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

However, this plot is uniquely my own. I am a little nervous about this chapter. I thought it was time we found out a little bit of what Tohru is thinking and feeling. Shigure and Tohru may be a little bit OOC in this one as I am not quite sure how the two of them would behave in a romantic type of situation. Please read and review. Any suggestions for writing the romance part of this story will be welcome, I don't think that is my strong suit.

Chapter 7 Prelude to Kythira

The interlude in Amsterdam had been delightful and now they were swiftly approaching Athens International Airport. Tohru relaxed in her seat. It was dark outside and she couldn't see much besides dark shadings on lighter shadows. In a couple of hours they would be landing in Athens and she could hardly contain her excitement. She noticed Shigure had fallen asleep in the seat next to her and smiled softly. It was fairly certain he had not slept since yesterday when Hatori had come to take them to the airport. She blushed when she recalled how she had fallen asleep on Shigure's shoulder during the flight to Amsterdam. Waking up on his shoulder had felt…right. It had almost seemed she belonged there. That thought almost seemed disloyal to the two she had left behind. Kyo and Yuki…she wasn't as oblivious to their feelings as she seemed. It seemed a little prideful for her to believe they thought of her as more than just a friend but she was quite certain they viewed her like that…life would definitely be easier if they could just view her as one of their very best friends because, honestly, that was how she felt about them. She loved both of them, but not in a romantic fashion. She simply wanted to continue living together with them, talking with them, eating meals with them, and caring for them as well as being cared for by them forever. Was that too much to hope for? Perhaps….

Sometimes she thought she should have moved to her own apartment when she graduated. The job she was doing for Shigure paid her enough that she could have done that. However, it seemed Yuki, Kyo and the other Sohma needed her more than she needed her independence. Now that Yuki and Kyo were going to college and were away from home much of the year, she didn't want Shigure to be lonely. She did not want to leave him living alone or maybe she just didn't want to live alone. That seemed a sad way to exist. There was also the fact that his house had been her home for the last six years and she loved taking care of the cooking and the cleaning. She remembered the condition his house had been in when she had first taken up residence and shuddered. She was loath to let it revert to that state once again. That would surely happen if she left.

She enjoyed being needed and she enjoyed caring for others, but occasionally she did get the urge to move on, to find her place in the world. Looking at the man sleeping quietly by her side, she found herself second-guessing that feeling. He was the real reason she didn't want to leave. She was learning to know him and all of his moods. He was coming to be important to her in way different from that of the other Sohma.

In repose Shigure reminded her of a mischievous little boy with his dark hair falling over his eyes and the sharp planes of his face relaxed. She slowly reached out her hand and brushed the hair back from his eyes. It had a satiny feel to it, a marked contrast to the calluses on his fingers caused by the constant use of his computer keyboard and other writing implements. She allowed her hand to rest in the silky smoothness of his hair until he murmured something indistinguishable in his sleep. She quickly withdrew her hand and held her breath until she was sure he had not wakened. In the six years since she had lived in his home her perception of him had changed, or perhaps deepened was the better word.

During her high school years he had been like a favorite uncle. He had doted on her making sure she had a comfortable room, clothing and space to grow. He had trusted her to care for his home and his cousins with never any doubt as to her ability. Often he had calmed her fears and provided timely advice. At that time it seemed he was a part of an older generation, a person worthy of both her admiration and her respect. Her lips twitched at the corners as she tried to visualize him as a beloved white haired uncle at this juncture in her life. That picture didn't quite work, especially when she considered the times he had said things calculated to agitate instead of soothe. Perhaps a much older brother was a more apt description of her perception of him during high school.

Their relationship had begun to change when she graduated from high school and accepted his job offer.. He was now her employer and something more. With Yuki and Kyo away at University she had found herself more and more in his company. She loved working with him and laughing with him. She smiled and then remembered he insisted she always be herself with him as well. The laughter faded. She still wasn't comfortable with that stipulation. Her mission in life was to comfort and make people happy. She didn't want them to know if she was sad or lonely or angry, but he always did know. If he was going to insist she always be herself with him, why was he not always himself with her? It wasn't a question she considered often, but in quiet moments she sometimes wondered. And even now...even though he kept some of himself in reserve, she was certain of two things. One was that he was her friend, and the second was that she trusted him.

Her gaze returned to his hands lying relaxed in his lap. He had long beautiful fingers that comforted when placed over her hands and warmed when he clasped them. That brought her to the current stage of their relationship. In the last six months she had become more aware of Shigure, not as a doting older brother, nor as an author, nor as an employer, but as a man. He would walk into a room and she would immediately sense he was there. If there were more than one person in the room, her eyes would search until she found him and then would frequently stray in his direction. When he truly smiled her heartbeat quickened and when he laughed, she laughed with him. His every word and gesture seemed to have more of an impact on her senses now. He had changed too. In the last few days he had held her hand in his warm, firm clasp on several occasions. Each time he had given good reason for the action, but she really didn't remember him holding her hand before and they had been in similar situations. He had often covered her hands with his when calming her down but actually holding her hand as they walked was a new development. Her thoughts focused on the past twenty-four hours. Amsterdam had been really fun even if she had forced Shigure to change to his zodiac form. At least he wasn't the cow or the horse or the boar. Those may have been a bit more difficult to overcome. She laughed softly as she recalled the black dog on a gold and blue silk tie leash. She had gotten a picture of it since Shigure had borrowed Hatori's new digital camera. They had taken pictures throughout the day. It would be so much fun to share those pictures with the Sohma who had to remain in Japan. It had been an exhilarating few hours. Shigure had held her hand throughout their time in the gardens so that they wouldn't get separated and miss their plane. She had never seen him smile so often and so genuinely as he smiled today. It warmed the arctic gray of his eyes and created little laugh wrinkles at the corners. It seemed with Japan behind him a burden had been lifted from his shoulders. It had been just the two of them, a pair of friends, enjoying some carefree moments and she couldn't recall a happier time unless it had been the first time she had heard Kisa talk after the tiger's long silence. If Shigure had not opened his home to Kisa for a few days and given her a safe place to stay, she might still not be talking.

She heard Shigure stir at her side and turned to find dove-gray eyes gazing at her. "Hi Shigure-san, did you have a good nap?"

"I did Tohru-kun. I must have been more tired than I realized. I had the strangest dream while I slept…Tell me what you were smiling about just now."

"I don't know, a lot of things I guess. The flight from Tokyo, Amsterdam, the Keukenhof adventure, the Sandersons, Yuki-kun, Kyo-kun…the whole wonderful day. It's been so much fun Shigure-san, and it looked like you were having fun too! It makes me really happy to realize I am getting to know you even better than I did before.

"I was…I am having a lot of fun Tohru-kun. I didn't realize how much I needed a holiday away from the family until now. I must remember to tell Akito thank you." He stretched slowly and glanced at his watch. "We should be on the Athens approach soon. If you look out the window you should start seeing the lights."

Tohru immediately turned to the window because she didn't want to miss a single wonderful moment of the day. Shigure watched the wonder dawn on her face as Athens drew nearer. She was such a refreshing breath of spring after the long Sohma winter. Even Akito was beginning to feel the influence of this particular spring breeze.

"Shigure-san…!" She grabbed his arm and pulled him closer to where he could see out the window as well. "Look at the top of that hill, see the buildings shining in the moonlight! It's almost magical."

"Just imagine Tohru-kun…nymphs and satyrs, fairies and imps, gods and goddesses dancing in the moonlight, floating around the pillars. It fires the imagination! Think of the frolics taking place, the romantic liaisons being planned..."

"Uhmmm…Shigure-san, it's wonderful that you can imagine such an amazing sight, but romantic liaisons…surely you don't mean…"

"Of course I do Tohru-kun but that is not a site for young innocent eyes so don't look." He lightly covered her eyes with his hands for a few seconds and she found herself giggling once more.

"We are on the final approach to Athens, please return to your seats and fasten your seatbelts. Be sure table trays are secure and your seats are in a fully upright position."

As they prepared to land Tohru turned to face Shigure. "Shigure-san, you can be a very silly man sometimes."

"I know Tohru-kun, I know." He grinned and gave her a wink.

"By the way Tohru-kun, we will be staying in the Hotel Parthenon for the next two nights. Thursday we will take the bus to Piraeus where we will board a hydrofoil for Kythira. Reservations have been made and a Captain Demetrios Doukatelis will meet us there. Apparently this gentleman will be our captain and chauffeur for the duration of our stay. He is a native of Kythira and still lives on the island.

"I can't wait to meet him. I think a person who can pilot a boat must be skilled and amazing."

"I'm certain you are correct Tohru-kun." The plane came to a halt and Shigure collected their carryon bags from the overhead bins. He handed Tohru her purse and backpack while he grabbed his laptop and overnight bag. They made their way off of the plane and into the lines for customs. It was 2:30 am by the time they arrived at the hotel and checked into the suite that had been reserved for them.

Shigure allowed Tohru to enter the room first so he could watch her reaction. She spun around in amazement. "Shigure-san, it's so big!" He smiled as he stepped into the room and had the bellboy deposit Tohru's luggage in the east bedroom and his in the west bedroom. He was a bit astonished by the size of the suite himself, but he hid his surprise quite well.

"Have you ever stayed in a hotel before Tohru-kun?"

"No, this is my first time. I never expected anything like this."

Shigure noticed the bellboy seemed inclined to stay and give the cute young lady a tour of the suite. He wasn't willing to share that privilege so he tipped him lavishly and sent him on his way. "Let's explore our rooms Tohru-kun."

"Okay, let's."

The sitting room they started out in had a glass balcony door that looked out toward the Acropolis. Tohru was ecstatic that they could see the shining white buildings from this room. There was a bar, a small dining nook and tastefully appointed furniture. A bedroom opened onto the sitting room at each end and a bath was situated in the middle adjoining them. Tohru went into the bedroom and immediately went to bounce on the bed. "Shigure-san, it's almost as comfortable as the one you bought for me at home. Come see!"

"I can see quite well from here Tohru-kun." She crossed the room and took his hand and pulled him towards the bed. "Try it out Shigure-san, see how comfortable it is" He did as she bid and she sat down beside him. "Isn't this wonderful? And look, she walked over to the window and showed him the view. I can see the Acropolis from here too. Isn't that fantastic Shigure-san?" She sat back down by his side once more.

"It is Tohru-kun .By the way,are you offering me the chance to share your room? If not, we better go see what the other room and the bathroom look like." Tohru gazed at him in surprise. Obviously she had not expected that reaction. He had a feeling she didn't realize exactly what she did to him when she brought him into her bedroom. Shigure got up off the bed and hustled her out of the room. Sitting beside her on the bed provided a much too tempting opportunity and he did have a promise he intended to keep. He knew Hatori didn't quite trust him with Tohru, and he was beginning to think Hatori just might be right in doubting his self-discipline. On that thought his innate stubbornness kicked in, probably a trait of all dogs of the zodiac, he would stand firm and keep his word. Her virtue would be safe with him, for now at any rate.

They took a look in his bedroom, which was identical to hers, except for it was an internal room and did not have an outside view. He then directed her toward the bathroom in the middle. They stepped into the door and found themselves in the midst of dolphins and water sprites designed tastefully in colorful marble. The bathroom was dominated by a huge hot tub built down into the center of the blue and green tile. An array of bath salts occupied a table near the tub and large fluffy towels filled both racks. It wasn't immediately evident but there was a door on the opposite wall that opened into a smaller room where the other wash facilities could be found. "Shigure-san, this is amazing. It's a lot like our public baths, but a little smaller. This is just too wonderful for words."

An imp of mischief possessed him and he turned to Tohru. "Tohru-kun, would you like to try the bath out with me?" he asked with a suggestive leer that was totally lost on the young woman.

"With…with you Shigure-san? Why I…I mean," her face was suffused by her blush which is what he had been aiming for.

"In our swimsuits of course Tohru-kun, you didn't think I was asking you to bathe NAKED with me did you? Of course if that is what you would prefer…" He looked at her speculatively. "Just what are you thinking Tohru-kun, would you have said yes? I am all for the idea it that is your wish."

"Uh…I'm going to go get my swimsuit on, Shigure-san. Excuse me please, I'll meet you back here." He laughed at her hasty exit. He did get a fiendish delight in teasing her. He sauntered to his room to change into swimming trunks. He also called room service to order a bottle of sparkling cider and two wineglasses along with a light meal. The dinner at Keukenhofwas a long time behind them.

Tohru sat on the dressing table chair in her bedroom staring into the mirror. What was she thinking tonight? Not only had she invited Shigure into her room, but she had also considered bathing with him even if he had not suggested the swimsuits. She had practically forced him to sit on her bed…Oh mom, what am I doing? This isn't the way for a nice girl to behave; I wonder what he thinks…

Tohru be yourself, take it slowly and you will be fine.

She took out the mint green swimsuit Kagura had helped her choose and put it on. She had to admit it looked good on her. Kagura did have good taste. Kagura had also helped her choose a two-piece in addition to the one-piece she was currently wearing, but she was certain she shouldn't wear that one tonight. She put the robe on and went back to the tub room.

In his black trunks and the white robe provided by the hotel Shigure went to check on Tohru. She was seated by the hot tub bundled in a robe identical to his. Seated amidst the dolphins and water sprites she looked adorable and his libido kicked into action. He forcibly controlled his reaction before speaking to the young woman. "Tohru-kun, I took the liberty of ordering us some food and drink. Go ahead and fill the tub, I'll be back when the trays arrive."

"Oh okay" Tohru removed her robe and stepped down into the hot tub where she began playing with the taps to get the water temperature just right. Shigure watched her for a moment before he went back out into the main room to wait for room service. Meanwhile, Tohru perused the bath salts and chose the vanilla and cherry scents, which she added to the water. She slid down onto the submerged seat of the hot tub and lay back in complete bliss. She had not realized how stiff she had become from all of the travel until the heat began to penetrate and relax her muscles. She closed her eyes and sank deeper into the water.

Shigure walked in and paused as he took in the site of a mermaid amidst iridescent sea folk. She did look like a lovely mermaid in her green swimsuit with her hair floating about her in total disarray. Her closed eyes and the long lashes feathering her cheeks gave her an appearance that was both innocent and sensual at the same time; at least when seen through his eyes. He shook himself and forced the illusions away. In order to dispel his mood, he cleared his throat, which brought her eyes open immediately. "Tohru-kun, I have our trays. I do hope you are hungry "He found a button in a hidden niche that raised a platform for the trays to be placed upon.

"Oh, I am. Come on in, the water is perfect" she said with a smile. Her voice sounded a little husky, probably due to the fact that she had almost been asleep when he entered.

He removed his robe and slid into the water. The heat immediately seeped into his muscles and he sighed in contentment. "The water is perfect Tohru-kun, thank you."

"You're…you're welcome." Her voice sounded funny and he turned toward her in concern.

"Hmmm…." The girl was looking at him as if she had never seen a man's chest before. Surely she had seen enough of him and Yuki and Kyo after their baths at home that she shouldn't be so nervous. "Tohru-kun…?"

Shigure's question brought her back to her senses. She had been staring at him…her face turned scarlet and her words tumbled forth in a quick headlong manner. "I'm sorry Shigure-san, I didn't mean to stare. This just all seems so strange. I've never been in a bath like this before…you are such a beautiful person…" Her voice trailed off and she gasped in dismay. "I'm sorry, I have no right to say such a thing, please forgive…."

"Tohru-kun," Shigure's warm hand was covering her frantic ones, "It is okay. There is nothing to forgive. And besides, I am quite the Adonis aren't I?" He preened comically until she started giggling.

"Let's eat Shigure-san" The awkwardness of the moment was gone and she was once more her usual self. She served up the plates and allowed Shigure to pour them each a glass of the bubbling liquid. She wasn't quite sure what they were drinking but it was good and the bubbles tickled her nose. "This isn't going to get me drunk is it Shigure-san?"

"It's only sparkling cider so I don't think so…"

"In that case I'll have a second glass," she held her cup out for him to refill.

After they had finished eating, the mood was completely casual. They chatted as two old friends will who have many shared experiences and want to find out if they saw things the same way. Tohru splashed around in the tub a bit while Shigure stretched out his legs and lay back with his head resting on the tile. "The meal was quite good but I find I am already missing your cooking Tohru-kun. I think I have become so use to your delicious mouthwatering meals that nothing else tastes quite as good."

"Shigure-san, my cooking isn't really that good. I do thank you for the compliment though. When we get to the villa where we are staying, I'll be able to start cooking again."

"Well, not exactly. I did get some details from Hatori. Akito has rented a villa complete with a household staff. They will take care of all the household chores while we do our research Monday through Friday. However, on the weekend we will have the place to ourselves. That sounds promising doesn't it?"

"I will be doing the cooking and cleaning only on the weekends? Sounds like heaven. There will be so much to see and to explore, so much to research, it will be nice to be able to concentrate on those things."

Tohru inevitably became sleepy as she relaxed in the comfort of the hot soothing water.. Shigure noted her eyes drifting shut on several occasions. He himself was feeling the effects of the last 24 plus hours. "Tohru-kun, it is time to go to our beds. Feel free to sleep until you wake today. We have no plans for today beyond what we decide to do once we rest."

"But Shigure-san, it's 5 a.m. now; it may be past noon before we wake up. Are you sure that's okay?"

"Of course I am. Sleep well Tohru-kun and dream happy. Good night."

"Good night Shigure-san"

Shigure lay back in the tub for a while longer after Tohru went to her room. That was close tonight. I was only a step away from attempting to seduce her. If only she were someone other than Tohru…it would be so easy to assuage my desires. However, it is Tohru. When she looks at me with those big sea colored eyes; when she smiles so sweetly; it is hard to let her be just my friend and associate. But I must, I have to take things slowly because I love her and I made a promise. However, if she should decide to seduce me…he was lost in his dreams of what might happen then. After another five minutes or so he decided he should probably head for his bed before his imagination took him in the direction of hers..

Shigure woke about 1:00 that afternoon and heard bustling out in the sitting room. He donned his robe and stepped outside of the door.

"Good afternoon Shigure-san. I ordered lunch and some hot tea. Go ahead and take your shower. There is one in the small room next to the tub room. Lunch should be here by the time you are done."

He shook his head in disbelief. She had done it again. Once more she knew what he would do before he knew it himself. This afternoon she was in a pink floral sundress that he had helped her pick out during one of their numerous shopping excursions while getting ready for the trip. She was straightening the cushions and picking up items they had dropped during their arrival in the early morning hours. She looked at him again, "Hurry Shigure-san or lunch will be cold before you are done. I also found your usual paper in the gift shop downstairs and bought it for you. There is a bus tour that leaves at 2:30 so I hope you don't mind that I made reservations on it for the two of us…"

The two of us…that sounds so desirable…He laughed. "Tohru-kun let me get dressed and then you can tell me of your plans. I am sure they will be fine."

He went to retrieve some clothes from his luggage and found that all of his clothing had been hung up or put away at some point during the morning. How had she done that without waking him? Of course, now she would have to repack before they left tomorrow. He grabbed a pair of khakis and a dark blue shirt and made his way to the shower.

Ten minutes later he was done and sitting on the sofa reading his newspaper and drinking a cup of coffee. Tohru sat across from him reading a tourist guidebook for Athens and sipping her hot tea. A knock came on the door and lunch was delivered.

Tohru allowed the servers to set the table and place the dishes. Shigure tipped them and then it was quiet again. Tohru opened the balcony doors to let the sunlight in more fully and joined him at the table.

"Isn't this wonderful Shigure-san? I think I could get to like this."

"It is nice isn't it? I think it would get old after a few weeks though."

"Perhaps…. Shigure-san? It is okay that I made tour bus reservations for us today isn't it? I didn't mean to do it without asking you but you were sleeping so peacefully and I thought it would be a shame to waste the day so I…"

"Tohru-kun, that is fine. I am looking forward to taking this bus tour. After all this is my first time in Greece and there is a lot of art and history here."

"I'm so glad. I did have to schedule the Cape Sounion tour because the Athens tours all leave in the mornings. It will take us along the coast to the Temple of Poseidon. That will be okay won't it?"

"It will be fine. We'll have to take the Athens tour next time we come through this way. We'll plan it for our return trip. It will be better because by then we'll be accustomed to Grecian time."

"Okay!"

He returned to reading his paper until it was time for them to board the tour bus. Once on board the bus, it was found that the guides spoke French, English, and Greek. Shigure grinned at Tohru when she looked at him in dismay. "I should have requested a guide that speaks our language" she lamented.

"No problem Tohru-kun. I understand both French and English so I will translate for you."

"Really Shigure? That makes me feel better."

"I thought it might."

The bus drove along an extremely beautiful coastline with an occasional stop so photos could be taken and the guides could point out various points of interest to the visitors. Tohru found herself quite relaxed, but it seemed she was watching Shigure as much as she was watching the scenery. He looked especially attractive in the navy blue shirt with its top two buttons undone. Prior to this trip, she was used to seeing him in either his yukata or a business suit. It was not very often that he was dressed so casually. He seemed much more at ease than she had seen him in a long time. He was always working on his novels at home unless of course his editor was present. When she was present he didn't work at all. Instead he tormented her by pretending he had misplaced his manuscript or by requesting that his deadline be extended even though he knew it was not a real option. He had other original ways of tormenting her as well, but they were too many to recall at the moment. She glanced away from the man and out to the ocean, the deep blue was mesmerizing and there were many colorful boats of various types. She exclaimed in excitement and pointed out the ones she thought were the most beautiful or looked like the most fun.

Shigure watched her watching him via his peripheral vision. She really was quite adorable and still a bit shy although they had known each other for a long time. He wasn't totally certain what she was thinking, but it seemed she was attracted to him just as he was attracted to her. He supposed that could be wishful thinking on his part but he didn't really believe that. He had been around enough women to know when one was attracted to him. It had happened frequently in his experience; largely due to his extraordinary appearance. The Sohma cursed by the Zodiac all seemed to have more than their fair share of good looks. He had two theories on this phenomenon. The first was that it was the curse's way of making up just a little bit for its existence; and the second was that it was to create even more torment for its victims. To have the opposite sex attracted to you and not being able to embrace them did seem a particularly vile form of torture. He decided the second theory was probably the correct one.

After about an hour's ride they reached their destination, Cape Sounion on the tip of the Attika peninsula. The Temple of Poseidon dominated the landscape with its 5th Century BC Doric style structure. Once past the temple there was a sheer cliff dropping for 187 feet to the Aegean Sea. Tohru immediately stepped out onto the cliff and Shigure grabbed her arm. "Tohru-kun, please be careful, there are no guardrails here."

"Thank you for looking out for me Shigure-san, but please come out here with me and see the beautiful view. It is amazing." Shigure joined her at the edge of the cliff and had to admit she was right.

The guide, a woman fluent in French, joined the two of them and explained that they were seeing the islands of Kea, Kythnos, and Peloponessos. Shigure and Tohru were both listening to her with interest and so she continued to speak of the legend of the temple and told them the tale of how King Aegeus waited for his son, Theseus, to return from Crete after slaying the minotaur on this very site. Tohru was fascinated with the tale and the guide had no trouble at all in convincing them to join her for a tour of the temple. Tohru found it a little disconcerting that the guide insisted on hanging on to Shigure's elbow as she talked. He noticed her dismay and offered her his free hand, which she accepted with alacrity. The tour group was allowed to enter the temple as long as they stayed together. The pillar with Lord Byron's signature was pointed out as was various other graffiti. Tohru was a bit distressed that people had actually wanted to write on such beautiful columns and the guide found her quite amusing. After completing the tour, they returned to the cliff's edge, as Tohru wanted to see more of the view. She shivered in her light sundress and Shigure offered her his windbreaker that he had brought along for that very reason. She accepted it happily and snuggled into its warmth.

Shigure disengaged the guide's hand and asked if she would excuse him. She did so in a most reluctant manner. "Tohru-kun, let's go examine the gift shop, there might be something we would like to pick up for ourselves or for some of our friends and family." Tohru readily agreed to the suggestion and they entered the busy gift shop. It contained every souvenir imaginable. Tohru picked out a warm pink sweatshirt so that she could return Shigure's jacket to him. She had noticed him shivering slightly as they stood on the promontory. By the time they had completed their shopping, each of the Sohma back in Japan had a gift or card of some type.

"That was fun Shigure-san. What shall we do next?"

"Let's go down the path to that coffee shop and watch the sunset from one of the outdoor tables. The travel-guide assures me it will be splendid."

"That sounds perfect." As they made their way down the path, Tohru noticed a second temple, much smaller than the first. "What temple is this?" she wondered.

"It is a temple to Athena. Shall we go take a look?"

"Please, it looks so lonesome sitting there when everyone else is up at the big temple."

They wandered around the smaller temple for a few minutes and paid their respects to the Goddess to whom it belonged.

After having investigated both temples thoroughly, it was time to relax and wait for the sunset. Because of their delay, there weren't any tables available out of doors, but at Tohru's downcast look, the taverna manager found a couple of chairs for their use on the beach. Her smile made him very glad that he had gone to the extra effort.

The day grew peaceful and the chatter died to a low din as the time for the sunset approached. Tohru offered Shigure the camera so that he could take photos of the sunset. "You are the better photographer Shigure-san." He accepted and suddenly the sky was ablaze with color. All of the colors of the rainbow were present from the palest yellow to the deepest purple. The sun was a blazing orange ball drifting lower and lower on the horizon and Tohru caught her breath in wonder. Shigure reached over and claimed her hand, pulling her close to his side as the sun sank into the sea with a final fiery farewell. Tohru lay her head on Shigure's arm in total contentment. He squeezed her hand softly and gazed into her eyes, which were still hypnotized by the glorious sight just experienced. "Tohru-kun…" He spoke softly and she turned to look at him. He couldn't help but notice that her eyes were exactly the same color as the Aegean.

"Yes, Shigure-san." Without allowing himself to consider the consequences, he leaned down just enough to press his lips to hers. It was a whisper soft kiss but Tohru felt it all the way through to her toes. "Oh…"

He then led her back to the bus where their fellow passengers were beginning to board. "Did you mind Tohru-kun?"

She shook her head slowly. "No, Shigure-san. It was the perfect end to an utterly glorious day. Thank you."

The ride back to the hotel was made in the quiet of a velvet black evening. Tohru rested her head on Shigure and he allowed himself to carefully place an arm about her shoulders. There were ways around triggering the curse and he knew them all.

Tohru was content in the ride back to the hotel. Shigure's arm about her shoulders felt right and she enjoyed just being near him. Tomorrow she would consider what this day had meant, but for tonight… tonight she just wanted to dwell in the moment.

"Good night Shigure-san" she mumbled when they arrived back in their room and she stumbled sleepily to bed.

"Good night Tohru-kun. Don't forget in the morning we have to repack our bags and head to Piraeus."

"Yes, Shigure-san, I know. I will be ready."

Shigure sat back in the recliner with his feet elevated. It had been a relaxed sort of day, but a lot seemed to have happened. What would the future hold for him and for Tohru, he had to wonder.

Shigure was just deciding to go to bed when Tohru came out of her room once more.

In a pair of pale yellow pajamas she looked very much like an innocent child. With her large blue eyes and loose brown hair she appeared to be about 12 years old until one took note of the curves that the material could not quite disguise. His heartbeat quickened as she came to stand in front of him.

"Shigure-san…"

"Hmmm…."

I've been thinking about the way you kissed me tonight and…" She scuffled her bare feet in the thick carpet and her gaze watched them as if they were infinitely fascinating.

"And…" he prompted.

"And this…" Tohru stepped in close and cradled his face with her small soft hands. She tentatively touched her lips to his in a chaste kiss and then stepped back preparatory to turning away. Shigure sat flabbergasted in his chair until he noticed her movement away from him.

"Tohru-kun…" he murmured as he captured her small hands in his much larger ones. "When you play with fire you should expectto get burned" He pulled her close and she offered very little resistance. "I kissed you and you kissed me, but it is much more pleasant if we kiss each other at the same time. Let me show you." He leaned in and kissed her once more, but this time he allowed his kiss to linger. She began to respond, tentatively at first and then with more confidence. At first she was just reacting to his kiss but as it progressed she began to respond much more actively. The kiss seemed to go on forever, it wasn't long enough and then she moved in closer and POOF!

"Shigure-san, I am so sorry. I got so caught up in the moment that I forgot about the curse."

The big black dog looked up at her with reproachful eyes and she knelt down to hold him close. "I really am sorry Shigure-san."

"Never mind Tohru-kun, it isn't your fault. This does happen in the life of those cursed by the Zodiac. I must say I was enjoying myself thoroughly until this moment."

"I was too, Shigure-san" She spoke softly with downcast eyes. "I never knew a kiss could be like that."

"Tohru-kun, have you ever been kissed before?"

"Of course I have, Yuki-kun and Momiji kiss me on the cheek all of the time. It's there way of showing me they like me." She kept her gaze averted as she gave her answer.

"Tohru-kun, you know that isn't what I meant. Has a man ever really kissed you before?"

"No" Her answer was so soft that he might have missed it if not for his acute canine abilities.

"So I was your first real kiss?"

"Yes, Shigure-san."

Shigure grinned hugely, or at least as much as a dog can grin. "Thank you Tohru-kun, that was a privilege and an honor. I never would have thought that I might be your first kiss. I always figured it would be Yuki or Kyo." He mused absently.

"Good night Shigure-san. I'll see you in the morning. Thank you very much for today."

"I should be the one to say thank you Tohru-kun. Good night."

Tohru gave the black dog one last hug and retired to her room. Ensconced on her bed with the covers up under her chin, she sat with a dreamy smile. "Oh Mom, I never guessed a kiss would be like that. Will it be that way if I kiss someone else? I really don't know what to expect."

"Take it slow Tohru. Be yourself. In time you will know the answers."