Disclaimer: Neither Fruits Basket nor the Fruits Basket characters belong to me. They are the property of Natsuki Takaya to whom I am eternally grateful for bringing Shigure and Tohru into our living rooms and into our libraries.

The plot of this story is mine as are all original characters.It's a little later than planned but I finally finished what I started in the last chapter.It seems things get more and more complicated in Tohru's life. Greece is definitely not going to be a boring experience . As I tried to make it clear earlier, the rivalry between Nikos and Shigure is a friendly one...probably.Please read and let me know what you think if you don't mind.

Chapter 10: Deepening Bonds (Part 2)

"Ah, speaking of Akito…Tohru-kun, I'm going to call Akito-san now"

Tohru's muffled voice came from the kitchen. "Okay Shigure-san, Please tell him I said thank you for this wonderful chance to see Greece."

Shigure dialed Akito's private number. "Hello" the dark silky voice could be no other but Akito. At first Shigure was surprised Akito answered and then he remembered Kureno wasn't there at present.

"Hello Akito. We received our gifts, of course I would have been happy without them, but Tohru-kun is very happy to have them. They came by mail boat yesterday, but it was too late to call by the time we finished our first tour of Kythira."

"I am pleased you took the time to call so early in the morning there, I know how difficult it is for you to get out of bed in the mornings. How is your vacation so far? Have you started your research? How are the accommodations?"

Shigure chuckled. Akito's voice said he better not have any complaints. "So many questions my very dear Akito. Have you missed me that much?"

"Of course not, it's just very boring here. I have allowed you to go to Greece, Kureno to America, and Yuki and Kyo to go to Tokyo U. Have I not been very kind Shigure, do I not deserve answers to my questions?" Akito's voice was deadly quiet.

Shigure felt a little ashamed, only Akito had the power to do that…and perhaps Tohru. "Of course Akito, I was only trying to organize my answers. The plane flight was very smooth and without incident. Amsterdam was surprisingly lovely, and Athens was quite a treat. I am totally amazed you were able to commandeer those rooms at the Hotel Parthenon. They were the best available, I am certain."

"They were, I made sure of that. And Kythira, tell me about Kythira." There was a longing in the young man's voice that Shigure had rarely heard. Something was going on with Akito and he didn't have any idea exactly what it was, yet.

"Kythira is a dream island Akito. Tohru-kun and I are still exploring it; we have another sight-seeing tour scheduled today. It'sbeautiful with the sun, the sea, the sand, the Greek maidens, it's a lover's paradise. By the way, did I mention the Greek maidens?"

"And have you found a new love Shigure in this lover's paradise as you describe it?"

"Of course not Akito, it is you I love as you are well aware."

"Shigure, it is not a good thing to lie to me…"

"Why ever would you think such a thing Akito…have I ever lied to you?"

"Don't push it Shigure, I can have you come home immediately and you know it."

"But you won't, not when you are so interested in my…research. You are doing some of your own research are you not, Akito? I met this interesting couple, the Sandersons, and I heard something quite interesting. Of course they don't know I heard it…after all who would expect someone like me to have acute hearing such as a dog might have."

Akito could picture Shigure's satisfied smile over the phone. "Damn…"

"Shigure-san, may I speak to Akito-san?"

Tohru's innocent question sidetracked Shigure from his train of thought. "Akito, Tohru-kun would like to say hello, will you not speak with her."

"I will."

"Here Tohru-kun. He's in an exceptionally good mood today it seems…"

"Hello Akito-san."

"Tohru-san and how are you doing?"

"Wonderful. Thank you Akito-san."

"For what?"

"For making this whole trip possible. Greece is beautiful and there are so many wonderful, kind people. I never dreamed I would get to do such a thing as this and you made it possible. Thank you so much!"

"And Shigure, how has he been? "

"He's been so kind Akito-san. I have gotten to know him much better on this trip and I thank you for that as well. We went to these beautiful gardens in Amsterdam and we visited Cape Sounion and the Parthenon in Athens, and now Kythira. I am very happy to be spending time with Shigure-san."

Akito smiled to himself. It is working. She is falling for my dear Inu. "I am happy to hear that Tohru-san. But Tohru-san, don't wish for too much, it can always be taken away."

Tohru was taken aback at his comment but before she could answer, Akito continued. "And Yuki and Kyo, do you miss them?"

"It's been so busy Akito-san; I haven't had time to miss them yet."

"I see…you mean you don't even have time in the evenings Tohru-san?"

"Ehh… Akito-san, I have to go now, I think Shigure-san would like to speak with you again. Good Bye Akito-san, be well." Her cheeks were bright red as she handed the phone back to Shigure. "I'll be in the kitchen Shigure-san."

"Akito, what did you say to give her cheeks such color? She was absolutely a blushing rose when she gave me the phone back."

"Me, I said nothing. I only asked her if she missed Yuki and Kyo. When she said there was no time to miss them yet, I asked her about the evenings…she didn't answer my question Shigure. I know she heard it. I wonder why she pretended to not hear it, Shigure. Just how have you been keeping her busy in the evenings?"

Out in the kitchen Tohru was banging her head on the refrigerator. "Mom, I am so stupid! Why didn't I just answer his question? I haven't given much thought to Yuki-kun and Kyo-kun at all; I've been having so much fun with Shigure-san. I must be a horrible person."

"Not at all Tohru-kun and you better stop hitting your head on the refrigerator before you hurt yourself."

"Wha…" Tohru looked up to see Shigure standing just inside the kitchen door. She covered her face with the apron she had around her waist. She had embarrassed herself even more now.

"Not at all Tohru-kun." Shigure repeated. "You are not a horrible person." Shigure grasped her two small hands in one of his much larger ones and she was forced to let the apron fall. With the other hand he tilted her face so he could look into her shimmering teal eyes.

Looking into his sincere gray eyes, Tohru wondered if he might kiss her again. She knew she wouldn't turn away if he did.

"Shigure-san…?"

"Tohru I…it's okay if you don't miss your friends right away, it's okay to have new friends. That doesn't mean you've forgotten the others, only expanded your world." Looking into her troubled teal eyes Shigure felt the strongest urge to kiss her until the expression disappeared, but he restrained himself. If he kissed her every time he felt the need, he would lose his fight with himself and never be able to live up to his resolution of the previous night. "Now smile for me Tohru-kun, think of the adventure ahead of us and how much you'll have to tell Yuki and Kyo when they call."

He was rewarded for his effort when her eyes brightened and the storm clouds cleared. "You're right Shigure-san. Do you think they will call?"

"I'm certain of it Tohru-kun."…And probably at the worst possible time for me... Shigure grinned wryly. He was going to have to do something about the cell phone conundrum.

As if on cue, Tohru's cell phone rang and Shigure removed it from his yukata and handed it to her. "That's probably Yuki right now."

"Hello…Yuki-kun, how are you? How are your classes?"

Shigure left Tohru to her phone call and joined Nikos out on the verandah. He lit up a cigarette and offered one to Nikos.

Nikos accepted and the two men stood in silence for a while. "Is Tohru-kun still compiling a list for the market?"

"What?" Shigure looked up distractedly and then his gaze sharpened. "Oh no, she is talking to my dear cousin Yuki, and after that it will probably be Kyo, then Kisa, then Momiji, then Kagura, then… or perhaps it will be a slight different order."

Nikos grinned at the disgruntled tone in the other man's voice. "I begin to understand why you were less than enthusiastic about the cell phones…you are the jealous lover type."

"I'm not," Shigure denied immediately.

Nikos continued as if he hadn't heard. "All of these phone calls take away from your time with her. In your place, if I were in love with the girl, I would possibly feel the same way."

"I am not jealous. It is only because it will interfere with the time we can spend on research and discussion. Perhaps I can convince her we should leave the phones here during business hours."

Nikos voice held ill-concealed mirth. "I'm certain you can persuade her of the logic in that. And of course, business is the only reason you don't like the cell phones."

"It is" Shigure affirmed. Nikos could almost believe him if he hadn't seen the earlier expression.

"Shigure-san, Nikos, I brought you each another cup of coffee." Tohru spoke cheerfully as she placed the tray on the table.

"Ah…Tohru-kun, I'd be the envy of all the Sohma if you were my wife."

"Shigure-san…what would you do if I accepted that offer…" Tohru's eyes sparkled merrily.

Shigure's gray eyes showed surprise, probably for the first time in her memory. He was speechless.

"Just teasing Shigure-san…" Suddenly Tohru was embarrassed by her behavior. "Ohmigosh! Look at the time! Captain Dmitri will be here in 20 minutes, Excuse me please."

Shigure watched her leave, an amused expression on his face. "Well, Tohru-kun is full of surprises on this trip."

From Nikos' description that morning, they were going to do a bit of hiking and climbing that day. Tohru wondered if she dare wear the blue jeans Shigure had insisted she buy. She was much more familiar with dresses and skirts. "Why not," she thought. The jeans hugged her slim hips in a flattering manner while the pink t-shirt tucked into the waist band accentuated her small waist. She gazed at her reflection and examined the outfit from every angle. It almost looked…improper. She was on the verge of changing when there was a knock on the door and Zoe came flying into the room.

"Tohru-chan, everyone is waiting for you, let's go! It's a beautiful day for sight seeing."

"Okay, give me just a minute to change…"

"Change? Why? That outfit is perfect for today."

"Do you really think so? You don't think it's just a little…"

"Tohru-chan, it is lovely. If I can wear jeans, why shouldn't you?"

For the first time Tohru noted what Zoe was wearing and grinned. "I guess it is okay. Let's go." She grabbed the pink sweatshirt she had purchased in Athens and tucked it into her backpack. "I'm ready." The two girls hurried to join the impatient men waiting by the land rover.

"Ah…here she is. Tohru-kun I was worried you might not be feeling well when you didn't rejoin us so I sent Zoe…" Shigure's voice trailed off as he took in Tohru's appearance. When he had insisted she buy at least one pair of jeans he had not anticipated how…sexy…she might look wearing them."

Dmitri noticed Shigure's stunned look as Nikos helped both Zoe and Tohru up into the backseat. "Shigure, you might want to stop looking like you've never seen a beautiful woman in jeans before. It's not good for your reputation."

Shigure shook his head and the dazed expression disappeared. "I haven't ever seen her in jeans before. It's somehow…different."

Dmitri's eyes narrowed as he ran the possible words Shigure might have said through his mind to figure out what he didn't say. He smiled to himself. One more detail to file away and tell Marina later. His wife had developed quite an interest in the two. She was such a romantic he thought fondly. She would be quite disappointed if Shigure and Tohru weren't together by the time they left Kythira. Soon the excursion was underway.

"Dmitri?"

"Yes Shigure?"

"Tohru-kun wished me to invite you and your lovely wife to join us for dinner tomorrow evening. Would you be interested? It would be around 5:30."

"Yes, I'll gladly accept for both of us. I thought Sofia was off on Sundays…"

"She is, but Tohru-kun is cooking. Everyone will be in for quite a treat, her cooking is superb."

Dmitri nodded as he slowed down to point out a large rock a few miles off shore. "Later this week we should take my boat out there. There's a wonderful cave in that rock and it is well worth the time it takes to get there."

As Nikos translated for Tohru her eyes grew wide in wonder. "Really? That sounds amazing. May we go Shigure-san?"

"Of course Tohru-kun."

"The next stop is Kaladi Beach" Zoe announced. "You and Shigure are absolutely going to love this if you are up for a hike."

The agreement was unanimous and the car quickly emptied. Looking at the rough track down to the beach, Shigure quickly decided he would be better off following everyone. He really couldn't risk either Tohru or Zoe taking a tumble and falling into him. That would not make Akito happy.

"Dmitri, you and Nikos go first, I'll follow the girls." He congratulated himself even more when he considered the view in front of him. Both girls fit their jeans quite well.

He schooled his features not to reflect the stab of jealousy he felt each time Nikos helped Tohru over a rough spot. Being noble and unselfish was much more difficult than he had imagined it would be. He must never have truly been in love before because he would never do this for anyone else. Naruie, a soft whisper, an ancient forgotten pain…There was one other person he would have done this for if he had been given the chance. He stumbled as the memory hit him, but quickly regained his balance.

Tohru heard him stumble and turned quickly, "Shigure-san, are you okay?"

"Just fine Tohru-kun, I guess even I can be clumsy sometimes." It took a moment but his smile did reach his eyes and Tohru turned back satisfied that he was alright. She really is adorable when she is worried about me.

Eventually they were on a beautiful pebble beach. "Oh, Shigure-san…!" She looked at him with shining eyes and the pain in his heart receded completely. Hatori had been so right when he had said that every pain inflicted by one person could be healed by another. His flower was one of those who could heal.

Tohru excitedly explored the beach with Zoe for company. The three men found rocks upon which to rest and let them run. Tohru and Zoe held a brief conference which resulted in them removing their shoes and rolling up their jeans so they could test the water. Shigure had noted that Tohru had an affinity for water and this beach was no exception.

"Shigure-san, you must come into the water."

"I must…" he looked at her quizzically.

"Uhmmm…I mean won't you come into the water with me?"

"Okay." He removed his shoes and rolled up his slacks. "Let's go Tohru-kun." He grabbed her hand and she pulled him toward the water.

"It's fun, you'll see!" she encouraged. Shigure wasn't totally sure about that but he followed her lead. Once at the water's edge he gingerly dipped his foot in and pulled it back quickly.

"Tohru-kun, it's cold!" he whined.

"But only for a minute Shigure-san. Be brave; try it…that is…uhmmm…unless you don't want to."

"What can I say? I only have one life to live. Okay Tohru-kun, here I go."

Nikos, Zoe and Dmitri watched them as they waded in the shallows. Tohru gestured animatedly as she talked and Shigure smiled as he responded. Every once in a while Tohru would stumble and Shigure would catch her.

Dmitri sank down into the sand with his hat over his eyes. There was no rush today. Meanwhile, Zoe found a spot on Nikos' rock and sat beside her brother. "Big brother, I overheard your conversation with Alfred and Esme. Is it really okay if you don't join them?"

"It's Alfred and Esme's assignment, not mine. If I'm not invited I will stay out of things today. However; if the opportunity presents itself, I will take it."

Shigure and Tohru had disappeared from sight as they rounded the point of the headland, but after a half hour or so they returned. They were both more than just a little bit wet and both were laughing.

"Shigure-san, I promise I didn't mean to splash you, please forgive me."

"There's nothing to forgive Tohru-kun, I got even.'

Dmitri uncovered his eyes. "It looks like the two of you had fun."

"We did! I should have invited the three of you to come with us too, I'm so sorry."

"Tohru, it's okay. We've been here many times. This time it was for the two of you." Nikos laid back attitude and lack of concern over not being invited communicated itself to Tohru and she relaxed quickly.

"I'm so glad! What's next Captain Dmitri?"

"Next we will see some of the vineyards and farms as well as some of the lovely rustic villages on our island." The rest of the trip was a plethora of lovely villages, fascinating caves and beautiful beaches. Tohru laughed at the antics of the lambs by the sides of their mothers and was in awe of the farmers working their fields. Dmitri stopped periodically to talk with the farmers and townspeople of his acquaintance and to allow Shigure and Tohru to obtain the flavor of the local populace.

Last on the tour was the village of Mylopotamos. Tohru fell in love with the charming architecture of the village. Just to the west of the village there was a network of caves complete with a small subterranean chapel and an underground lake. A short distance from the caves was a pool enclosed by steep rocky cliffs and tall cypress trees. The centerpiece of the scene was a water fall splashing its way down the cliffs and into the water. Tohru was enthralled. "Shigure-san, we should come here a gain and bring a lunch." Her soft voice whispered in the breeze and echoed against the cliffs as she gazed into the rippling pool. Anything after that would have been anticlimactic and so the small group headed back to the villa.

Tohru was silent for a while and Zoe and Nikos allowed her the quiet. Shigure and Dmitri held a low voiced conversation in the front seat that was inaudible to the occupants in the back. As they approached the house Tohru snapped out of her reverie.

"Oh, Zoe-chan, I just thought of something. I have a list of things I need from the market for our dinner party tomorrow night. Perhaps you could take a look at it and tell me if I can find everything at the market. If I can't, perhaps you can recommend alternatives."

"I'll be happy to do that Tohru-chan. What dinner party are we talking about?"

"Oh, that's right; you were at Sofia-san's when I was telling Shigure-san and Nikos about my plans."

Zoe enthusiastically endorsed Tohru's plans and her list was reviewed and revised as needed. Once that was accomplished it was time to head to the market. It was only a short distance away and Zoe retrieved a wicker basket from the pantry for carrying their purchases back home.

Nikos called his house and Sofia's to issue the invitations. Sofia readily agreed to the dinner. When Petros heard of Tohru's plans for shopping he told him to have fun with the guests and that he could handle supper alone that night.

On his way home, Dmitri dropped them at the village and asked if he should wait and give them a ride back. After being assured his services wouldn't be needed he headed home. The marketing was quickly accomplished with Zoe and Nikos' help. It was decided they would take their purchases home and return to the Red Fish Taverna for supper.

By 6:00 they were seated at a table for four. Tohru's glowing eyes took in the music, the dancing, and the conversations while Shigure and Nikos watched her. Zoe watched the two men watching Tohru and decided that things were going to get much more interesting before Shigure and Tohru returned to Japan. She only hoped that he brother would not be too captivated by Tohru as it was obvious to her that Tohru definitely had feelings for Shigure.

"Oh, Zoe-chan, that looks like so much fun! Can you teach me the steps to this dance?"

"I could, but Nikos would be the better choice."

"Do you really think so?"

"I do. Nikos, Tohru would like to learn this dance. Are you game for teaching her?"

Nikos' sparkling smile flashed his sister's way. "I'd love to, and maybe Shigure would like to learn as well?"

"No thank you, I'll leave the dancing to the rest of you tonight. Perhaps Tohru will give me private lessons later…" Shigure declined politely. There was too much chance of an accident in this small dimly lit room. He hated the fact his curse was interfering with his life so much today, but that was his life at times. He would never allow the curse to stop him from moving forward but every once in a while it did create a speed bump that was a temporary hindrance.

"Your loss then" Zoe said as she turned to one of the young men she was acquainted with and was soon on the dance floor.

"Shall we dance then Tohru-kun?" Nikos offered.

"Uhmmm…sure!" She shyly took his hand and he led her onto the floor. After a couple of minutes she began to pick up the steps and soon she was caught up in the dance.

Shigure watched, an unwelcome feeling of depression settling in his chest like a lead weight, but it didn't last too long as many of the unescorted women approached his table and began to flirt with the handsome foreigner. None of them knew Japanese but enough words in English or French were known by two or three of them that he was soon at his ease trading quips and commentary with them.

Tohru gradually became aware that Shigure was the center of interest to a large group of women. "Look Nikos, isn't it just like Shigure-san to be the center of attention?"

"It doesn't bother you Tohru-kun?"

"No, there's no reason for it to make me unhappy. I've seen it happen at many of his book signing engagements. He doesn't have to try, people just flock around him. It's only natural that he should attract people so easily. He is very kind and he is very handsome as well. Nikos, I think a lot of girls would be at your table too if you were sitting alone."

Nikos felt his face grow hot. Tohru was right on her observation; he had been the center of attention more times than he could count.

"Why…Why would you think that Tohru-kun?"

"…Because Nikos is very nice and very handsome too." Tohru giggled at the look on Nikos face. "You remind me of Yuki-kun and Kyo-kun right now."

"I do?"

"Uh-huh, they always wonder when girls surround them as well." A smile lit her face as she remembered Kyo's panic on his first day at her high school."

Nikos noticed both Shigure and Zoe were still occupied. "Tohru-kun, would you like to step outside for some fresh air. It's beginning to feel a bit stuffy to me." What a lame excuse to get her alone, she'll never go for it.

"Sure, just let me grab my backpack at the front desk. It may be cool outside and my sweatshirt is in there."

Is she for real? "Hold on tight and we'll get through this crowd without getting separated. "

Tohru followed Nikos as he led her outside. Shigure's eyes followed their progress even as he continued the banter with those clustered at his table.

Tohru shivered as the cooler night air hit her. Nikos quickly retrieved her sweatshirt from the backpack and handed it to her. "Thank you Nikos. It's lucky I brought this with me."

"It is." Nikos rolled down the sleeves of his long sleeve white shirt which was part of his customary wear during the spring months. "Come on; let's get some place out of this wind as well."

He led her to the central square in the village where there were several old marble statues and seats. The one he led her to was sheltered on three sides by ancient trees that had been there since the time of Aphrodite's temple. "This is one of my favorite places, especially when the moon is bright. Some of these statues look like they are breathing and ready to walk upon the earth again in this light."

Tohru had to agree with him. There was an ethereal air to the town square. She looked about her in wonder. "This is beautiful Nikos. Thank you for bringing me here."

"Thank you for coming." Nikos found himself looking into Tohru's eyes and almost losing himself. This was not going to work. She was too easy to like, too easy to care for…he found himself leaning forward and kissing her softly. It had only been three days since they met, but they had spent so much time in each other's company it felt like it had been much longer.

Tohru was startled at first, but this was one way she could satisfy her curiosity when it came to kissing guys other than Shigure. It was the only way she was going to find out if other kisses affected her as much as did Shigure's. She responded to Nikos' kiss and found it a pleasant enough sensation. Nikos lifted his head and looked at Tohru to find out if she had minded.

Tohru's eyes held a hint of curiosity and just a touch of interest. There was no indication that he had upset her by kissing her so early in their acquaintance.

"I'm sorry Tohru if I'm out of line. I know this was sudden and I don't usually kiss girls that I've only known such a few days but with you, it feels as if I have known you much longer. I think maybe because we've spent so much time in each other's company. Did you mind too terribly much?"

"No, not really. This trip has been surprising…I was never kissed by a man before this trip and now I've been kissed by two."

Shigure stood back in the shadows. He had excused himself shortly after Nikos and Tohru had left the taverna and followed them to this spot. And now the real test begins. Can I allow her the freedom she needs to learn about love…I don't want to, Kami-sama you know I don't, but how will she know for sure that she loves me and only me forever if I don't give her this chance? I was right last night; I have to keep my love a secret for a while yet. Nikos bent his head to kiss Tohru once more and Shigure moved into the square. That doesn't mean I have to let him kiss her again tonight. "Ah, Tohru-kun, Nikos-kun, here you two are. I looked for you at the Red Fish and you weren't there anymore so of course I was curious. What could two such young people be up to on a moonlit night such as this? I just had to see for myself how our flower would handle a lover's tryst."

"Shigure-san…it wasn't that, you didn't see what you thought you saw…I mean, Nikos and I…we were just…"

"Tohru-kun, it is okay. Remember I was your age once too…how well I remember such moonlit nights with a beautiful girl by my side. I remember how it feels to be young."

"Shigure-san, what do you mean…you are still young. You make it sound like you are as old as my grandfather would be…"

Nikos grinned wryly. …So much for a romantic liaison. "Shigure, since you have taken the trouble to find us, I guess an old man like you is ready to go home."

"Nikos, Shigure-san isn't old…" Tohru immediately jumped to Shigure's defense.

Both men began to laugh. "She is priceless Shigure. Let's go find Zoe and head for home." Nikos shrugged his shoulders in good natured surrender.

Zoe was waiting for them at the taverna door. She had noted everyone's absence and figured it would soon be time to begin the homeward trek. Amidst much laughter and chatter, Zoe and Nikos dropped Tohru and Shigure off at the villa door. With promises to come early tomorrow and help with the dinner preparations, they wended their way home.

"Shigure-san, what happened tonight…"

"Tohru-kun, nothing happened tonight that surprised me. You are young and have never been in love. Of course you want to experiment with different people. How did you find Nikos' kiss…? Was it the same as mine? …Or different in some way? I know you wondered about that in Athens."

Shigure grinned as he once more caused Tohru to blush. "What's this Tohru-kun, why are your cheeks so red? You only kissed Nikos tonight didn't you? Tohru-kun you didn't..."

"Ehh…Shigure-san, of course that is all that happened. It's just that, it was different with Nikos than with you."

Shigure's gaze sharpened, dared he hope? "Tell me Tohru-kun, how was it different?"

"I don't know Shigure-san, it was more…uhmmm…exciting maybe to kiss you." Tohru's cheeks looked like they were on fire by this point in time and Shigure's eyes glinted with satisfaction.

"Is that so Tohru-kun? Do you truly find me exciting? Hmmm…."

"Oh look at the time. It's getting late. Excuse me Shigure-san; I'm going to go make some tea. Would you like a cup? I think we should really go to bed soon, tomorrow will be busy."

"...We should go to bed… Tohru-kun…that sounds interesting. What did you have in mind…?" The emphasis he put on the words had Tohru in a panic, surely he didn't mean...

"Shigure-san…" and Tohru fled from the room.

"Oops, did I take that too far?" he wondered.

Tohru put the tea kettle on for tea and collapsed at the kitchen table. "Oh Mom, I wish you were here. I am so confused. It's so confusing, Shigure-san and Nikos, I really am not sure why I find Shigure's kisses more exciting than Nikos'. They are both wonderful to me…well, Shigure-san does like to tease me, even more than he used to it seems…and they are both so beautiful. What makes it different? I feel like I am right on the edge of a discovery. What will I learn about myself next, Mom? It's a little frightening, but exciting at the same time. I can't wait for tomorrow Mom."

A/N: Well that's it for this chapter. I know the time has been moving slowly but I hope it has given you a chance to get to know my characters. If I can manage it without making things choppy, life will move at a much faster pace beginning with the next chapter. Thank you so much for your time and interest.