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

Hello and welcome to my next chapter.It's only been a few days since my last post, I know, but this chapter was already written when I posted the last. I just had to review and revise parts of it before publishing it. You may be wondering what is in this chapter...hmmm...a little bit of Akito/Miki, a bit of Shigure/Tohru fluff, an intimate moment between Tohru and Nikos and one between Shigure and Hatori, and a look inside Akito's thoughts.Does it sound intriguing? I hope so.

Please read and enjoy. Reviews are welcome.

Chapter 17 Searching for an Answer

Monday arrived and Golden Week began in earnest for the visitors from Japan. Dmitri drove the Land Rover and Hatori drove Petros' car so that the whole group could go. They sallied forth to visit some of Shigure and Tohru's favorite places on Kythira. Tohru was very excited about the return visit to Mylopotamos and to the Cave of Agia Sophia. The cave with its small chapel and spectacular formations enchanted all of the visitors from Japan. After visiting the cave the group revisited the waterfall that Dmitri had shown them in the first few days of their visit. Sofia had packed a huge picnic lunch for them that morning so they relaxed by the water and ate while enjoying the coolness afforded by the trees growing alongside the pool where the drops from the waterfall found a destination. Akito sat by the waterfall and chatted with Miki while the rest of the group explored behind the waterfall and its surroundings after lunch.

"Miki-chan, are you certain you would not prefer to be with the rest of them? I will be fine here by myself."

"I'm fine Akito. It's very relaxing here and this is my favorite activity when in Mylopotamos. I n ever get tired of listening to the water fall, it sounds so alive. Akito, you said that perhaps you would tell me what you really think. Is there a chance you might tell me today?"

He smiled…"Not today Miki, but I will before we leave; I promise. Those thoughts are not the happiest thoughts and right now I just want to enjoy the moment. Will you walk around the pool with me and up into those woods. It looks like there is a trail on the other side."

"Sure, that sounds like a good idea." Akito enjoyed the leisurely walk and the sounds of the forest around them. It reminded him of the woods around the Sohma compound. As they walked he told Miki about his home and the people who inhabited the compound. His dry wit fascinated her and she listened attentively. His voice was the kind she could never tire of and she wished he would continue talking forever, but eventually it was her turn to talk. She told him of her life on Kythira and why she loved the island so much. Slowly friendship blossomed between the two of them.

While Akito and Miki were strolling quietly, the rest of the group was having quite a different experience. Momiji and Zoe were leading them through the roughest of terrain and many of them were hard put to keep up with their energetic pace. Tohru had been quite active since arriving on Kythira so she had no problems keeping up with her friends. The three of them forged ahead with much chatter and excitement.

Every turn of the trail was an adventure for Momiji. He would gesture excitedly at each change of scenery and the two girls would echo his actions. Shigure found himself feeling somewhat disgruntled. He both loved and hated Momiji at the moment. He loved the rabbit's undying ability to find excitement in everything, he hated the fact that Tohru was with Momiji and not walking by his side. His thoughts were reflected in his features and Nikos read them perfectly. "Shigure, she's not in love with Momiji…why are you looking so dissatisfied?" Hatori grinned at the venomous look Shigure sent in Nikos' direction. At that point he noted that Nikos and Shigure were not only rivals but were also friends.

"I'm not dissatisfied." Shigure's tone was adamant. "I have no problem at all with three friends spending time together…but she could spare a thought for me every once in a while." Nikos arched a brow at the dog's plaintive tone.

"Shigure, you're acting like a spoiled brat. Tohru has not yet said she reciprocates your feelings so why should she spend all her time at your side. Besides," And Hatori smiled before hiding it behind his customary stern expression, "we are only here for a week and you'll have her all to yourself again after we are gone. Grow up a little." Hatori's stern admonishment was once again belied by the smile Nikos saw as he turned his head away from Shigure.

The friendship between the two men was a rare thing. Shigure continually found ways to annoy the taciturn Hatori, and Hatori generally found a low-key way of getting his own back. The give and take was fascinating and underlying it all was the mutual respect and genuine liking the two had for each other. Given the Sohma background that he had received second hand from Alfred Sanderson Nikos thought that their friendship was nothing short of amazing.

On the other hand if Nikos really wanted to aggravate Shigure…. Nikos smiled and walked quickly up the trail to join the three leaders. The look Shigure gave him said volumes and made the effort worthwhile, especially when Tohru turned and took his hand. "Nikos look at these plants, what are they? I wonder if they might grow in Japan. I really think Yuki might like them."

Shigure overheard the comment and frowned once more. This being in love was a lot tougher than he remembered it being.

Hatori watched his friend with sadistic pleasure. He had not really been aware that he harbored any trace of such a thing, but he did like to see Shigure squirm. It made up a little for all the times Shigure had made everyone else squirm. It was certain that the remaining time in Kythira was going to be everything he had hoped it would be and more.

The day was a busy one and it was nice to arrive home to one of Sofia's home-cooked meals and just chill out the rest of the evening. After everyone else went home Tohru and the Sohmas adjourned to the verandah and enjoyed the warm evening atmosphere. Shigure glanced over at Tohru. "Tohru-kun, why don't you come sit by me. I've hardly spent time with you today and I have missed you."

Tohru ducked her head in an unusual display of shyness with Shigure but then she moved to sit with him on the steps. Momiji grinned. Tohru had been with him most of the day and he knew Shigure had not really been happy about that. However, the fact that Shigure had only made a few teasing remarks and allowed Tohru to do as she wished said a lot for the dog. He found Shigure in love to be a fun spectacle to watch. It was obvious that Tohru was in love with Shigure but she had not yet told him. Shigure placed his arm possessively around Tohru when she joined him and she laid her head on his shoulder. The gestures came so easily to the two of them and he still did have to admit to a little jealousy of his own. Still, the two were a good match and getting to know Zoe was making him a little less envious of Tohru's feelings for Shigure.

Akito sat at the table with Hatori and watched the little tableau. He still had to quiet his envy of Shigure's affection for Tohru at times but he was getting better at it. The dog had been his for so long, it was hard to share. However, he was very pleased with the way Tohru and Shigure were getting along. He almost wished he could just allow the two of them to stay in Greece forever and he could then just visit the two occasionally. That was not to be though because the cat and the rat would then be left to stagnate in their own remorse and bitterness; never moving on with their lives. He knew if Shigure and Tohru did not return, then he, Akito, would be the one blamed for Tohru's disappearance from their lives. Shigure would also be subject to some of the same venom. No, it was necessary that Tohru and Shigure return to Japan and face the music. Akito knew he had orchestrated the music and set the stage, but he also knew he would now rearrange it if there was any way possible.

Most of his life Akito's purpose had been to keep everyone else as miserable as he was. He had been quite successful until Tohru had entered the Sohma lives and provided a different point of view. His purpose was different now but he was still as determined as ever. He felt he didn't have much choice in life, he was destined to die early, but he could do his best to make sure they lived, just as Tohru and Miki lived, by facing the bad and continuing to believe in the future. Perhaps there would be some justification for his early death if the juunishi all learned to live life to the fullest. He didn't have much choice in the matter of his own death, but he could choose how he continued to live and his juunishi would be forced to choose their paths as well. Of course, no one other than Tohru and Shigure…and perhaps Miki-san...would believe that those were his true feelings.

After a while Momiji stretched and headed to his room claiming that he had phone calls to make and 11:00 in Greece would be a good time since it was early morning in Japan and his father was an early riser. Hatori took one last drag on his cigarette and followed the rabbit's lead which left Shigure, Tohru, and Akito on the porch. Tohru looked over Shigure's shoulder at Akito. "Akito-san, you seem happier here. Are you enjoying your visit?"

"Yes I am Tohru-san. This island is very peaceful and a long way from Japan. I believe I did need this vacation. I almost wish I could stay but I must return to Japan with Hatori and leave you and Shigure here to finish your research. Speaking of research, are we visiting the library, museum, and archives in Choros tomorrow? I would very much like to see them before I return home."

Shigure looked up from where he had been idly playing with strands of Tohru's hair. "Yes we are Akito. Dmitri will be here to pick us up at 9:00 tomorrow morning and Hatori will of course have access to another car so we can all go into Choros together. I told Sofia we would eat lunch there."

"Excellent. I will retire for the night then as I want to be rested for tomorrow's exploration. Good night Shigure, Tohru-san."

"Good night Akito-san."

Akito's exit left Shigure and Tohru alone on the verandah with just the moon and the stars for company. Shigure turned to Tohru, "Will you be going in now or will you stay here with me for a while?"

"I'd like to stay for a little longer if you don't mind Shigure-san."

"I wouldn't have asked if I wanted you to go Tohru-kun."

"Oh…I suppose that's true."

"Tohru-kun…" Shigure's hands gently caressed Tohru's cheek as she shifted to face him.

"Hai Shigure-san?" Shigure's eyes were clear gray pools in the moonlight. Tohru looked as deeply as she could into their depths and could find nothing there but love and affection. There were no secrets lurking at the bottom of the pools, just an open invitation for her to love him as he loved her. "Shigure-san…uhmmm…about last night…uhmmm…"

"Shhh Tohru-kun, don't struggle with your reply to me. I can be patient. Enjoy the moment; let's be happy for a little while."

"But Shigure-san…" Tohru wanted to acknowledge his love in some way but she didn't know what she could say. She traced his lips with her fingertips and then followed up with a soft kiss. She cared so much for Shigure but she wasn't sure if she was in love with him or not. She suspected she was but it wouldn't be fair to say it before she was certain of her feelings.

Tohru's gentle touch forced Shigure to catch his breath and hold it. Her kiss had taken him by surprise and he was afraid he might have dreamt it. Tohru touched his lips once more and he released his breath. She prepared to leave and Shigure lifted his hand to detain her.

"Tohru-kun, stay for just a while longer," he requested.

She couldn't resist the appeal in his eyes. "Okay."

Shigure bent to kiss her and she opened up to him just as a flower opens to the rain. She allowed his passion to soak into her very being and returned it with equal fervor. The kiss continued forever…it was just a second out of time's infinite measure. She belonged here in his arms with his hands caressing her back and drawing her ever closer. She reveled in the sensation of his touch, of his kiss, and knew a moment's regret as he slowly withdrew from their embrace.

"Tohru-kun…" Shigure gazed at Tohru for a few moments after the kiss ended. She looked a little dazed and he knew that with a little persuasion she would offer him so much more than just a few shared kisses in the moonlight. And he wanted it…Kami help me, I want so much more.

His promise to himself kept him from pressing his advantage. Although Tohru had gained some experience in romantic relationships during her sojourn on Kythira, she was still an innocent. He suspected he had Nikos and the girls to thank for that fact. He knew the men on the island had discovered his beautiful flower and even kissed her, but he also knew that kissing was as far as it had gone. Tohru had changed during their six weeks here. She had discovered that she was attractive to other men besides the Sohmas. There was a new maturity and confidence in her actions that had not been there before and there was just a little less awkwardness and embarrassment in her response to his teasing and his kisses. It all added to her charm and made him love her more, not less. She didn't shy away every time he grasped her hand or kissed her lips. She even initiated contact with him at times which still surprised him. He knew she enjoyed being with him and that she cared for him, but did she care for him more than anyone else? In his saner moments he knew that she did, but there were times when uncertainty would seize him and he would find himself longing to ask her how she really felt. Sometimes he wondered where all of his confidence went when confronted by his feelings for this one woman. He loved her above all others and he wanted her to feel the same way…it was frightening for a man who had always had women falling at his feet to feel so strongly about just one person. Did he mean more to her than anyone else? Did he even have a right to ask such a question?

Tohru watched Shigure's unguarded expression and seemed to read his mind. "Shigure-san…"

"Hai Tohru-kun?"

"I don't really understand why you love me and I am not totally sure how I feel about you, but…"

"…but?"

"Well…since we came to Greece I've learned a lot about myself. I've met a lot of guys…and…well…a few have even kissed me…but you already know that. But…no one means as much to me as you do. No one makes me feel quite the same.

Nikos is wonderful, but I was relieved to find out that he and Kyri are engaged. When I consider my feelings for Yuki-kun and Kyo-kun and compare them to my feelings for you, they are very different. Yuki-kun, Kyo-kun, and Nikos are all my very dear friends but Shigure-san…you are more than just a friend. I like being with you. I love the way we can talk together, laugh together, work together, and even be quiet together. I am happiest when I am with you. Does that sound strange?"

Shigure's words caught in his throat for just a moment. He cleared his throat and spoke softly. "No Tohru-kun, it sounds quite wonderful. As to why I love you…I'm not sure that even I can put that into words. It may have something to do with your sweet nature and innate optimism, or it may be the way you have always accepted each of us juunishi on our own merits and never judged us; it's probably something of all those things but in the end it comes down to the fact that I do love you. I tried to not love you, loving you creates a lot of complications, but even so I found it impossible to control my heart. I know, I said I wouldn't bring it up again, but you did open the subject."

Tohru smiled. "I did and you only promised not to bring it up. You said it would be up to me to open the subject and you have kept that promise." She rested her cheek on his shoulder for a couple of minutes and then spoke again. "Shigure…" It was a tentative word as if she wasn't quite sure if it was proper to speak so familiarly…"I may not be able to reply to you yet but it does sound wonderful when you say that you love me. I don't think I mind at all, I think I could get used to it."

Shigure laughed contentedly. "In that case Tohru-kun, you may call me Shigure if you like, I don't mind at all…and if you don't mind, I will say I love you when I feel the need. Deal?"

"Deal."

"Then let's seal it with a kiss." After a while they heard the hallway clock sound the midnight hour. Both looked up in surprise.

"I think we had better go to bed, we have a busy day ahead of us tomorrow."

"That's true Shigure…" He took her hand and walked her to her room. Tohru thought for a moment and then looked up at him. "Shigure-s…Shigure, you are welcome to come in if you like."

He shook his head with a smile. "Are you ready to accept my proposal yet Tohru?"

"Ehh…I mean, no I can't do that right now."

"Then I had better not accept your invitation. The next time that I set foot in your bedroom it will mean you have accepted my proposal and agreed to become my wife. You see…I made a promise to myself which will be impossible for me to keep if I step inside your door."

She looked at him with a question in her beautiful teal eyes but then she smiled in acceptance. "I'm not sure I understand but I don't want you to break a promise so…I'll see you in the morning Shigure."

He stood outside her door after she closed it and wondered if he was a fool in harlequin garb or a knight in shining armor. She had offered him exactly what he most desired and he had turned her down.

"Shigure…" He turned and saw Hatori step outside his door. "I must admit I am surprised at your restraint. If I wasn't convinced before, I am now. You do really love her."

He grinned; maybe the shining armor didn't fit so badly. "As sure as I'm the dog of the Zodiac, I do."

"Come in and have some sake. Sofia-san brought it up from the wine cellar for me."

"Ha-san…you are inviting me into your room and I didn't even ask…I feel like I just won 'Best in Show'…"

"Shut up Shigure before I change my mind."

Shigure obeyed and joined Hatori in his room. "Now Ha-san, tell me what's really on your mind."

"Akito and I had a misunderstanding yesterday. He asked me what I thought would happen when the two of you return to Japan. I told him he already knew. I didn't realize it until afterwards, but he seemed almost to regret what is coming. I am afraid I wasn't very kind to him at all. He took offense at my attitude of course and we didn't speak much after that. To get to the point, Akito can't undo what he's already set into motion and you can't undo your feelings for Tohru-kun. I know there will be trouble when you return to Japan, especially if you and Tohru are a couple."

"Now, now Ha-san, let's not think that far ahead. I am going to enjoy being in love for now and I'll worry about the boys when we return."

"I've never known you to not plan for future complications Shigure. It's not like you. I'm not sure that now is the time to start refusing to plan for those consequences."

"I already have plans set in motion to offset the consequences Ha-san. I did that before we came to Greece. I'll have to trust to what I've already done and not plan anymore. You know and I know…once I start planning all of my defenses come into play. Tohru will never see the real me behind all of those fences if I resort to that. She already knows the person that does those things, that has all of his masks in place.

I want her to know me Ha-san, not the person I present to the world. Didn't you notice what I was doing upon your arrival Ha-san? I was hiding from my feelings and from Tohru-kun. I was doing it all in the name of being noble, but I was being selfish. I was saving myself from hurt by not allowing Tohru to get close. I'll do that again if I start thinking about Japan.

Love and life are risky. Both of them can hurt. I have to take my chances if I want to do what is best for her. It isn't right to withdraw my love once I offer it and that will happen if I plan too far ahead. It was probably selfish for me to admit my feelings to Tohru-kun, but now that I have, I am going to do my best to be worthy of her love."

"Shigure, you do amaze me at times. I think tonight I don't mind sharing sake with you."

"Ha-san, you say the sweetest things."

"Shigure…" Hatori spoke warningly.

"Hai, hai. Shut up and drink up. I understand Ha-san." After finishing his cup of sake Shigure headed for his bedroom. He paused for a moment outside of Tohru's door and almost reached down to open it. He resisted the temptation and went to bed to wait for the morning.

The next morning found Tohru down on the beach waiting for the sunrise. Nikos saw her sitting there with her chin resting on her knees as he approached. He hesitated to disturb her because she appeared to be deep in thought. He didn't know if he should interrupt or not, but she answered that question for him.

Tohru heard the crunch of sand as Nikos stepped on the beach and she turned to face him. She waved him over and said, "Hurry Nikos or you'll miss the sunrise."

He closed the gap between them and sat down by her side. "Good Morning Tohru-kun, it's been a few days since I had the pleasure of your company at sunrise. I missed it."

"I know. I'm sorry but it's been very busy since Akito-san and the others arrived. I've missed it as well. Oh look! Here comes the sun!"

The gray light of the predawn hour began to brighten. It was imperceptible in the beginning but it suddenly exploded into a vast canopy of color and light. The two friends could only sit and watch in awe. Gradually the colors faded back to normal and Helios' journey was begun. Tohru sighed with pleasure as the sunrise faded and Nikos echoed her sentiments.

"No matter how often I see it I am still amazed by the beauty of our sunrise."

"Sunrise is beautiful in Japan, too. Maybe someday you can come visit there and we can watch the sunrise from the roof of Shigure-san's house."

"Perhaps I will come for the wedding."

"Wedding? What wedding? Aren't you and Kyri getting married here?"

"Of course we are you goof! I'm talking about the one for you and Shigure." (A/N: Oops, I seem to be borrowing from Kyo again...who else would call Tohru a goof?)

"Ehh…"

"Well he did declare his undying devotion for you…"

"Nikos! It was nothing as grand as that!" Tohru protested. "He didn't do that but…he did say he loves me…" She started to giggle. "You two are a lot alike."

Nikos grinned. "I've noticed that a few times; so tell me Tohru-kun; I'm closer to your age and much better looking, why did you fall in love with him and not me?" Nikos imitated Shigure's inflections as closely as possible and waited for Tohru's reaction.

"Nikos, you are supposed to be in love with Kyri!" She looked at him and suddenly she recognized the tone of voice he had used. The imp of laughter lurked in his eyes and she had to join him in laughing at herself. "You really are a lot like Shigure-san," she declared happily.

"I'll take that as a compliment. You are in a good mood this morning, even more so than usual. Does it have to do with Shigure?"

"I am happy, but I think a lot of it is because Akito-san, Momiji, and Hatori-san are visiting."

"Perhaps…" Nikos tone of voice implied that she might believe that was the truth, but he knew better.

Tohru was quiet for a moment and then spoke. "Nikos, I still haven't replied to Shigure-san. May I ask you a question?"

"Sure"

"How did you know you were in love with Kyri?"

"That's not an easy question but I will try to give you an answer." He thought for a couple of minutes as he tried to organize his reasoning so she would understand. "I think that when I realized her happiness was more important to me than my own, that was my first indication. And then I realized that if she and I were the only two people in the world I would still be happy. That's when I knew for certain."

Tohru considered his answer carefully. It sounded some chords in her memory from times when she and Shigure had talked. Their conversation on the beach returned to her:

"This is so peaceful and so beautiful. I can almost believe we are the only two people in the world right now. Shigure-san, I'm really happy to be here with you. I almost wish…"

"You almost wish what Tohru-kun?"

"I almost wish we could exist like this forever…"

"Thank you Nikos. That helps."

Nikos hugged the young woman. "My pleasure Tohru-kun."

a/n: It is getting really difficult to write without the fear of stepping too far out of character for Shigure and Tohru. I can only offer in my defense that these are uncharted waters. I have no clue as to how Shigure in love compares with our typical Shigure. I only hope that what I present sounds plausible. I know dogs are territorial and that wolves mate for life...given that...I think I may be on track with Shigure's feelings. I hope my readers won't let me stray too far and will tell me if they think I have. Thank you, Otaku Mom