Neither Fruits Basket nor its characters belong to me. They are the property of Natsuki Takaya and will remain that way I suppose.
However, the story, its plot and any original characters are truly mine. It took me a while to come up with this idea and I feel it has been a good one so far.Please continue to read and review. Also, I decided that Shigure as a writer probably has a smattering of foreign languages. Why French and English? It just seems to fit. I have no idea if he really can speak or write anything other than Japanese, but I think he should be able to.
Wow, did I really start this story in September of 2005? I did wait a long time to post between chapters 6 and 7 didn't I? (Or was it 5 and 6) This chapter is taking me into uncharted waters. I have no idea how Shigure and Tohru would act if Takaya-san was writing this story.I hope I am staying true to the spirit of the characters.
This chapter introduces a lot of original characters, all of which will have an impact on the story to one extent on the other.We have finally arrive on Kythira, the island of Aphrodite, the Goddess of Love. What does it hold in store for Shigure and Tohru? I have an outline, but only Shigure knows for sure... I think this is going to have 16 chapters as well as the prologue and the epilogue by the time I am done. That's what my outline says at any rate. Thanks to everyone for your reviews. They are what really encourage me to keep writing even when the words don't want to flow.
Chapter 8: Final Destination – Kythira
Tohru awoke and in the sunlight of early morning it seemed the previous night had only been a dream. Except…it wasn't. Last night she had received her first kiss from a totally unexpected source. There had been many times when she had wondered what it might be like to have either Yuki or Kyo kiss her. She had dreamed of receiving her first kiss, of falling in love, but it had never happened; at least not yet. She had often imagined her first kiss but never in her wildest imaginings had she expected it to be Shigure-san. The kiss last night had surpassed her dreams, she had to admit to herself. However; she was a little hesitant about facing him this morning. She really didn't want anything to change because the last few days had been some of the best ever. She couldn't remember a time when she had ever been happier. Even when her mother was alive she hadn't been happier than she was at this moment. "Oh Mom, he's so wonderful and I'm having so much fun. Please don't let anything have changed between us."
She put on her courage with her clothes and stepped out of the safe haven that was her bedroom. She was ready to meet what the day might hold.
"Good Morning, Tohru-kun. I ordered breakfast and it will be here soon." He looked up at her from his newspaper and his coffee. There was something about his glasses that made him even more attractive and he always wore those when he was reading.
"Good Morning Shigure-san" A smile lit her face as she greeted him. "You're up early!"
"Yes, it's amazing what a normal schedule will do for one. It will be a beautiful day for our trip to Kythira."
Shigure was pleased to see Tohru still herself after the extraordinary evening just experienced. He decided his decision to not bring up last night's kiss unless she did so first was the right one. He had only spent half of the night trying to come to the right decision. In time they would talk about it, but not today. He had actually expected some awkwardness this morning but it had either not materialized or he had dispelled it with behaving as if it were business as usual. It wasn't for him, but he was good at keeping up appearances.
"I'll start packing while we wait," Tohru volunteered.
"I'll help," Shigure offered.
Tohru turned back from the path to her room and took in his total appearance for the first time that morning. He was in white Dockers and a casually unbuttoned red shirt this morning. Suddenly, she found his casual elegance unnerving at such an early morning hour and her composure shattered.
"Uhmmm…that's okay Shigure-san. I want to do it. Just enjoy your paper, okay?"
"But I want to help, Tohru-kun." By this point in time he was standing directly in front of her and gazing down into her eyes. "It really will go faster if we both do it and then we can take a walk up Acropolis to the Parthenon. I'd really like to have a look before we catch the bus to Piraeus."
"Well, when you put it that way…okay. I'll go pack my clothes and you start on yours."
Shigure's gaze sharpened and he had to comment. "I feel like you are trying to avoid me. Is this about last night?"
"Uhmmm…no Shigure-san. It's about…"
"About what?"
"Uh…nothing. Let's just pack together okay?"
Shigure had taken another step toward her and suddenly she found herself backed against the wall, imprisoned by his arms resting on either side of her so she couldn't slip away.
"Shigure…san?"
"Tohru-kun, don't try to hide from me. That's what you are doing you know and you probably have a very good reason although you may not realize what it is. I'll show you. I know I shouldn't but I can't seem to help myself. You opened a gate last night Tohru-kun and I don't know if I can close it again." His head bent towards hers.
"Gate…what?"
He captured her lips in what he intended to be a gentle kiss. This time her response was immediate. Her hand's came to rest at Shigure's waist while his hands cradled her shoulders carefully.He had his arms extended just enough to prevent full body contact. Gradually, he deepened the contact as he coaxed her to open up to his kiss.
Tohru was startled when his tongue began to probe past her teeth, but sensation began to take over. She felt it to the very center of her being. She tentatively returned Shigure's gesture and he sighed deeply as his hands tightened on her shoulders. Tohru leaned into his kiss.
Shigure shuddered as he felt her surrender to his demand. This was too much too soon his logic told him, but he was almost past the point where logic could have any type of effect. There was a knock at the door, which broke the spell evoked by the kiss. Shigure reluctantly stepped back. "Tohru-kun, I think breakfast just arrived" he whispered. "Just a minute…" he called.
Tohru snapped out of the daze she was in and slipped under his arms. "I'll let them in Shigure-san."
He watched her go with hooded eyes. It was probably a good thing they were headed to Kythira today, a couple of more nights in such close proximity and he might decide his promise wasn't worth keeping after all.
The maid took in the tousled appearances of the two occupants with a quick knowing glance. "I am sorry, it seems I've interrupted at a bad time. I can come back later." She offered.
"No, no, actually your timing could not have been better," Shigure said with a smile. "Please enter. A hot breakfast is much better eaten hot." He grimaced at his inane comment. I should be able to do better than this he thought.
The maid grinned at the man trying to act calm and collected and at the girl whose lips were swollen from his kiss. She gave Shigure a wink as Tohru stepped aside to allow her to place their breakfast on the table. As the maid worked getting all in readiness, Tohru glanced quickly at Shigure and then away again. The flush on her cheeks only darkened as the seconds passed. He watched her in concern.
By the time breakfast was ready to be eaten he was in full possession of his senses, but Tohru still seemed discomfited. He wasn't quite sure what she was thinking or feeling. He escorted the maid to the door and tipped her extravagantly. He then joined Tohru at the table and found she would not meet his eyes. "Tohru-kun?"
She refused to look at him and he tried again. "Tohru-kun…" When she still didn't respond he grasped her chin firmly and tilted her head so that he could see into her eyes. They were a portrait of desire and confusion. His gray eyes kindled in response to the message in her sea blue ones, but he held himself back.
"Shigure-san," her voice was once again so soft he could almost not hear it. This was a trait he was beginning to recognize. When she was talking about matters involving her own personal feelings, she always spoke softly.
"I feel so strange when you kiss me and I don't really understand why that happens or what it means. Will the feeling be the same when other people kiss me? Will this always happen when someone kisses me?"
Shigure brushed his hair back away from his eyes as he considered the best way to answer her. For all of him, he'd be happy if she never kissed another man aside from himself. He'd like to bind her to him and keep her by his side forever, but that wouldn't be fair. She was still young and inexperienced. Momiji had explained it best by borrowing Grandfather Honda's analogy. The old man had said that Tohru's mother Kyoko needed room to spread her wings and to grow in order to be happy. Tohru was her mother's daughter and he was certain she needed the same consideration. Shigure had to agree. He needed to leave her some freedom to learn and make mistakes. It seemed when it came to Tohru; even he couldn't be selfish. Obviously Tohru's mother had not had the opportunity to talk to her about male/female matters. The occasion probably never came up when it would have been necessary. It seemed it was on his shoulders now. He took a deep breath and started to answer her but was interrupted.
"Shigure-san…did I say something I shouldn't? You've been quiet for so long."
"No, Tohru-kun, you said nothing wrong. I was just considering how to answer your questions. These are questions a young woman would normally ask her mother, but since Kyoko-san is not here for you to ask, it seems it is up to me."
Suddenly Tohru's mood shifted once again. "Shigure-san, I am sorry. I don't mean to cause so much trouble. Let's forget my questions for now. I'm okay, really. Let's eat and take that walk to the Parthenon." Shigure noted that she was looking at him voluntarily once again and that her eyes were the clear bright sea colors he had come to love so much.
"I'm sure Shigure-san, I will find my own answers in time. It just means I have a lot to learn."
Shigure agreed with that sentiment and was somewhat relieved he had been granted a reprieve. "If you really are certain Tohru-kun, I really do like your idea."
"Then I have another idea. If we have time, let's make the climb and pack afterwards."
Shigure glanced at his watch, another item he had donned with his western attire, and answered her question. "We do as long as we work together at top speed when we return."
"Okay, let me grab my sweater just in case it gets windy like it did on Cape Sounion yesterday."
She came back with both her sweater and her backpack. "Just in case…" she said.
Shigure grinned. He knew she wasn't talking about the wind this time. "Let's try to avoid another Keukenhof today Tohru-kun."
They set out to climb up the avenue approaching the Parthenon. Shigure held Tohru's hand once more, partly to help her over the occasional rough paving stone, and partially because he just wanted her as near to him at possible. He had no idea what the future might hold and was determined to make the most of the here and now.Tohru offered no objections to the idea.
"We will only take a quick look and return today. When we come back to Athens we will allow more time to take it all in."
"Okay Shigure-san. I understand."
It was a warm clear day with just enough of a breeze to keep it from being hot. The path of the archaeological walk of the Acropolis was well cared for, but it was also well worn by the thousands of feet that had traversed the path through the ages. Tohru shivered a little at the feeling of timelessness engendered by the walk's atmosphere.
"Are you cold Tohru-kun?"
"No, just excited. I can almost imagine myself as one of the shrine maidens taking my turn at caring for the temple. It really does have a mystical feel to it."
Shigure found himself in accord with her observations. It reminded him of the atmosphere surrounding the ancient temples in Kyoto. He could just imagine Tohru in a flowing Greek gown of virginal white. He'd have to sketch a picture and send it to Ayame and have him make one for her. He already had the measurements. They arrived at the summit and Tohru gazed around delightedly.
"I know we can't stay long but I'm so glad we came."
Shigure was glad too as he noted her glowing complexion and joyful eyes. It took so little to make her happy. He kissed the top of her head and she jumped in surprise at the gesture. "We better start back or we won't make it to Piraeus on time. The bus ride is short but the trip across the sea will take a little while. It's 105 nautical milesto Kythira from the harbor at Piraeus."
"You're right. Let's go." She turned back toward the Parthenon. "I promise we will visit you properly next time." Her serious mien while making that proclamation brought a slight smile to Shigure's lips as he stifled a laugh.
The trek back down the Acropolis went swiftly. With the two of them working together the packing was accomplished in record time and their bags stood at the door waiting for the bellboy.
Tohru made one last circuit of the suite to make sure nothing had been forgotten and then returned to Shigure's side. "Will we stay here again Shigure-san? I really love these rooms."
"I think it could be arranged Tohru-kun." The bellboy collected their bags and loaded them on the bus. Shigure offered Tohru his hand in boarding the bus and soon they were in their seats. It had been a wonderful, eventful stay in Athens and now it was time for the next to last leg of their trip. Piraeus, and from there, to Kythira.
The bus ride was short, just as Shigure had predicted. It only took about twenty minutes and they had been fortunate in having a bus driver who was familiar with the man who was to be their boat captain and chauffeur for the next several weeks. He directed them to the dock where Captain Doukatelis berthed his boat, The Marina, when he was in Piraeus.
As they approached the waiting hydrofoil two figures detached themselves from the boat and walked toward them. The taller of the two men had fair hair and serious brown eyes. "I'm Dmitri Doukatelis, are you Shigure Sohma?" he asked in faultless French. Shigure replied in the same manner. The second of the two men approached Tohru. He was younger with coal black hair and deep blue eyes that were alight with mischief and fun. Tohru was immediately drawn to his dark good looks and the expression in his eyes.
"Hello, I'm Nikos Stamatelos and I will be your interpreter for as long as you stay…which I hope will be a very long time," he said with an appraising glance at Tohru.
She was startled by the perfection of his Japanese and it took her a minute to respond. "Tohru Honda, and I am very pleased to meet you."
Shigure watched the encounter between the two as he spoke with Captain Doukatelis and experienced an immediate surge of jealousy. Even though Tohru returned to his side as soon as she saw he was done with his conversation, it didn't go away. He had been watching the two of them and could see they were immediately drawn to each other. It didn't help that Tohru spontaneously grabbed the younger man's hand and drew him toward Shigure so she could introduce them. For a second it seemed Nikos wasn't going to release her hand, but then Shigure realized it was just his imagination.
"Shigure-san, this is Nikos Stamatelos, he will be our interpreter for as long as we are on Kythira. Nikos, this is Shigure Sohma, my employer and good friend."
Nikos bowed gracefully to Shigure. "Very pleased to meet you sir. I know we will have very interesting times."
Shigure returned the bow. "Nikos Stamatelos, I thought our interpreter was supposed to be Petros Stamatelos and was told he was an older gentleman. Has there been a mistake?" He must have spoken more sharply than intended because he had Nikos' immediate attention.
Nikos looked closely at the man whose bland gaze was in marked contrast to the sharpness of his tone. Hmmm…I wonder what we have here. Nikos blue eyes sparkled in response to the challenge he sensed in Mr. Shigure Sohma. Apparently he was very fond of this young lady just as his father's friends had said. This is going to be fun, and she's very cute besides…. He replied to the older man's question.
"Petros Stamatelos is my father and he was initially going to be your interpreter. However; some old friends came to Greece unexpectedly and as he had a long-standing commitment to be their interpreter any time they were here, he enlisted my help. You see, they were actually friends of my grandfather's and that friendship was passed on down to him and then to myself as well. They are quite wonderful people. And I am a very qualified interpreter. You shouldn't have any problems with my services."
"That's so amazing that your whole family can be friends with others like that." Tohru spoke with a slightly breathless catch in her voice.
Shigure's gaze sharpened as he noted the way Tohru kept looking at Nikos, as if she couldn't quite believe he was real. And then there was Nikos, it was obvious from his admiring gaze that he found Tohru very cute. He had a sinking feeling that this was one of those times he was going to have to let Tohru spread her wings, and it was not pleasant. Things were going to change once again for him and Tohru…and just as things were going so well…Que. sera sera
Tohru glanced at Shigure and wondered at the expression on his face. It was almost sad for some reason. "Shigure-san are you okay. Suddenly you look like you've just lost your best friend."
He shook his head and grinned at her. "No, nothing is wrong, I just am very tired suddenly. That must have been what you were seeing, extreme exhaustion."
Tohru didn't quite believe him but she let it go for the moment. "Did you know that Nikos says he can teach us enough Greek that we will be able to talk to the people on the island at least a little. I can hardly wait. My first lesson is going to be tomorrow morning. Will you join us Shigure-san?"
"Of course Tohru-kun. Learning to speak Greek will be a good way to learn about the people and their culture. I'm glad you two thought of the idea." Besides, I may have to give you some room, but that doesn't man I have to leave you with no chaperone.
"Actually, it was Nikos idea so you should thank him."
"Thank you Nikos. I will enjoy learning something of your language."
"And by joining the lesson, you won't leave her alone with the big bad wolf, right?" Nikos spoke in French and for Shigure's ears alone. He didn't want Tohru to pick up on what he said.
"There is that too," Shigure said in his most bland voice. Tohru looked at the two of them questioningly. "Never mind Tohru-kun, it was just man-talk."
"Oh, okay. Captain Doukatelis, I bet you are ready for us to get on board…let's go you two. She grasped both Shigure's and Nikos arms and pulled them along in her enthusiasm.
The two men looked at each other over Tohru's head and had to laugh at themselves. It was impossible to stay on bad terms with each other when Tohru's happiness was so contagious.
Dmitri quietly watched the drama playing out among the two men and the girl. He's have to tell Marina that it was going to be lively for a while. He just knew Nikos was plotting some mischief and he had a feeling the other man was not going to take it lying down.
"Miss Honda, won't you join me her by the steering wheel. I think you will enjoy the view from this vantage point."
"Thank you Mr. Doukatelis"
"Just Dmitri, okay?"
"Okay." She walked over to stand beside him and noticed the picture of a lovely young woman smiling in the center. "Oh, she's beautiful. Who is she?"
Dmitri smiled fondly. "That's my wife Marina. I named my boat after her."
"You really love her don't you, " Tohru stated happily.
"I do."
Nikos and Shigure looked at each other and at Dmitri and Tohru with a grimace. "It looks like we won't be crossing swords on this trip at least," Shigure admitted.
Nikos agreed. "But that doesn't mean it won't happen. I can almost guarantee it will."
"I always did like a challenge."
It really was going to be a fun and interesting few weeks.
The trip to Kythira was exhilarating. Dmitri had learned some basic Japanese from Nikos so that he could talk to them. Nikos and Shigure were close enough to the two that Nikos could interpret the stories that Dmitri was telling so that they could be enjoyed by all. Dmitri, like many sailors, was very good at telling stories and he did enjoy talking about Kythira and why he loved the island. Tohru gazed out at the sparkling blue ocean with a rapt expression. The movement of the waves and the occasional fish that surfaced brought sighs of contentment to her lips. It as all so new and so wonderful; the ocean was a beautiful glistening blue out away from the land. She thought she could stay on the water forever. However, the trip eventually came to a halt when they arrive at the Port of Choros. Nikos explained that Choros was the capital of Kythira and that they would probably be spending a lot of time there since it housed the historical archives as well as being the home of the Archaeological Museum. "You'll be staying at a villa in Kapsali which is only about 2 kilometers from here."
"I can't wait to see where I'll be living for the next few weeks" Tohru exclaimed. "You and Marina will come visit us there won't you Dmitri?"
"I guarantee Marina won't let me refuse that invitation Tohru."
"It's all settled then. Shigure-san, are we going to start our research this week or is there something else planned?"
"I thought we would take the next couple of days and this weekend to get to know Kythira and the people we will be in contact with each day. Monday will be soon enough to begin our research."
"Great! I was hoping you would say that" Tohru gave him one of her sweetest smiles and he sighed inwardly. If only I weren't so susceptible to her smiles he thought to himself.
Dmitri and Nikos helped them with their luggage and soon they were all piled in the land rover that would be theirs for the duration of their stay. A small trailer had been hitched to the back so that there would be room for their luggage and all four passengers. Soon they were on their way to Kapsali and their soon to be home away from home.
The late afternoon sun bathed the white villa in a warm golden glow as they approached it along the sun baked clay avenue. Tohru exclaimed in delight. "It's so beautiful and so big! Is this really where we are going to be staying?"
"Yes it is" Nikos assured her. He pointed out a villa just a little to the south of the one they were approaching. "That's where our family lives, so you won't be too terribly far away from us."
They arrived at the door of the villa and were enthusiastically welcomed by the staff. Nikos embraced all the women and shook hand of the older man who came to greet them.
"Let me introduce you to the staff here at this villa," he offered. "They are all related to our family. This is Sofia Leontarakis. She will be your cook and will be in charge of everyone else. Aunt Sofia is my late mother's sister. Sofia gave Tohru a warm hug and eyed Shigure appraisingly. "Welcome," she said in a warm husky voice.
"And this is my Uncle Stefanos Leontarakis. He and Aunt Sofia have been married for 25 years. To his right is my cousin, Kyriaki Leontarakis and to his left is my older sister Petra Stamatelos. Uncle Stefanos is the gardener and Kyriaki and Petra help Aunt Sofia with the housekeeping."
Petra looked at Tohru and dismissed the girl. She then looked at Shigure and gave him one of her warmest smiles. Her eyes told him that she found him to be very attractive. She was a lovely woman with the same dark hair and deep blue eyes as her brother. It was very easy to tell they were siblings. But, where Nikos had warm, mischievous eyes, hers were cool and assessing. They did warm as she looked into his gray eyes though. Uh oh, I may have a delightful problem here…
Kyriaki had light brown hair and greenish brown eyes. She hugged Tohru warmly and stepped back. "I'm so glad you are my age, I just know we are going to be friends." After Nikos translated for Tohru, the girls exchanged smiles and a beautiful friendship seemed to be in its beginning stages.
Stefanos was dark haired with gray at the temples. His eyes were the same color as those of his daughter. He greeted the two visitors and then excused himself so he could go back to work. Just as he left, a human dynamo came barreling down the lane. "Kyriaki, why didn't you tell me you were coming up to the house," she said in an accusing tone of voice."
"You were sleeping so peacefully and after you being sick for so long, I couldn't bear to wake you Nomiki, I am so sorry."
"But I'm fine now, you shouldn't have hesitated!"
Sofia spoke. "Nomiki mind you manners. You know your sister always has your best interest at heart."
"Yes Momma, I know, but sometimes I feel so left out. You all have important jobs here at the house and all I'm allowed to do is study and catch up on my classes. Why can't I work with you as well?"
"Because you are still in high school Nomiki and I want you to do well." Sofia's eyes softened as she looked at her youngest daughter.
Tohru looked at the newcomer with interest. She had sandy blonde hair and aquamarine eyes. They were the same color as those of her mother, and it looked like Sofia's hair had probably been the same color as well before it had turned prematurely gray. "Have you been sick" she asked the younger girl.
"Just a little. I was in the hospital for a while to be treated for leukemia. I am much better now and the doctors think I won't have to worry about it for a long while to come." She smiled warmly and squealed "You're so cute. I think we can be friends."
Tohru laughed. "Your sister just said the same thing. I do hope we can all get along together. I do know I am going to like you very much Nomiki."
"Just call me Miki and you can call her Kyri. Those are the names we usually go by, okay?"
"Okay, Miki."
Sofia allowed the younger girls to get acquainted before interrupting and she watched Petra carefully. She tried to decide if she should warn the Sohma gentleman about Petra, but he seemed to have already caught onto her act. He was flirting with her just for something to do, but he didn't seem to be that taken with her. Probably because…her eyes fell on Tohru as she laughed with her two daughters. Shigure's eyes tended in that direction as well. Probably because he was already in love with the young woman who accompanied him. She smiled in satisfaction. This was one man Petra would not get her hooks into.
Sofia decided it was time to get everyone into the house. Dmitri and Stefan had already taken the luggage in and stored it in the designated bedrooms. "Let's get inside, the air is starting to cool and we need to get dinner started. Hop to it girls."
"Yes ma'am" Kyriaki and Petra said in unison. When Sofia decided it was time to get busy, they knew they had to heed her wishes.
"Miki, why don't you show Tohru around the house while I show Mr. Sohma his room. She will be in the green suite."
"Okay Momma. Let's go Tohru, you are going to love your rooms."
"Sofia, please call me Shigure. There are so many Sohma in our country that it gets quite confusing to call us all by our last name."
"Certainly sir. Please follow me Shigure."
Shigure decided it was very helpful to have people in the villa that could speak either French or Japanese. He had noticed that almost everyone there had the basics of both languages. He reluctantly decided that Nikos was probably the one to thank for that. The young man certainly seemed to enjoy teaching languages to other people. Young man…he chuckled wryly. He was only 32, but when he compared his age to that of Tohru or his younger cousins, he knew he was no longer a young man. He accepted that fact and as long as his age didn't matter to Tohru, it didn't matter to him.
Finally it was late evening and all was quiet. Sofia and her staff had gone home and Shigure found himself alone with Tohru for the first time since their jaunt to the Parthenon andthat seemed like it had taken place ages ago.
They sat out on the veranda in comfortable wicker chairs. The evening breeze and the sound of the waves breaking on the beach offered an air of serenity to their surroundings. He had been very glad when Nikos had gone home. Nikos had stayed for dinner at Tohru's invitation and then the two of them had laughed and chatted for a couple of hours more. He had found himself very envious of Nikos' position.
"It's so peaceful Shigure-san, I'm so glad we came to this island." Tohru sighed blissfully as she sipped her hot tea and listened to the night surrounding them.
"It is Tohru-kun. I think this is going to be just what I needed in order to write my next book. Tell me, what do you think of all the people we met today."
"They were all wonderful and I had a very nice time talking to Kyri, Miki, and Nikos. I think we are all going to be great friends while we are here. Nikos is a lot of fun and did you notice Shigure-san…he is very beautiful. I think he must be something like the Adonis of mythology. He's almost too beautiful to be real, just like Yuki-kun. He was very nice to me. We talked a lot I know, but Shigure-san, why did you stay off in the distance. You could have joined us. I missed having you there with me."
"You missed me…Tohru-kun, you just made me a very happy man. Marry me please?"
"Shigure-san…you're teasing me again aren't you. You don't really mean that do you?"
"Probably not, but it does always get a reaction" he said with a grin.
Tohru blushed and looked out toward the beach.
"Let's go for a walk Tohru-kun. It will be a perfect ending to the day." Shigure put his empty cup down and helped Tohru to her feet.
"Okay." Tohru took a step to bring her up beside Shigure and the two walked in the sand side by side. Tohru slipped off her shoes and handed them to Shigure. She darted into the waves and out again with a merry laugh. "Shigure-san, it's too bad you have long pants on, this is fun!"
He watched his little mermaid in the yellow floral sundress and was thankful once again that Akito had ordered them to take this trip. After a few minutes, Tohru slowed down and rejoined Shigure on the dry sand. The moonlight pooled in her sea-colored eyes and he found himself just a little bit mesmerized.
"We better go to the house and get some sleep Tohru-kun. I think Nikos and Dmitri have planned an early start to our day.
"Okay Shigure-san. I'm getting sleepy anyway."
They returned to the villa and put their cups in the kitchen sink. Tohru washed them out quickly and put the on the drain to dry."
"Good night Tohru-kun, sleep well." Shigure turned to go to his suite of rooms.
"Shigure-san?"
He turned to look at her once more.
Tohru moved towards him and kissed him on the cheek then turned toward her rooms. "Good night Shigure-san."
Shigure went to his room and sat down in a chair by the window sill. He lit up a cigarette and opened the window for ventilation. As he gazed out at the night he pondered on exactly what it was he wanted from the girl across the hall and two doors down. He wondered how she would have responded if he had admitted he really did mean that oft asked question of his…Tohru-kun marry me please.