Disclaimer: I do not own Fruits Basket nor the Fruits Basket characters. They are the property of that clever manga ka, Natsuki Takaya.
I do own the plot and all original characters.
Hi, I've been trying to post for three days or so now, but hasn't been accepting my documents. It did just now and I am almost afraid to read over this one for fear I will want to rewrite it again. Please read and enjoy.
Chapter 18 Surprises
Shigure woke up early on Tuesday morning and stumbled out onto the verandah to have his first cigarette of the day. He looked toward the beach and saw Tohru and Nikos climbing the trail hand in hand. He had to smother a flash of jealousy at the sight, especially when Nikos hugged Tohru for a moment before taking the trail to his home. Would he ever be able to hug Tohru like that someday?
Tohru turned toward the villa and saw Shigure coming down the steps to greet her. She quickened her pace until she was by his side and close enough to take his hand. "Shigure-san, you are up early! If you'd gotten up just a bit sooner you could have come with me to the beach for the sunrise. It was the most beautiful one yet."
"Ah, Tohru-kun, I would have liked that. I would have liked to greet the sunrise with a kiss form my beloved. I am heartbroken that I missed the opportunity. Say, Tohru-kun, maybe I could go tomorrow…"
"Really Shigure-san, would you like to come…?"
Since Shigure had told her he loved her, Tohru had begun thinking of him in a new light. She tried to imagine what it would be like to spend the rest of her life with him, to be held by him, kissed by him…she felt it would be a wonderful life. As he teased her about kissing her as the sun rose, she realized that she would probably like that very much. Her mind tripped down to the beach and Shigure preparing to kiss her…but Nikos! Surely he wouldn't kiss her like that in front of Nikos, it would be too embarrassing. And then there was one other thing, "…but Shigure-san, you don't get up that early."
"…But I have an answer for that problem Tohru-kun; that is unless you don't want me to go with you…"
"Shigure-san, of course…can I help?"
"I was thinking that if my Tohru-kun were to slip into my room in the morning and wake me with a kiss, I could come with her and we could share the sunrise."
"Shigure-san…a kiss, in your room, in the morning…I…but I could wake you." Her thought took on a direction of its own. She closed her eyes and imagined herself entering his room where he lay sound asleep with his dark silky hair falling over his eyes. She imagined brushing it back from his forehead and kissing him gently on the lips and then…" Her thoughts failed her and her eyes flew open. She took Shigure's hand and offered "Would Shigure-san like some pancakes? Sofia-san won't be here for a while yet but I could fix you some breakfast that is…"
"Tohru-kun, you'd do that for me? I knew there was a reason I loved you."
"Shigure-s…"
Shigure leaned down and kissed her. "I thought you were going to call me Shigure…I love it when you say my name. As a matter of fact I love you."
"Shigure…" Tohru shook her head. "In that case, Shigure come with me and I'll fix breakfast."
He allowed her to pull him into the kitchen and then took a seat at the counter so he could watch her cook. He recalled her blush just before she decided that it was time to come into the kitchen. What had they been talking about…oh yes, her kissing him awake in the morning…. "Tohru-kun, what were you thinking about when you closed your eyes for a minute just a bit ago…were you imagining kissing me in my bed just barely awake in the morning sun…" Her telltale blush told him he was pretty close to the mark. He was off and running. He took delight in teasing her with more and more outrageous comments and speculations about what she might have been thinking. Her ears were pink in embarrassment and probably her face too, but he couldn't tell because she kept her back to him as she watched the pancakes browning on the stove. He grinned widely.
Tohru was embarrassed that Shigure had come so close to guessing what she was thinking…as she prepared the pancakes his teasing grew more and more outrageous and spun wide of her true thoughts. How was she supposed to respond to his teasing, she knew her embarrassment was just adding fuel to the fire…and then there was the fact that she was actually enjoying and contemplating some of his suggestions…oh she was so embarrassed. As she put the pancakes on a platter she hit upon an idea and grinned. It had worked a couple of times in other circumstances, why not now?
"That's enough Shigure!"
He was so surprised by her outburst that he stopped talking for a moment. That gave her the opening she needed and had been hoping would come. She turned to him at the counter and kissed him enthusiastically on the lips and then she gave him a big hug. POOF! The black dog was wrapped in her arms and wondering what had just happened.
"Now Poochie…" Shigure heard the laughter in her voice…"Let's be a good dog okay?"
"Tohru-kun…" he said in an aggrieved tone.
"Hai, Shigure…" She allowed her amusement to show and began to giggle. "Shigure you should see the look on your face!"
Momiji walked in on the scene. A big platter of steaming pancakes was sitting on the counter but Tohru was kneeling on the floor with her arms around Shigure in his Zodiac form and laughing merrily.
"I have to know the story behind this…it will be priceless!" he exclaimed. "Will you tell me Tohru?"
Tohru managed to stop laughing long enough to greet the rabbit. "Good Morning Momiji-kun. Are you hungry, there are enough pancakes for everyone if you want to join us? Let me start the coffee and put the plates on the table. Shigure should be back to normal by the time I'm done." She glanced over her shoulder at the dog and smiled brightly.
Momiji watched Tohru with big eyes and then turned back to Shigure. "What on earth?"
"Never mind Momiji, it's not important." Shigure's shell-shocked tone only increased Momiji's curiosity. Something had happened, something for which the dog had been totally unprepared. POOF! Shigure attired himself once again and sat down in his place at the table. He opened up his paper and pretended to ignore everyone.
Tohru poured Shigure's coffee and retrieved the tea from the counter. Her eyes were still brimming with laughter as she poured for Momiji and herself.
Tohru had stopped laughing so Momiji tried again. "Tohru, please explain what just happened…" Momiji asked plaintively.
Tohru grinned. She looked at the man behind the paper…"Shigure didn't tell you yet?"
Momiji shook his head. "It wasn't much, not really. Shigure was paying me such outrageous and wonderful compliments that I was overcome with joy. I just had to kiss him and then I guess I was a little too happy because I hugged him too…and here we are…" She finished serving the plates and pouring the tea.
Momiji tied her explanation into the scene he walked into and started to laugh uproariously. "Shigure, what have you done with our dear sweet Tohru. This has to be a double standing here in her place…"
Shigure put his paper down and smiled sheepishly. The humor of the situation sank in as the shock wore off and he began to chuckle softly. The chuckle developed into a full throated sexy laugh that started Tohru's pulse pounding…he was so beautiful…
Shigure fully recovered his equanimity. "Tohru-kun, my beautiful flower, I never knew you were a rose with thorns. I thought I could predict your every move but you surprised me. I suppose I did deserve it, but come to think of it…I wouldn't mind a repeat of that kiss. Why don't you come demonstrate for Momiji-kun…?"
"Shigure…I don't think…I…" It was Tohru's turn to be flustered once more and everything returned to normal.
By the time Sofia arrived Tohru had cleared away the remains of the morning repast and gone upstairs to take a bath. Up in her room Tohru sank into her tub with a sigh of delight. "Oh Mom, I can't believe I did that to Shigure-san this morning but…It was fun! I feel like I can do whatever I can dream with him and he will be okay with it. I feel so free with him Mom, he accepts me just the way I am."
"Never be afraid to be yourself Tohru-chan."
"Thanks Mom."
Tohru, still in the same mood as she had been down in the kitchen, decided to wear jeans for the excursion into Choros. She topped it off with a bright green cotton blouse with a keyhole bodice and fastened with bright yellow buttons. The jeans would be suitable for the jaunt into Choros and she had to admit that she still remembered Shigure's reaction from the first time. She had tried to ignore it, but he had watched her the whole day. She smiled as she pulled her hair back from her face with matching green ribbons and decided she was ready for anything.
She approached the verandah where everyone had agreed to meet. She could hear Dmitri's deep voice and Shigure's reply. Momiji spoke and Marina responded with her musical laughter and was accompanied by Zoe with her lighter one. Good, everyone was here so they would probably get an early start on the day. She just knew it was going to be a good one.
Tohru stepped out onto the verandah and Shigure stopped in mid-sentence. The other Sohmas reacted in a similar manner. Tohru smiled as she turned to greet Nikos, Zoe and the other two. Momiji recovered his aplomb rapidly and thought "Tohru in jeans…things really have changed haven't they…and she looks good!"
Miki came trotting out the door and grabbed Tohru's hands. "Guess what Tohru-chan! Momma says I can go with you today! I am supposed to be working here but today my job is to keep all of you company. Isn't that fantastic?" Her sudden appearance diffused the surprise the Sohmas had experienced at the sight of Tohru and talk resumed its normal pace.
Kyri caught up with Miki at that moment. "Yes, mama and I can do everything this morning but you do have to help with the evening clean-up Miki."
"I know, I'll be sure to do that." Miki promised.
Tohru saw the fond glance Kyri cast at Miki's retreating figure as she entered the villa. "You really are a wonderful sister Kyri-chan!"
"She's a great kid" was Kyri's smiling reply. "Nikos, she turned to her fiancée…Please try not to flirt too terribly much with Tohru and the other girls…you are an engaged man now…"
"Of course Kyri…I'll limit my flirting to only the pretty ones." Nikos said with a grin and a wink.
"Nikos!" Kyri spoke exasperatedly. "I suppose I didn't really expect anything else and I can't change that about you. You are a natural flirt, and it is one of the things I like about you."
Shortly afterwards they got underway. Shigure gave Tohru a hand up into the backseat and took a few seconds to admire the view of her trim figure before he climbed up beside her. He noticed Momiji, Hatori and Akito were having problems not staring and grinned evilly. He was going to have fun teasing Hatori today.
He made his plans as Hatori settled behind the wheel of the other vehicle. Momiji and Zoe climbed into the back of it as Akito handed Miki up into the center of the front seat between him and Hatori. The drive into Choros didn't take long but there was a lot to do once they arrived.
Shigure and Tohru guided Akito and company to all of their favorite displays in the museum and historical archives as well as pointing out all the pieces of history throughout the town. Shigure noticed Hatori glancing at Tohru once again and got in a couple of sly digs that Hatori refused to acknowledge. However, Shigure knew he hit the mark when Hatori's cheeks turned a faint pink. The morning passed swiftly and then it was time for lunch at one of the many tavernas that lined the market square. After lunch they explored the library and some of the old edifices that still graced the cityscape. Akito found many of the antiquities fascinating and often he and Miki would stand and discuss them while the others carried out more active explorations. Shigure wondered if it was the display or the girl that interested Akito the most. Even with his current obsession over Tohru, or perhaps because of it, he noticed the frequent glances Miki sent Akito's way and Akito's furtive looks in her direction when he thought no one was looking. The two had made a connection but that wasn't really surprising considering the similarities in their circumstances; both felt they were living on borrowed time.
The afternoon waned and it was time for the group to return to the vehicles for the ride home. Nikos and Tohru were animatedly discussing the pirates that had invaded Kythira and the impact they had on the island. Tohru had been fascinated by that era from the moment Nikos had introduced her to the secret passage and the underground network of caves that honeycombed the island. He grinned in anticipation of the next day and tuned out the conversation of the other two. He reviewed the plans for Tohru's birthday bash the next day. Petros and the Sandersons did most of the planning after Shigure pitched them his idea. It was obvious that with his cousins visiting Shigure was not going to have the time to execute his plan. Petros agreed to set up two of the rooms that branched off of the beach passage with tables, gas lanterns, and decorate them in pirate motif. Alfred and Esme were thrilled when asked to help and Sofia, Kyri and Stefanos were enlisted as well. He knew the plan was progressing nicely because Sofia had told him how it was going right before he left the villa. There were several advantages to setting up in the cave, aside from Tohru's fascination with the pirates. They were near the beach and the internal temperature was several degrees cooler than the heat and humidity of the outside. He was certain that Tohru's twenty-second birthday would be an occasion that she would remember for a very long time. He wanted her to remember everything about their time in Greece, forever.
Akito relaxed in the front seat and let the conversation flow around him. There was really nothing being said that he felt worth the effort of contributing to at the moment. Hatori and Miki were discussing Kythira and its long and varied history. Momiji and Zoe sat in the back and were expounding on a philosophical discussion dealing with religion and the advantages of the Greek Orthodox customs as opposed to the Buddhist and Shinto customs of Japan. The rabbit seemed to have found a friend in the young woman and perhaps something more…he watched Miki as she talked…maybe he had as well.
Sofia had dinner ready by the time the group arrived back at the villa. After satisfying their hunger, Marina suggested wrapping up the day on the beach with a campfire and marshmallow roast. The idea was accepted unanimously and sunset found them all down on the beach once more. Marina convinced Dmitri to bring his guitar down to the beach and the two of them entertained everyone with some old Grecian folk songs. Shigure requested Dmitri's guitar and convinced Tohru to join him in some of the favorite Japanese folk songs. She demurred at first, but he pointed out that she often sang them around the house and that he thought she had a lovely voice. She gave into his persuasion and was glad she did. Shigure's playing was a bit rusty at first but before long everyone, except Hatori, was astonished at his skill and the quality of his voice.
"Shigure-san… I never knew you played the guitar!" He basked in the glow of admiration he received from Tohru. This was one thing he could do and Hatori could not.
"I played a little during my younger days. Did Tohru-kun enjoy it?"
"Shigure-san is amazing. It was wonderful…"
"Then let me do just one more song for my flower." He sifted his memory for the perfect love song and remembered one he had learned many years ago. It compared a man's love to a beautiful flower and as such was perfect for his purpose. When he was done Tohru sighed and laid her head upon his shoulder. He looked around the group and noticed that others had been affected by his performance as well.
"That was beautiful Shigure…" He captured her hand with his and kissed the top of her head.
"Thank you Tohru-kun"
Momiji was surprised to find himself holding Zoe's hand. He didn't remember reaching out for it. Zoe smiled at him and he decided not to waste the opportunity. "Let's go for a walk Zoe."
As they drifted down the beach Momiji asked "Zoe-chan, do you think you'll ever come to Japan?"
"I'm sure I will…at least for Shigure and Tohru's wedding."
"I wonder…" Momiji began but then he changed his mind about what he was going to say. "Great. Plan on staying for a couple of weeks so I can show you some of the sights."
"Okay, I'll be sure and plan on that. I'm sure we'll have a good time." They walked and talked for a while after that and then rejoined the rest. Gradually the evening wound down and everyone headed for home. Most of them were looking forward to surprising Tohru the next day and wanted to be well rested. After everyone was gone, the Sohmas and Tohru relaxed around the kitchen table with late night tea and snacks. Tohru was the first to excuse herself and head upstairs to bed.
"This has been a perfectly wonderful day but I must excuse myself, I am very tired."
"I'll walk you to your room Tohru-kun." Tohru was about to protest but he was already on his feet and steering her out the door. Shigure's near proximity and the beating of her heart stilled her protest before it was spoken.
"Shigure…" Tohru paused at the door of her room. "Today was wonderful. I thank you very much for the beautiful song you sang for me on the beach. I…Shigure…" She was ready to admit that she loved this man but before she could speak, his mouth covered hers and he kissed her slowly and lingeringly. By the time he was done, she had forgotten she had not said the words.
"Good night Tohru-kun, my flower." He turned and left to rejoin his family downstairs. Tohru entered her room in a haze. Since Shigure had told her of his feelings he had showered her with affection and shown her how much fun he could really be. She knew before that she cared a lot for him but she knew now that she did love him. She didn't remember that she had intended to tell him so until she climbed into bed after donning fresh pajamas. Well, there was always tomorrow.
Shigure returned to the kitchen and talked a while longer with his family and then all was silent as they drifted to their various chambers.
Shigure sat by his window and stared at the night. Something was tugging at his memory and he reviewed the day. He realized Tohru had started to say something when he had kissed her good night. He hadn't meant to interrupt her, but they had been in company the whole day and it was the first opportunity since that morning for him to kiss her. He climbed into bed "I wonder what it was she was going to say…"
The next morning Tohru hesitantly approached Shigure's door. Her fantasy of the day before still haunted her. Maybe he was already awake and she wouldn't have to wake him from his bed. The villa didn't have alarm clocks so the option of him being wakened with them had been unavailable. She knocked at his door but there was no answer so she pushed at the door to see if it would open. Perhaps it was locked…the door opened easily and she sighed. She really was going to have to waken him from his slumbers.
She walked into the room set aside as a sleeping chamber and stood quietly. The window was open and the curtains wide. The early pre-dawn light made it possible to see the man sleeping on the bed. Just as before, she found herself amazed at his appearance while sleeping. His dark hair fell across his eyes and a small smile graced his lips. His covers had fallen down around his waist in the night and his chest and abdomen were open to her gaze. Her heart beat a rapid tattoo as she walked toward the bed. Surely he didn't really want to be wakened with a kiss…and surely…surely he wore pajama bottoms when sleeping. She approached cautiously and breathed a sigh of relief to see a cotton clad leg peeking out from the sheets.
Shigure lay quietly with his eyes closed. He had wakened upon hearing Tohru's knock, but he waited to see what her next action would be. Would she come wake him or…he heard her approach his bed and felt her gaze upon him. What was she thinking now he wondered…did she find him appealing in the early light?
"Shigure…" she called softly. "Shigure, it's time to get up. Sunrise will be here soon."
He kept his eyes closed and his breathing regular. She approached the edge of his bed and her hand reached out to caress his cheek. Her soft touch sent him reeling and he had to fight to keep his breath even…he waited to see what more she might dare.
When Shigure didn't wake to her touch, Tohru allowed her hands and her eyes to rove his chest and abdomen until they came to rest just at the top of the sheet still about his waist. Her fingers trailed across the skin exposed just above the sheets and she was amazed at her temerity. Shigure realized that he should probably let her know she was awake…although he was curious as to how much more she might dare if she thought him still asleep. It might be fun…he shook off the demon and spoke.
He opened one eye…"Tohru-kun, you promised to wake me with a kiss…"
Tohru jumped. "Shigure-san, you're awake?"
"Mmmhmmm…have been since you knocked at the door."
"You…you've been awake the whole time…" he could feel the flush on her cheeks through the palm of his hand as he cupped the side of her face. He grinned delightedly. "Did you really think I would sleep through your touch Tohru-kun…or even your knock?"
"I…I was surprised…but hurry Shigure-san or we will miss the sunrise."
"Ah…ah…ah…I said wake me with a kiss Tohru-kun…and you promised to call me Shigure…"
"Shigure…"
"You've got it half right…" His hands moved to capture her wrists and she knew it would be futile to pull away. He was much stronger than she…and besides she did want to kiss him…why was she being so shy?
She knelt by his bed and placed her lips over his in a chaste kiss but Shigure would not allow it to end that way. His hand snaked to the back of her head and pulled her closer so he could kiss her more fully. Finally, satisfied for the moment, he sighed. "Tohru-kun…if only I might wake up with you next to me every morning…even if I was a dog…but you haven't even said you love me." He gave her a light push toward the door. "You better wait outside or I might be tempted to have you join me in this bed…"
"Shigure…" Tohru backed quickly out of the door. Shigure chuckled at her hasty exit and got out of bed. He pulled on the jeans and shirt he'd readied the night before, and once his sneakers were on, he was ready to go.
Tohru was surprised when he joined her a short two minutes later. "Shall we go Tohru-kun?"
"Hai Shigure." His hair was still tousled from the night before and he looked even better than he did when it was combed. She wanted to reach up a hand to smooth it out of his eyes but she refrained.
Nikos knew that Shigure was planning on accompanying Tohru to the beach this morning. He was torn between wanting to watch the sunrise and giving them some privacy. Shigure had strongly hinted that he wouldn't mind if Nikos didn't show up this morning. The sunrise, and the chance to annoy Shigure won out. Besides that, it was Tohru's birthday and he wanted to greet the sunrise with her. He turned to greet them when they approached from the villa.
Shigure was disappointed but not surprised to see Nikos waiting for them. He would have done the same thing. A momentary flash of annoyance crossed his features when Tohru left his side to go say hello to Nikos.
Tohru moved forward quickly. "Nikos, good morning. Do you think the sunrise will be as beautiful today as it was yesterday?"
"I'm sure it will be even more beautifulbecause today is special."
"It is…is it a holiday today?"
Nikos smiled and shook his head. "No it's your birthday Tohru. Happy Birthday Tohru-kun."
"Nikos…thank you." She kissed him on the cheek and gave him a hug. Shigure fumed, half angry with Nikos and half angry with himself for not saying Happy Birthday when he had the chance.
"Look, it's time for sunrise." Tohru moved to Shigure's side and took his hand, which helped him feel marginally better. The sun slowly began its ascent into the heavens. Just as Nikos had predicted, it was even more beautiful than it had been the day before.
Shigure's annoyance filtered away completely; the artist in his soul was touched by the beauty of the sunrise. He pulled Tohru close to his side as the colors played out their drama in the morning sky. Nikos waved good-bye and left the beach once the day was truly begun. "See you later…" he called.
His exit did surprise Shigure. He had been certain Nikos would be returning to the villa with him and Tohru. Shigure knew he would have done so. But then…Nikos was probably much nicer than he was. Well, the opportunity offered and Shigure accepted it. He pulled Tohru close and kissed her thoroughly. "Happy Birthday, Tohru-kun."
Her eyes were bright with feeling as he finished and she smiled softly. "Thank you Shigure."
They sat on the beach and listened to the seabirds and the waves for a little while and then headed back to the villa. Tohru's birthday had officially begun.
The morning passed swiftly as Shigure and Tohru worked on their notes for a while and left their guests in the care of Dmitri, Nikos, and Zoe. Shigure did some fast talking to convince Tohru they should get some work done since she was concerned about being a poor hostess. Shigure reminded her that they were on a working holiday and pointed out that they could loan out their guides and just work at the house that morning. He sighed in relief when Tohru accepted his arguments.
"Tohru-kun, I'm sorry to ask you to work on your birthday but there is just a little to be done. Mii contacted me for an update andshe thought my progress was a little…"
"No problem Shigure-san. I'm sure they are in good hands with Zoe and Nikos. I was just being selfish and silly to expect to spend all day every day with them."
"Remember Tohru-kun, that is exactly what I led you to believe when Akito and them showed up and that is what I intended, but Mii…. Please don't' ever think of yourself as selfish, that is the last thing you will ever be."
"But that still leaves silly, right?" She asked with a smile.
"Let's get busy shall we…" He knew she'd never believe him if he said she wasn't silly. Both of them knew she could be at times.
"Okay" The next four hors were quite productive. Shigure was content to have Tohru to himself even if she was on the other side of his desk. The clock in the hall chimed the 1:00 hour and Shigure put down his pen and removed his glasses. He stretched lazily and watched the girl across the desk from him. Tohru was so intent on what she was reading and looked so cute with her slight frown of concentration that he almost hated to disturb her, but it was time.
"Tohru-kun…?"
"Hai Shigure-san…"
"I think we have done enough for the moment. Mii should be very pleased with our progress. Let's take a break and explore that passage from your bedroom to the beach. I haven't had a chance to explore it yet. Let's do that now, let's take a walk, pretty please. I feel so left out; you already shared it with Nikos and Momiji but never with me. Please Tohru-kun; it would make me so happy…"
"If you really want to then let's go. I have a flashlight stored near the entrance."
Shigure followed Tohru into her room and waited while she opened the passage. They stepped through and the door shut behind them. Darkness enveloped them and Shigure reached for Tohru before she switched on the light. "Just a moment Tohru-kun…" His hand caressed her cheek and he leaned in to kiss her.
"Shigure…" she murmured against his lips as he claimed hers. His hands roved along her side and shaped her hips as the kiss deepened. Tohru found she was lost in the moment and moved in as close as he would allow. She wanted the kiss to never stop. When it did end she was breathless. She regained her breath and initiated another kiss. Shigure responded swiftly and then gradually eased out of the kiss.
"Tohru-kun…" His voice was husky with desire.
"Shigure…" He sighted and returned to kissing her. He was powerless to resist her sweetness. There was only one way he was going to be able to stop before he lost control. He felt her soft feminine curves against his chest for just a second and then he was on four feet and looking up at her.
"Shigure I am so sorry, I must have moved in too close…" She turned the flashlight on and knelt down beside him. He licked her cheek.
"Accidents happen Tohru-kun. It's okay. Shall we begin?'
Tohru gathered his clothes and they walked for a few minutes and then Tohru faced the wall as he got dressed once again. She accepted Shigure's hand and pointed out the features of the cave as they traversed the trail. They eventually arrived at the exit. "Well, here we are. There's a big cave through here and then the beach.
Tohru opened the passage and stepped into the cavern.
"SURPRISE!" Shigure was smiling and all of her friends were there. Her hands lifted to her cheeks in total surprise. "Oh No! This is too much!" Her eyes sparkled with unshed tears of joy and Momiji bounded forward.
"Hooray! We surprised you Tohru. Happy Birthday! Come see the decorations!" Momiji grabbed her hand to lead her forward.
"But…" Tohru held out her hand to Shigure and he accepted. "Shigure-san should come with us."
"You're right, he's the one who planned this."
Tohru turned to Shigure with shining eyes. "You planned this for me Shigure?"
Momiji smiled at the pink stain on the unflappable Shigure's cheek bones. "Come on, let's go take a look." Momiji pulled Tohru and Shigure after him. Shigure would have thought it impossible for Tohru to look any happier, but she did when she saw the rooms decorated as pirate hideaways.
"I am so happy. Thank you Shigure. Thank you every one." Her tears began to flow in earnest and Hatori offered her his handkerchief.
"I'm sorry, I'm just so happy!"
Alfred and Esme stepped forward to begin the official birthday greetings and presented Tohru with the gift and card they'd chosen for her. After they broke the ice, everyone else added their greetings and a gift to her pile of presents. Tohru was speechless and could only say thank you over and over. After everyone offered their birthday wishes, Momiji stepped forward and added two more gifts to the stack. "This one is from me, and this one is from Shigure. Since he had to bring you here he asked me to hold it for him."
Petros took over as the emcee and spoke to everyone. "We will have Tohru-san open her gifts later but for now let's eat and have some fun and games."
Tohru and Shigure sat down to eat and he asked "Tohru-kun, you are pleased with this aren't you?"
"Oh yes! It all seems so much but thank you."
Lunch was finished and all of the younger people were divided into two teams, given a map, and a list of items.
"Since we are all pretending to be pirates today, I thought it only proper that we have a pirate treasure hunt. Alfred and I have hidden pirate booty in various rooms off of our two main passages. Each team has a map and torches to light the way to the areas that they are supposed to search for the items on their list. The first team to return will receive a prize.
Team One was Dmitri, Marina, Momiji, Zoe, and Hatori. Team Two was Shigure, Tohru, Nikos, Kyri, Akito, and Miki. Both teams immediately took to their passages in hopes of being the first to return with the pirate treasure. The older generation smiled at the echoes of laughter and fun coming from the different passages.
Esme smiled as she sank down on the cushions beside Alfred. "That should keep them busy for a while."
"It should and it will give them a chance to explore some of our island features that they might not have time for otherwise." Petros commented.
"Petros my dear friend, when will you realize that not everyone has the penchant for cave exploration that you and young Nikos do?"
"In truth, never. I can't imagine not wanting to know what lies below the surface of either people or land. " Immediately Alfred and Petros launched into their usual philosophic argument.
Sofia smiled fondly at her brother and his old friend. "Esme, you might as well move over here with Stefanos and me. You know that is going to continue for a while."
Esme sighed in resignation. "I know. Wouldn't you think they would tire of this discussion?"
"I would think so but they are men and they aren't my Stefan." Sofia stroked her husband's hand softly as he relaxed by her side.
"I can understand why you married Stefan. He's the opposite of Petros and I know you must have become tired of a guy always on the go, always looking for an argument. I think I would have fallen for someone other than Alfred if I'd had a brother like him."
"Hey now!" Petros exclaimed in protest. "Esme that cut to the quick!"
Esme grinned. "I knew that would stop your discussion. Now, you and Alfred come talk with us."
Stefan chuckled lightly. "Sofia, if you were more like Esme, I think I would have run in the other direction."
"That's okay Stefan, I would've caught you anyhow."
The five old friends laughed together and resumed their conversation until the two teams returned. Team one was the first to return with every item on the list. Team two returned with all of the items but less two members and their map.
Kyri eased her mother's concerns about the missing Miki and Akito. "They will be fine. They both have flashlights and they have the map. They'll be fine."
"What happened?" Alfred asked curiously.
"Well, they were lagging a little behind and well…" Nikos looked a little uncomfortable as he tried to explain.
"And Nikos and I were so wrapped up in the lovely women by our sides that we failed to notice when they slipped away."
"I'm so sorry Sofia-san, we'll go right back and look for them. We should have been more responsible."
"Tohru, it's okay. There's no need to go look for them. I am certain they are okay."
"Are you sure Sofia-san?"
"I am. Come now; let's award the prizes.
The members of the party alternated between the beach and interior of the caves as the afternoon wore on. Eventually Miki and Akito did return although it was two hours later.
Shigure couldn't resist, "Miki and Akito sitting by the sea, K-I-S-S-I-N-G…"
"Shigure," Akito hissed.
"Hai Akito." Shigure saw the blushes on their cheeks. So, Akito had been kissing the cute Miki-chan. He was so brilliant at times. Shigure smiled as he turned away. Akito wasn't someone he would push too far, even now. In the past he had discovered that to be a very bad idea.
With the return of Miki and Akito Petros declared it was time for cake, fruit ices and presents. Tohru exclaimed in delight over her gifts. Shigure's gift was the last one remaining to be opened. Tohru was excited and nervous about a gift from him at the same time. She opened it and inside found an exquisite heart shaped locket. It was silver with a mother of pearl inlay.
"Open the locket Tohru-kun" Shigure said gently.
Tohru looked up at him, her eyes were shimmering with tears. Somehow Shigure had gotten miniature photos of her mother and father and they lay on either side of the small heart. "Shigure how…Thank you very much. I can't say how much this means to me…"
"Your tears say it all Tohru-kun." Shigure removed the handkerchief from his pocket and gently dried her tears.
Later that night as Tohru sat on the porch swing with Shigure she tried to express herself once again. "Shigure-san, this locket is so…I really don't know how to describe the feeling I had when I opened it. Thank you again Shigure…"
The soft hesitant way she had of saying his name touched him in ways he had never imagined he could be touched. If only she would say 'I love you', he would be completely content.
"Tomorrow is the last day for Momiji, Ha-san, and Akito. Friday they have to return home." Shigure's comment was an idle one with no particular aim in mind but to keep her by his side just a little bit longer before it was time to retire.
"I know. I wish they could stay longer but then we couldn't finish our job could we?" Tohru spoke brightly to keep her sadness from being apparent. It had been wonderful to have just a few Sohmas visit. She did miss all of her friends back at home.
"Tohru-kun, are you sure you don't wish to return home? You still could you know."
"I miss everyone Shigure-san, but I want to stay here with you and finish our project. I'll go if you want me too, if I am being a bother…."
"No bother, I prefer you stay with me," he said with a soft smile.
"Shigure…I really like spending time with you. I was just telling Mom yesterday that I feel free to be myself with you. Thank you for being so kind…"
"Kindness has very little to do with it Tohru-kun."
"But Shigure-san is very kind and I…"
As the girl struggled with her words Shigure whispered "There's no rush Tohru-kun."
"But Shigure-san I…"
He kissed her and helped her up out of the swing. "We should probably say good night Tohru-kun. We'll be busy tomorrow on their last day."
"Hai Shigure-san."
A/N: It's a little bit better than I thought when writing it. Feedback will be much appreciated though. See you in a couple of days with the next chapter.