Disclaimer: As has been said many a time: Neither Fruits Basket nor the Fruits Basket characters are my property. They are the property of Natsuki Takaya and will remain her property ad infinitum.

On the other hand, the plot and all original characters do belong to me. I know, it's been like forever since my last post. I am not going to apologize and I am not going to say I will try to do better. I've tried that before and neither statement seems to ring true. What I can promise is that I will finish this story and I will post as quickly as possible, but it takes time. This story is a joy to write although the chapters are a little difficult at times. I seem to have quite a few personalities involved in the plot but I hope it does not take away from the story of the romance between Shigure and Tohru. There are only one or two chapters remaining of Shigure and Tohru's sojourn in Greece and then it will be back to Japan and to the reality of life.

Thank you so much to each and every one of you who continues to read and review. I can't tell you how much I enjoy your reviews and how much help you have been to me with each suggestion you have made for improving this story. I hope you will continue to read and enjoy this story and if so inclined leave a review. Most of all though, I hope each person who takes the time to read this chapter will enjoy it and have a better understanding of all the other characters I've added who have important roles in helping me advance my story.

Chapter 14 Changes

Shigure watched the interaction between Miki and Akito with great interest. There is a difference in Akito's attitude relating to the young woman. Somehow Miki has gotten through to Akito and a friendship is developing. Perhaps Hatori is right, perhaps Akito can accept Tohru and me together. I'm not sure it would make that much difference if he couldn't, but I am so used to following his dictates. As much as I like to believe I create my own destiny, he controls it more than I like to admit.

As they arrived at the beach Dmitri's ski boat came into view and Tohru exclaimed in delight. "Captain Dmitri, she's a beautiful boat! I would love to ride in her."

"Certainly Tohru. Miki and Akito, it seems you two are coming this first trip and if Tohru comes I have room for two more people. Do I have any volunteers?"

"I am coming," Shigure volunteered and Hatori echoed him.

"It seems Tohru-san that these two don't trust me with you and Miki…should I allow them to come?" Akito directed a sly glance at the two older juunishi as he asked the question.

"Of course you should…uhmmm…I mean please let them come Akito-san, it'll be fun!"

"Very well. It seems you have a full complement for the first trip Captain Dmitri."

Dmitri had remained silent as the visitors sorted things out. It was obvious that the young man, Akito, was used to making decisions for his family. Would his refusal really have prevented Shigure and the doctor from coming along on this trip? He was fairly certain that would have been the case as much as the two might have resented it. The Sohmas were definitely different from most people he had known.

Momiji and Zoe both looked disappointed and Dmitri flashed them a smile. "We'll be sure to make at least two excursions so you two can come next time."

"Hooray! But I did want to go with Tohru…oh well. Zoe it looks like we'll have to entertain each other while they're gone."

"I am certain we can do that. Nikos, will you join us? I think it is time to test the water."

"You bet! Marina, Kyri, are you coming with us?"

Zoe looked at Momiji and took off for the water. "I'll race you Momiji!"

"Hey no fair, you just gave yourself a head start." Momiji shouted as he raced after her. Zoe laughed as he caught her and dropped her into the deeper water. As soon as she regained her feet she splattered water in Momiji's face and a water battle royale followed. Kyri, Miki, and Nikos got caught up in it as well. Amidst much merriment Momiji and Zoe joined forces against Nikos, Kyri, and Marina. When the five had exhausted their energy they floated on the waves or sat on the beach and idly chatted. Zoe and Momiji came to know each other quite well.

Zoe watched Momiji with great interest as he talked about his mom, dad, and little sister as well as all of the other Sohma family members. His sleek muscular chest and long slim legs kept drawing her attention even as his conversation engaged her interest. Momiji Sohma was a lively attractive man but he was also hiding some deep sorrow, she was certain. One day perhaps he would tell her about it.

Momiji enjoyed talking to the young woman in the white bikini and gradually it dawned on him that he was attracted to her. Not only was she beautiful, but also she was intelligent and a good listener. The week was going to be a lot of fun… no doubt about it.

Nikos, Marina, and Kyri eventually came out of the water and joined Momiji and Zoe on the sand. Marina told them a few stories about her and Dmitri's early meetings when he was her physical education teacher in high school. She had been 16 and in her third year of high school and he had been 22 and on his first teaching assignment when they met. "Of course I had him from the word 'go'. I'd walk into the room and say good morning and his eyes would get wide and his ears would turn red. It was so cute!"

Kyri chimed in, "That's true, I was in Marina's class. We've been best friends since grade school. It was so funny when Dmitri ran into Marina. Here was this big macho man and he was reduced to a blushing schoolboy in her presence. It was fun to watch."

"You girls are so cruel…" Nikos observed.

"Not really," Marina disagreed. "I thought he was an absolute dream but of course I didn't tell him that…"

"That proves my point" Nikos said with a smile.

While the five on the beach were sharing anecdotes from their school days the others aboard Dmitri's boat were having fun as well.

"Miki, do you think I can learn to ski? It looks like so much fun when you and Dmitri are out there!"

Dmitri had found Hatori to be a quick study in piloting his boat. With a few instructions he had been able to turn the boat over to the doctor while he and Miki did some skiing. It had been a pleasure for him to find a competent person to handle his boat.

"Look at Ha-san, he's showing off for Tohru-kun…"

"Shut up Shigure or maybe you would like me to tell Tohru-kun about that time when we were freshmen in college…perhaps you remember how fresh you were?"

Shigure remembered very well. There were many indiscretions he had been guilty of as a college freshman. "I won't say another thing Ha-san."

Hatori's lips quirked and Tohru looked between the two men trying to figure out what could be so bad that Shigure wouldn't want Hatori to speak of it.

"Never mind Tohru-kun, you really don't want to know." Shigure assured her even as he grinned at her confusion.

Tohru turned back to Miki. "Do you think I could learn?"

"I'm sure you can, let's give it a try."

"Okay."

"Tohru-kun, are you sure you should?" Shigure recalled moments when Tohru's clumsiness had caused him much anxiety.

"It will be okay Shigure-san…unless you really think I shouldn't…"

"I…" Shigure was torn between concern for Tohru and not wanting her to be disappointed.

"Let her try Shigure, someone recently told me to push the limits in life. I think she was right."

Miki's cheeks turned red at Akito's implied compliment.

"But Akito…"

"Shigure, is there some reason you are so concerned about Tohru-san? In the past you have always encouraged people to try just so you could see them fall flat on their face. Why not this time?" Akito forced his voice to sound low and menacing, but he was laughing inwardly at Shigure's expression of dismay. Love really did do strange things to people's emotional balance.

"You are right of course Akito. Go ahead Tohru-kun, we'll be cheering for you."

"Thank you for worrying about me Shigure-san. I will be careful. Okay, I'm ready Miki-chan."

Akito gave her a victory sign from the side of his seat opposite Shigure and Tohru grinned as she joined Miki in the water.

Hatori noted the signal and found himself re-evaluating his thoughts on Akito. Maybe Akito really did want his juunishi to be happy. Could six years make that much difference? He wondered. He watched the laughing girls in the water and gave a mental shrug. Six years was probably long enough to bring about some changes.

Shigure decided that since Akito had overruled his reservations about Tohru and water-skiing, he might as well enjoy the show. The girls in their bright yellow and green swimsuits were well worth watching.

After about a dozen tries punctuated by a lot of laughter and choking on seawater, Tohru managed to get up on skis for about two minutes before she was in the water again. She immediately returned to her feet and this time she and Miki skied for about 15 minutes before returning to the boat. Shigure offered Tohru his hand so she could climb back into the boat and Dmitri offered Miki a hand in assistance.

"That was fun Shigure-san! You should try it." Tohru enthused as she towel dried her hair and shook it out. She managed to splash water all over Shigure in the process. "Shigure-san, I am so sorry…" Hatori hid a smile while Shigure calmed Tohru down. It was so obvious that his friend cared very deeply for the young woman. Did he really think he was hiding anything?

"I'd like to try," Hatori volunteered totally unexpectedly. "It's been a while since I've had a chance to water ski. I think the last time was when I was in college."

"Hatori-san, you know how to ski?" Tohru looked at him, her big eyes were wide in admiration. "That's amazing…"

Hatori smiled again. "I haven't always been a doctor Tohru-kun."

"But I still think it's fantastic that you know how to water ski!"

"I can water ski too Tohru-kun." Shigure said with just a hint of little boy petulance.

The edge in Shigure's voice caused Akito to look up from his conversation with Dmitri and Miki. All this time he'd been watching Yuki and the cat's rivalry. Maybe he should have been watching his older juunishi…Shigure sounded as if he was jealous of the admiration Hatori had received from Tohru.

"Really Shigure-san? That's wonderful. Are you going to ski with Hatori-san?"

"As to that I was really thinking that I'd like to stay in the boat and keep you company Tohru-kun…perhaps convince you that we should…"

"He's only saying that because he skis as well as he drives Tohru-kun"

"You drive Shigure-san?"

Hatori had noticed Shigure's attitude as well and decided not to resist the urge to tease his old friend.

"Ha-san, how can you say that?" The rivulet of fake tears brought laughter to the lips of Tohru and Dmitri. Akito gave Hatori a sharp look, one that said, "Do I really know you?" Miki watched the show with interest.

"Of course I can drive, and I can water ski too. I'll join Ha-san after all. Let's see you put your actions to your words Ha-san." With that declaration Shigure jumped into the water and Hatori dove in afterwards.

Dmitri idled the motor while the two men prepared the skis and then started moving at the go ahead signal offered by Hatori. Hatori rose gracefully to his feet but Shigure, to his chagrin, found it took him three or four tries before he was able to stay up. It didn't help his ego to hear Miki and Tohru shouting "Hatori-san, that's amazing. You really are good at skiing." They were cheering for Shigure as well but "Shigure-san we know you can do it, do your best!" was a far cry from the admiration Hatori was receiving. Even after he was up and skiing and the girls shouted, "Shigure-san you're amazing too," he didn't feel any better. Somehow it seemed there was more enthusiasm directed at Hatori than himself.

Akito found he could no longer hide his mirth and his laughter added to Shigure's discontent. Hatori added more fuel to the fire by laughing quietly as he watched his friend's dismay at the ineptitude he was exhibiting in front of Tohru.

Shigure glared balefully at Hatori, then suddenly the humor of the situation hit him and he grinned openly. "Ha-san, I think this round is yours, you are the better water-skier…maybe it has to do with your zodiac form…"

"Shigure…" Hatori groused warningly.

"Ha-san, when are you going to admit you like that form. After all it is very cute!"

"Shigure, shut up."

Having gotten the desired result from Hatori, Shigure did let the subject of the dragon form drop. It was quite cute though he thought with a smile.

"Shigure…"

"Ha-san, I didn't say a word!"

"You were thinking it Shigure."

The two men skied in tandem a while longer and then returned to the boat. Miki turned to Akito after they were aboard. "Akito, doesn't it look like fun? I know you must want to try it."

"I do not wish to ski Miki-san." Akito snapped.

"That is a wise decision Akito. I would be quite worried about your health if you did decide to water-ski in that cold water. Although it is enjoyable, I would definitely advise against it as your doctor."

Akito listened to Hatori and was gratified that the doctor agreed with him. However, after he looked at Tohru and Miki, he suddenly changed his mind. He was so tired of being sick and being told not to do something because it would endanger his health even it would be fun. Miki and Tohru were both right, life should be lived for as long as possible. "Thank you for your advice Hatori but I think I will try skiing after all."

"Really Akito? Do you want Dmitri or me to come with you?" Miki asked happily.

"You come with me Miki-san. I am certain Dmitri is the best pilot for this boat. If I'm risking life and limb, I want to do it with as much safety as possible."

Akito and Miki jumped into the water and Shigure turned to Hatori in admiration. "Ha-san, since when did you develop such a sly streak in your personality? You knew Akito would change his mind didn't you?"

Hatori glanced out over the side of the boat at the island in the distance. "Why would you think that Shigure?"

Shigure gave Hatori a sharp look and then moved to Tohru's side where she was watching Miki and Akito's preparations. "Akito-san and Miki-chan have already become good friends. Isn't that wonderful Shigure-san?" The wistful look on Tohru's face went straight to Shigure's heart. Tohru really had no idea the high regard Akito had for her courage and unfailing belief in people.

He placed his arm about her waist and looked into her eyes. "It is Tohru-kun, but it would have been impossible if you had not paved the way."

"What…"

"I don't think you realize it Tohru-kun, but you were already Akito's friend before we came here."

"I was…I am?" The joyful expression assured Shigure he had said the right thing. One thing he really could not stand was to see Tohru sad. One day he hoped the young woman by his side would realize the impact she had on the Sohmas and accept the fact that his whole family loved her.

"Thank you Shigure-san." Tohru stood on tiptoe and kissed him lightly on the cheek.

"It was only the truth Tohru-kun." The blush on Shigure's cheeks at the unexpected display of affection did not go unnoticed by Hatori. Yes, this trip was well worth the effort it had taken to clear his schedule so he could come.

Akito was listening intently to Miki as she gave him some pointers on skiing, but he did not miss the kiss Tohru bestowed on Shigure's cheek. "Say Miki-chan, I know what it looks like but what do you think? Is there a chance that Shigure and Tohru are truly in love with each other?"

"If we were placing bets Akito, the odds would be 200 – 1 in their favor."

By the time the day was over everyone had a surfeit of water skiing, sun, and fun. The picnic lunch had been delightful and it was a tired but happy group that began the return to the villa. Hatori watched with some concern as Akito and Miki lagged at the rear of the procession. It was possible Akito, and Miki as well, had overdone it today. Should he have said something to prevent it? He looked at the relaxed and happy expression on Akito's face and shook his head. No, he could have done nothing different. The Akito here on the island was much different from the unhappy, ailing Akito in Japan. He didn't like it much but risks were sometimes necessary.

Tohru was walking happily between Shigure and Kyri when she noticed the direction of Hatori's glance. She followed his gaze and saw how tired the two were. She turned to Kyri and said a few words and Kyri nodded her head.

"Momiji, Nikos, this is a good place to rest. Why don't we take the baskets back to the villa and return with fresh drinks for everyone. They can sit and relax in the shade while we do that."

Momiji glanced around and understood the situation immediately. "Sure, let's go!"

Tohru and the two young men scampered off while Hatori and Dmitri invited everyone to take a few minutes to rest. Shigure followed Tohru and her escorts with his eyes for a few seconds and then turned to Akito. "Akito, here is my towel. Please sit down and relax for a few minutes."

Akito nodded his head in assent and sank down onto the towel Shigure had placed in the shade of a stone pillar. Hatori place his towel beside Akito and encouraged Miki to follow his example. She gave him a smile of thanks and sat down. Before long, Miki and Akito were once again deep in conversation.

Kyri, Zoe and Marina were busy talking. "Marina, Kyri, I have an idea and I need your help with it…" Zoe began. Soon the three heads were close together and the men found themselves wondering what was so interesting.

After about fifteen minutes Tohru and the two young men returned with thermoses of iced tea and lemonade. Tohru pulled Hatori aside. "Hatori-san let me know when you think it is okay for us to continue to the house. Akito-san and Miki-chan seem to be very tired at the moment and in need of rest."

"That was a good observation." He noted Shigure easing closer so he could hear their conversation. "Tohru-kun, perhaps you should come to work for me when you get back to Japan. I think your true calling is in medicine. Your talents are wasted on this idiot dog's research."

"Ha-san, how could you do such a thing? You are trying to take away the best research assistant I've ever had! How cruel…."

"She's the only assistant you've ever had Shigure."

"That's beside the point Ha-san."

Tohru looked between the two men…"Uhmmm…errr…that is…Thank you very much for your kind regard Hatori-san but I very much like working with Shigure-san."

"See Ha-san, she loves me!" Shigure couldn't keep a victorious smirk from showing on his face.

Hatori turned to Akito, a small smile on his face. "I'll leave the offer open Tohru-kun in case you change your mind."

"Tohru-kun, you won't leave me will you? What would I do without my precious flower…I know, you can marry me and then I never have to let you go…isn't that a splendid idea?"

"Shigure-san…."

Akito watched his dragon and his dog once again. The humor of the situation was not lost on him. "My dear Hatori, the dragon does have fangs…they are just well concealed."

"Not really Akito, you just never cared to notice."

"Perhaps you are right…So, Tohru-san, how are you going to reply to Shigure's oh so romantic proposal of marriage?"

"Akito-san…he doesn't really mean it so I don't have to reply, do I?"

"Of course not Tohru-kun…Akito is just teasing me." Shigure replied a little too quickly and Akito traded a look with Hatori that spoke volumes. Hatori nodded in agreement.

Momiji took note of Tohru's distressed expression and spoke into the awkward silence. "I know what we should do next! We should have a party back at the villa. 'A Welcome to Kythira Momiji, Hatori and Akito Party'"

Tohru was relieved at the rabbit's interruption. "That's a wonderful idea Momiji. Kyri, Zoe, Miki, Marina, will you stay? Will you help?"

Momiji's suggestion was met with a lot of enthusiasm. The four girls agreed immediately. "Me too, I want to help too!" Momiji volunteered.

"Momiji is a pervert, Momiji wants all of the girls for himself!"

"You bet Shigure!" Momiji replied with a wink. "I bet you wish you had thought of it first!"

"How can you think that Momiji…is that what everyone thinks…I'm a pervert and want all of the nubile young women for myself…" There was a dramatic pause and then "Well, that's probably true."

General laughter met Shigure's admission as everyone prepared for the return to the villa.

All of the non-residents of the villa had brought changes of clothes because the original plan had been to go into the village after they returned from the beach. As a result, it was a simple matter of everyone making use of the many showers in the villa to wash off the saltwater and then to get dressed until it came to Tohru. Tohru was doing things in the usual manner until Zoe caught her attention.

"Tohru, you truly care for Shigure don't you? I know you care for all of the Sohma family, but he's very special to you, right?"

"What…Zoe why would you ask such a thing? I…I'm not really sure how Shigure-san feels so…"

"I didn't ask how Shigure feels. I know how he feels."

"You…you do?"

"I do, but that's not what I asked Tohru. I feel we've become very good friends but I don't want to step out of line, so tell me if you think I am being rude."

Tohru paused as she considered Zoë's question. "It's okay Zoe, I don't mind telling the four of you how I feel. Yes, Shigure-san is special to me. I've only just begun to realize this. I care for him…no, it's more than that. I like him very much. I like him more than any of the other men I'm acquainted with."

"Do you love him Tohru?" Marina asked gently.

Tohru looked at the four girls that were now her friends and found no trace of insincerity in their faces. She answered slowly, "I'm not sure but I don't think so…at least not yet. But, I think I could be if I knew he felt the same.'

The three older girls looked at each other and Marina winked. Miki was a little puzzled. What crazy scheme did Zoe come up with this time? There had been some doozies in the past.

"Tohru, how would you like to have some fun? Shigure is always teasing you; wouldn't it be fun to tease him just a little?" Kyri asked the question with an impish gleam.

"Oh no, I couldn't! Shigure-san is always so kind to me even though…"

"Come on Tohru, it'll be fun and he won't even know you are teasing him. It'll be a secret just between us girls." Zoe chimed in.

Miki looked at Tohru and then the other three girls. "Oh ho…so that's why they had their heads together at the beach. This just might be fun."

"Tohru-chan, at least hear the idea. I know it will be fun!" Miki enthused.

Tohru nodded her head. "Okay, I'll listen."

"Let's just say there are ways to attract men and I am going to reveal a few to you. I know you doubt the extent of Shigure's feelings and this just might be a good way to find out." The twinkle in Marina's eyes as she spoke made Tohru blink in surprise.

"But…I'm not sure I want to know…I don't think I can do that. I don't even know very much about flirting or…" Tohru protested.

"That's the beauty of this Tohru-chan. All women are natural flirts, even you though you may not realize it. Men are…well men are easy to dazzle." Kyri joined Marina's tactics with her own brand of persuasion. Miki and Zoe giggled at the dazed expression on Tohru's features.

"I'm not sure I understand and what does this have to do with teasing Shigure-san?"

"You'll understand in a moment that is…" Marina took Tohru's hands, "if you are willing to cooperate you will. It'll be fun for all of us. I guarantee it."

Tohru grinned, albeit somewhat uncertainly. "I'll try. It might be fun if Shigure-san acts as confused as he makes me feel at times. If you really think I can…that is…"

"Let's see…you often wear dresses or skirts in the evening so this part is easy. When I was helping you unpack there were some dresses that would be perfect. Let me see…ah yes! Here we go. What do you think Marina?" Kyri held up a white sundress with a yellow lace cover-up. The scooped neckline stopped just short of being too revealing."

"Perfect, and the skirt will lift up with the slightest breeze. And look! These sandals match perfectly!" She held up a pair of yellow and white sandals with slender heels.

"I can't wear that…Shigure-san picked it out for me but it's just too…"

"Seductive?" Marina suggested. "That's exactly what we want."

"It…it is? And those sandals, I know I'll fall if I try to walk in them. I don't think I can do this after all."

"You'll be fine. You just need a little bit of practice, that's all."

"Are you sure about this Marina-san?" Tohru asked as she walked across the floor and back.

"Absolutely. Now here's some other advice. When you are talking to Shigure, be sure to touch him, on the hand, on the wrist, on the arm…it doesn't really matter where."

"And when you are near him, look him in the eyes and then shyly look away." Kyri added.

"Of course, you already do that quite well Tohru-chan so don't worry about that." Zoe stated.

Miki sat in the middle of Tohru's big bed and listened intently. The advice was interesting, but would it really work? She wondered. Perhaps she should try some of those on the enigmatic Akito. It might be fun to test her feminine wiles. She grinned. Perhaps…

"Okay," Marina continued. "We've tot that part all figured out, now…I know! May I apply your makeup Tohru-kun? You looked beautiful at the first dinner party we attended, but I have a couple of different ideas if you will allow it."

Tohru was totally bemused at finding herself the center of attention in a group of girls. Hana and Uo had been her only close girlfriends at school so she wasn't used to the situation. However, she found herself having fun as the girls carried out their ideas.

"Sure Marina, I don't mind."

Kyri noticed Miki's speculative expression as Tohru's makeup was finished and turned to Marina. "Marina, why don't you do Miki's makeup too…she doesn't think she needs it which is true but…"

"Miki?"

"Sure, why not?" Miki hopped off the bed and sat down at the dressing table so Marina could work her magic.

Hair, makeup, dress…all was perfect. Marina nodded her head in satisfaction. "Okay, you two, it's your show tonight, the rest of us are just backup and window dressing."

Down in the living room the men had begun to speculate on what might have happened to their female companions.

"Do you think that perhaps someone got sick or had a fainting spell?"

"No Momiji, they all looked healthy when they went upstairs."

"That's true Ha'ri…then maybe…"

"Now, now Momiji, don't you realize that women, especially groups of women, can take hours to get dressed. Just be patient, they will be down eventually" Shigure commented airily.

"And of course you would know this Shigure because…"

"Because I have been exposed to a lot of women Akito…I am found to be somewhat of a celebrity when socializing with them."

Akito looked at Shigure in an appraising manner. "I suppose that is only the truth Shigure."

Dmitri stood by the window with Nikos so as to allow the Sohmas some privacy in catching up on each other's news. He recalled the three girls with their heads together and grinned. He knew Marina and Kyri from way back when and Zoe was much like them. "Nikos, while you and Momiji were with Tohru I saw an interesting sight. Marina, Zoe, and Kyri had their heads together this afternoon. I am certain they were plotting something. I suspect they have devised some mischief and our guests are their targets."

"Hmmm…should we warn them?" Nikos asked with twinkling eyes.

"No, let's just watch, it might be fun. You know the kind of mischief those three can dream up and Tohru and Miki are just the types to be persuaded."

Nikos contemplated various scenarios for a moment then grinned in delight. "I do know and I believe this may be an interesting evening if they can execute the plan."

"I'm certain it will be."

Momiji caught the last part of the conversation as he was drifting in Nikos and Dmitri's direction. "What might be fun, do you have an idea of what is going on?" he asked with interest.

"I do have an idea. My advice would be to expect the unexpected because tonight just might hold some surprises." Nikos answered. "I don't know what, but it will be something…"

"I love surprises! I'll look forward to some fun."

"I can almost guarantee it will be, at least for us." Dmitri affirmed.

The girls were finally satisfied with Tohru and Miki's appearances. "Here Tohru, put your apron on. It's time to prepare dinner and we want your dress to be a total surprise when we all gather at the table." Zoe winked conspiratorially at Marina and Kyri. "I think it is going to be a good time tonight."

"Okay, it'll keep my dress clean anyway. I always have a tendency to spill when cooking."

On their way to the kitchen Tohru stuck her head into the doorway of the sitting room. "Shigure-san, we are going to prepare dinner now. It shouldn't take too terribly long."

"Hai Tohru-kun." Shigure walked to the door as Tohru and the girls disappeared into the kitchen. He had only caught a glimpse but something had been different.

"Is there a problem Shigure? Do you really think I enjoy a person walking away from me when I am talking to him?" Akito's voice came softly from behind him and he was startled.

"Akito, I'm sorry. I just thought I would find out about how much longer to when dinner will be ready, but Tohru and the others were in the kitchen before I got the chance."

"I see…"

"I'll go find out." Momiji volunteered. "I offered to help anyway."

He darted down the hallway and swung open the kitchen door. Shigure heard Momiji's whistle of admiration and his exclamation "Tohru, you are beautiful tonight!"

Shigure took a step toward the hallway but was detained by Akito's grip on his arm. "Shigure, we were talking. Whatever it is, it can wait."

"Of course it can Akito." Shigure turned back into the room with great reluctance.

Out in the kitchen the girls were heating up casseroles that Sofia had prepared before going home on Friday. She had also left cake and baklava for dessert. Momiji sat at the kitchen counter chatting with the girls as they worked. He had placed the settings on the table and there really wasn't anything else for him to do, but he preferred feminine company to the all-male gathering in the sitting room.

It was only about 45 minutes later when all was in readiness. The girls returned to the living room after removing their aprons. Momiji preceded them because he wanted to watch the reactions as the girls rejoined the men. He had a feeling Shigure's expression was going to be priceless when he was hit with the full affect of Tohru's appearance tonight. He definitely wanted the front row seat for that encounter.

Shigure was one of the first to turn from their conversation when he heard the girls approach. Five beautiful women stepped into the room, but suddenly there was only one that existed for him. Tohru stood there in the yellow and white creation he had imagined her in but had despaired of ever seeing. His expression mirrored the love he felt for her and his admiration of her appearance, but only for a moment and then he had his mask back in place. There was no denying the fact that she attracted him in the same manner as a ray of light attracts attention in a formerly dark room. While the dress was very becoming, there was also a difference in her attitude that he couldn't quite define.

Momiji grinned. Shigure's bemused expression was everything he had hoped to see and more. He was glad he had been watching because the mask had been replaced very quickly. It was a shame Shigure was so skilled at wearing his mask because he would have liked for Tohru to recognize the emotion she aroused within Shigure by her very presence.

Tohru shifted uncomfortably as she became the focus of everyone's eyes, but the expression in Shigure's eyes and a gentle push from Marina moved her forward.

"Ano…Shigure-san…" Tohru lightly touched his arm and her teal eyes met his gray ones. Tohru couldn't look away from the intensity of Shigure's gaze. Her cheeks began to glow a soft pink and Marina rolled her eyes when Kyri looked her way.

"Hai Tohru-kun?"

Zoe moved to Momiji's side and gave him a rueful grin. "Well she got it 75 percentright. I think that just may be enough."

"What do you mean?" Momiji questioned.

"Oh nothing, just girl talk."

"I see" Momiji grinned as he noted the imp lurking in Zoë's eyes. " I do think it will be enough."

Zoe looked closely at Momiji. "Hmmm…I think you do see. I knew there was a reason I really liked you."

"Of course I see, and of course you like me. How could you possibly resist? Shall we go in to dinner?" Momiji tucked Zoë's arm in his and led the way to the dining room.

Zoe shook her head. "You are very hard to resist with those German looks and Japanese eyes," she said with a smile.

Hatori watched as the girls each conscripted one of the men in the room to act as her escort. Miki and Akito, Nikos and Kyri, Shigure and Tohru, and Dmitri and Marina each linked up to enter the dining room. He wasn't given the chance to feel alone amidst all the couples. Marina led Dmitri over and placed her free hand on his arm. "Come with us doctor. A handsome gentleman such as you should have someone to escort as well."

Hatori smiled in response and Dmitri gave him a wink from her other side. "Marina enjoys being the center of attention so I am used to sharing. Don't worry."

"Dmitri…"

"Yes sweetheart?"

"Never mind, let's go."

Akito was thoroughly enjoying the evening. Escorting Miki into the dining room was a new experience for him. Most of his life he had done everything alone. He had walked alone, lived alone, and eaten alone with the exception of those rare times when his juunishi came to visit. He found eating meals with people who were not part of the Sohma to be a novel and not unpleasant way to pass the time. Not only did he listen closely to Miki and contribute an occasional word to encourage her conversation, he also managed to take note of all of the other participants at the table and their actions. Momiji and Zoe seemed to be engaged in a lively debate although he could not quite hear their conversation. Both Hatori and Dmitri seemed to be totally captivated by the lively and expressive Marina. He had thought her to be quiet at first, but that initial impression was not the correct one. Most of all he was interested in the play of expressions on the faces of Shigure and Tohru.

Shigure kept half of his attention on his conversation with Nikos, Kyri and Tohru, but the other half was running rampant. Ten percent of the remaining half was on Akito and his surprising friendship with Miki. The other 40 percent was focused on the girl by his side. Tohru was beautiful tonight, even more so than usual. There was a more sensual air about her than normal. Each time she touched him his heart gave a funny little lurch, and each time she looked into his eyes he felt as if he was drowning in a fathomless sea. He recognized the fact that her makeup tonight enhanced her appearance and he also recognized the fact that she had received some coaching in the art of flirting, but even knowing this, he was powerless to resist the effect her presence was having on him. He was in this so deep he suspected he would never find the surface again, but suddenly that didn't really matter. He was tired of fighting his heart and tired of pretending to an indifference he didn't really feel. There would be other battles to face when he and Tohru returned to Japan, but the one he was fighting right now was totally pointless. He capitulated to the feelings and dropped his mask. He was still young, he was in love, and he didn't want to fight it anymore. Akito, both by his presence in Greece and his acceptance of Tohru, had given his seal of approval to the match. It had only taken Shigure 24 hours to realize how much Akito really had changed. Initially he had still been uncertain of Akito's acceptance, but it was obvious now that this was exactly what Akito had been planning when he sent the two of them to Greece. Not only had his god been changed along the way, but he and all of his cousins had also been changed. He watched as his family members laughed and chatted with the friends around them…Friends…Hatori and Ayame had been his only true friends…but now…. now he was surrounded by friends. All of these changes were due to the beautiful young woman at his side. Soon he would tell her of his feelings.