him when he first asked her to be his assistant. His books had always been successful before, but now it seemed they were even more so.

Tohru's eyes were shining with excitement. "Greece really is amazing! I am really excited that I will get the chance to visit such a fascinating country."

"Indeed, it will be fascinating. I am quite pleased myself that you and I will get the chance to investigate such a romantic isle. Just imagine Tohru-kun…the birthplace of Aphrodite and perhaps you could dress in one of the traditional Greek costumes of the era I will be writing about. It would be so inspiring!"

"Shigure-san," Tohru said, "I don't really thing that would help very much."

"But of course it would Tohru-kun. After all…"

"I'm home," Yuki called from the front door.

"I'm…What the hell is going on here?" Kyo asked when he noted the cozy little scene and the bright pink spots on Tohru's cheeks.

"Miss Honda, is everything okay? My cousin didn't do anything inappropriate did he?"

"What…Oh, Yuki-kun, Kyo-kun, welcome home. I didn't hear you come in. You should see what Shigure-san is working on next for his new novel. It's fantastic and I get to go on the research trip with him." Tohru glanced at the clock as she spoke. "Oh my, I didn't realize it was so late and Hatori-san will be here soon. I better get started on supper. Excuse me please."

Tohru headed into the kitchen and two pair of eyes turned toward Shigure.

"Research trip, just what is going on here Shigure?" Kyo asked dangerously.

"I would like to know what is going on myself," Yuki said in a milder tone of voice but his eyes had narrowed in suspicion.

Yuki moved closer to the table and read the captions on the articles as Shigure began stacking them together. "Greece?" He queried. "Isn't that a bit far afield for even your novels. I am surprised you are even considering such a place since you know nothing of it."

"Actually, Yuki-kun, I didn't choose the locale this time. Akito chose it for me. At first I was hesitant, but it does look like a good location."

"Since when does he take an interest in your books?" Kyo asked.

"Since now," Shigure responded. "I must admit I was surprised when he suggested it myself."

"There must be a reason why he chose that location, Shigure. What is he planning now?"

Shigure glanced at Yuki, bland innocence on his face. "Always so suspicious Yuki-kun"

"And usually justified," Yuki replied.

"Now, now Yuki-kun, maybe he really does only want to help."

"Fat chance of that!" Kyo spat.

Just then there was a knock at the door. When there wasn't an immediate response, Hatori let himself in. "Good evening everyone."

Tohru came out of the kitchen in response to the door. "Good evening Hatori-san. Please sit down. Dinner will be ready in a few minutes."

"Thank you Tohru-kun." Hatori looked around the table at the various faces. "It appears that Yuki and Kyo are still unaware of your plans Shigure."

"Ah, Hatori, you are just in time for me to break the news to our dear cousins."

"Plans, what plans? Does this have to do with that research trip that Tohru mentioned?" Kyo's eyes drove knives into Shigure's skull.

"What exactly is going on here," Yuki asked carefully.

"What is going on here is that I am making a trip to Greece to research my newest novel. In addition, my young, beautiful research assistant is going with me." Shigure announced with a grin.

"No way in hell!" Kyo exclaimed.

"No, absolutely not. She is not going with you Shigure!" Yuki hissed.

Just then Tohru entered the dining room with the entrees.

"Sorry for the wait. Here is the first course. I will bring the rest, thank you for your patience."

"Let me help you Tohru-kun," Shigure offered and lightly jumped to his feet before either of the others could interfere.

"That's not necessary Shi… Oh, you are already here." For the second time that day she almost ran in to Shigure as he stood in the kitchen entryway. "Thank you, please take these to the table."

When all was in readiness for the meal. Tohru joined the men at the table. "Yuki-kun, Kyo-kun, did you hear? I will be allowed to go to Greece to help Shigure-san with his research. Isn't that wonderful?"

"Tohru, are you sure this is a good idea…" Kyo began.

"Miss Honda, shouldn't you reconsider, Greece is so far away," Yuki added.

"How could you possibly go to Greece with someone like him?" Kyo asked angrily.

"You cannot go Miss Honda."

Tohru looked at the two boys in surprise, a hint of tears in her eyes. "Yuki-kun, Kyo-kun, have I done something to make you angry, why aren't you happy about this?"

"Miss Honda please consider…" He looked into her eyes and his voice trailed off.

"Tohru have you ever thought about…" Kyo looked at her. "Don't cry, go if you want." He said sullenly.

Hatori spoke into the silence. "Akito-san tells me he has had Kureno make the arrangements for Monday. Will you be able to leave that soon?"

"Akito made…" Yuki paused.

"Akito is responsible for this?" Kyo said savagely. "I should have known!"

"Oh no, I made the decision myself, it has nothing to do with Akito." Tohru spoke up suddenly. "I can't let Shigure-san go by himself. Who will make sure he eats and takes care of himself? And it will be fun helping him with his research. Can't you two be happy that I get to go on such an adventure?"

Two pairs of eyes turned accusingly toward Shigure.

"Now, now…what is that look for?" he inquired innocently.

The remainder of the meal was eaten in an uncomfortable silence. Kyo excused himself and went up to the roof. Yuki followed close behind and went to his room.

Tohru turned to Hatori and Shigure. "Why are they so upset about this? I really don't understand. They will be away at school and without Shigure-san here, I really would have nothing to do. It seems that my going along is the right thing."

"Tohru-kun," Hatori spoke quietly. "Yuki-kun and Kyo-kun will come around. It has just been a shock to them that you are going so far away. Give them sometime to adjust to the idea. I am sure they will be happy for you."

She smiled although it still looked like she wanted to cry. "Thank you Hatori-san. I am quite certain you are right. Please excuse me, I have to start packing for my trip."

After Tohru left the room, Hatori looked at Shigure. "So, Akito has nothing to do with her decision. Exactly how did you persuade her to accompany you?"

"Ha-san,you know I can be very persuasive when I put my mind to it. It really was fun to convince her that I couldn't make the trip if I didn't have someone to take care of me. And of course, with her soft heart, she accepted that at face value. It was actually much easier than I had anticipated."

"You are despicable Shigure."

"I know, Ha-san, one of my charms I suppose." Shigure replied mildly.

"Shigure, it doesn't really matter why she decided to go with you. If it was what you said or what Akito ordered, it isn't important. What is important is that you be very careful. She is still an innocent and I do ask that you not destroy that quality within her. She is very precious to each of us. Bring her back safely."

"Ha-san, I really can't promise that, but I will do all within my power to keep her safe from me and from any complications while she is there."

"Be very careful, Shigure. I don't want your past to repeat once again."

"Ha-san, thank you for your concern, but there is nothing left of that past. I am over it and I intend to stay that way. Beyond that, this trip has Akito's blessing. That's a far cry from what happened before."

"I'll say good night then. I will see you Monday as Akito has requested that I see you and Tohru-kun safely to the airport."

"Good night Ha-san. I'll see you then.

Shigure went to his study and took out his journal. It had been a while since he had written in it, but tonight he had an entry to make.

Tohru was just a slip of a girl when she came to live with us. At first she was just the means to an end. From the moment I first saw her, I knew she was the one destined to lift our curse. I'm not quite sure why I am so certain of this fact, but I am. Perhaps it is just instinct. I do have a lot of that, animal instinct I mean. I didn't really care how much I had to use her or how much it might hurt her as long as it helped me to achieve my dream. But now…

At some point in the game this point of view has ended. I'm not quite sure how or why, but I find myself falling in love with her. This is quite a shock to me, especially since I have always believed Kyo or Yuki would have first place in her affections. I find myself thinking perhaps my dream is not worth the price she may pay in pain and in heartache. This is not a comfortable feeling nor is it a welcome one. For thirty years my goal in life has been to end the curse that plagues our family no matter what or who it might hurt. Suddenly, this goal is less important than her happiness. I am selfish though, I have every intention of using our time in Greece to convince her to fall in love with me. I have just enough pride to believe that I can make her happy. Yuki and Kyo's reactions tonight were expected, but I didn't think they would take out their anger with Akito and myself on her. Their silence is not necessarily intended to hurt her, but it does. I believe neither one of them realizes how much she is being hurt. To me this justifies my desire to have her fall in love with me. I must believe I can make her happy and heal any hurt caused by the actions of today.