Disclaimer: Fruits Basket and the Fruits Basket characters do not belong to me. They are the property of Natsuki Takaya.

The plot and all original characters are mine. Well, we are getting near the end game now. This is the last chapter before Tohru and Shigure return to Japan. Please read and enjoy.

Chapter 19 Confessions

The next morning when Tohru went downstairs Momiji was waiting for her. "Good Morning Tohru. Since today is my last day in Greece, will you spend the morning with me?"

"Of course Momiji. You can come with me to the beach this morning, okay?"

The two friends took the familiar trail down to the beach and walked and talked together. Nikos wasn't there when they arrived. "Nikos isn't coming this morning because I asked him if I might have this morning alone with you and he agreed. We'll see him and Zoe later."

"Oh, that's okay then. I just worried something might have happened because he is always here."

They sat quietly through the sunrise and beyond. "Momiji, is something wrong? It's not like you to be so quiet."

"No Tohru, there is nothing wrong, but I do want to talk to you this morning. Will you walk with me?"

"Sure."

The blonde young man took her hand as they walked. "Tohru remember when we met…the time I told you about Mama…?"

"Yes, I remember. I thought you were so kind and brave at the time, and I still do."

"There were other times too, the time at the hot springs, that summer at the beach when we both crossed Akito, and that time you cried for me over Momo…"

"Mmmhmmm…"

"It's because of all those times and more that I want to talk with you. You see…I think you already know…that I've loved you from the beginning."

"Momiji…"

"Let me finish Tohru…I know you don't love me that way and never have. That's okay. All I ever really wanted was for you to be happy. I just wanted to say the words…I love you…Tohru."

"Momiji…thank you."

"Now that I've said it, it's time for us to move on. I think I may have found someone new in Zoe. There's a lot of time and distance between us, but I think we could fall in love. We'll see what happens. I know you've found someone Tohru and I know he loves you."

"But Momiji, I haven't even told him yet…"

"I know. If you had he would have made sure we all knew. However…for what it's worth…wait until you get home to tell Kyo and Yuki."

"I know, it'll be a shock to them. I already decided I should tell them in person."

"Good. I know you and Shigure can be happy together but Tohru…"

"Yes Momiji…"

"Never mind, there's no point in warning you of trouble that may never happen. Just remember that if you need someone to talk to or to help you, I'll be there because you will always be my best friend and you've been there for me from the time we first met."

Momiji, thank you and you will always be one of my best friends, too."

Momiji glanced up and down the beach and listened carefully. "If you want to hug me, it's okay. There's no one around," he said with a wink and a conspiratorial whisper.

Tohru grinned. "Momiji…" she gave him a hug and cuddled the bunny for a while. "I love you too my wonderful friend."

Eventually Momiji allowed himself to change back and they returned to the villa. "Tohru, tonight let's all go to the Red Fish and celebrate the wonderful week we've had in Greece."

"That sounds good to me. Perhaps the Sandersons, Petros, Sofia and Stefanos will come too."

When they got back to the villa Hatori was the only other person awake besides Sofia and her daughters who were busy about the morning chores.

"Good Morning Tohru-kun, Momiji. Won't you sit for a while?"

"Would Hatori-san like some coffee or tea…?"

"No thank you, Sofia-san already provided it," he said motioning to his cup.

"Oh, of course. How about some tea Momiji…"

Just then Sofia came out with tea and cups. "Thank you Sofia-san."

"My pleasure Tohru."

Tohru poured tea for her and Momiji and then sat back to enjoy the company and the cool morning air. "Hatori-san, have you enjoyed Greece?"

"I have. It's been very pleasant and I've had a chance to rest and read some novels I haven't had time to read at home. It was also very nice to see that you are well and happy Tohru-kun."

"I am very happy. Hatori-san, we are thinking about going to the Red Fish tonight and inviting all of our friends. Will you come?"

"With pleasure Tohru-kun."

Just as Hatori was accepting Tohru's invitation, Akito joined them. "You too, Akito-san; will you come with us to the Red Fish tonight?"

"I would enjoy that Tohru-san. Will it be just us or will our friends be joining us?"

"If Akito-san agrees it will be us and our friends. If you prefer, it can be just the five of us."

"Inviting everyone else will be fine. It will give us a chance to say good-bye tonight and not have to hurry our good-byes tomorrow. But that's tonight. What are we doing today?"

"Today Dmitri is taking us out on his charter yacht. There are several islands nearby that we'd like you to see and it's much cooler on the water…".

"That sounds perfect for our last day. It seems our guides have our best interest at heart."

Nikos and Zoe arrived just as Akito agreed to go along with their plans.

"Thank you very much Akito-san. I know you will enjoy the sea excursion we have planned today and it will be a good way to visit with everyone before you leave for home tomorrow. Dmitri's charter will be very comfortable for all of us."

"Captain Dmitri must have a whole fleet of boats. We've ridden on his hydrofoil, his ski-boat, and now his yacht. Does he have any others?" Akito's voice was laced with amusement as he itemized Dmitri's fleet.

"Well, now that you mention it, he has a couple of small sailboats and one other boat he reserves for fishing only."

"He must have turned down a lot of business to be our personal captain. I must remember to thank him."

"Where's Shigure? Isn't he usually up by this time?" Nikos asked as he realized the writer was not among them.

"He usually is. I'll go check on him." Hatori volunteered.

Hatori knocked on Shigure's door and when there was no answer he let himself in the room. Shigure's curtains were drawn against the morning sun which in itself was unusual. "Shigure…Shigure…"

The dog pulled the covers down that he had been using to shield his eyes. "Ah Ha-san! What an honor to have you visit me in my bedchamber. Did you miss me…"? Shigure's levity fell flat when it was marred by a grimace of pain.

Hatori turned on a heavily shaded lamp so he could take a closer look at his friend. The eyes were overly bright and there was a slight sheen of perspiration coating his pale complexion.

"Shigure, you're running a fever. You should stay home today."

"But Ha-san I would be so lonesome with no flower to brighten my day…" He coughed a little and then spoke more seriously. "I can't do that Ha-san. Every one would be disappointed and Tohru would worry. I just woke up with a slight headache this morning. If you could just give me some aspirin or something I'll be fine." Shigure ended on a wheedling note.

"Then wait right here Shigure and I'll be back." Hatori ordered.

Shigure swung his feet off the bed and was met by a wave of dizziness. The sudden movement caused him to flinch. "I'm not going anywhere Ha-san."

Hatori stopped to let the others know that Shigure would join them soon. He got his bag and returned to Shigure's room. Shigure was dressed in khaki Dockers and a red sports shirt. He sat on the edge of his bed with his head in his hands.

"Small headache, Shigure? More like a full blown migraine... I told you not to move."

"A quick shower and a change of clothes did wonders. I feel much better Ha-san."

"Liar." Hatori took his temperature. "38.9 degrees. You should stay home." (A/N: that's approx 102 F.)

"No Ha-san. I'll be fine."

Hatori shrugged and handed him two white tablets. "You and your stubborn attitude. Here take these and be sure to wear dark glasses to protect your eyes."

"Hai Ha-san, thank you."

By the time he joined the others Shigure was feeling better. "Sorry everyone. I was up late last night working on a new plot idea. I overslept this morning. Shall we go?"

"But Shigure-san, you haven't had anything to eat."

The thought of food did not sit well with him. "That's okay Tohru-kun, I'll eat more lunch to make up for missing breakfast."

"Okay if you're sure…" Tohru looked at him with doubt-filled eyes. Shigure never missed a meal.

Shigure breathed a sigh of relief when Miki and Kyri appeared and distracted Tohru. "Momma told us to come today since it's your last day here, isn't that fantastic?" Miki enthused.

"It is. We'll have fun today!"

By the time they arrived at the harbor where Dmitri awaited them with the yacht everyone was talking excitedly about what the day might hold.

"This is fantastic! Come on Zoe; come on Tohru! Let's explore." Momiji grabbed the two girls hands and they followed in his wake.

"Kyri we may as well go too. Shigure, what about you?"

"Of course…oh Tohru-kun wait for me…"

Tohru turned at Shigure's voice and Momiji waited for him to catch up. Hatori watched in concern. Shigure was going to push himself too hard today.

Akito and Miki explored the ship at a more sedate pace and Marina offered to keep Hatori company since Dmitri had to stay at the wheel.

Momiji led the group he was with over the whole boat. They explored from stem to stern and from top to bottom. The blue waters of the Mediterranean flowed by and a cool sea breeze refreshed every one.

Akito and Miki stood on the forecastle watching the seabirds and the other boats afloat on the blue waters. They stood side-by-side not quite touching but fully aware of each other.

"Miki-chan…"

"Yes Akito…"

"I really didn't like you much that first day."

"I know, your aren't one to keep secret something like that."

"But now after only a few days that's hard to believe. Do you think that this relationship we've developed could be called friendship?"

"I think we can call it that at the very least," she replied with a smile.

"It is quite strange, I never really had friends before and now it seems I have several. It's a feeling I'd like to cherish. I was wondering…will you write to me if I promise to write back?"

"Of course Akito…" He reached for her hand.

"That's good then." He stood quietly for a few minutes allowing the feelings of the moment to soak into his being.

"It's been fun living as you dared me to do Miki-chan. I won't forget this lesson in life and I won't forget you either."

"I'll hold you to that promise Akito. Thank you, you've made me very happy."

The day went by quickly as Dmitri shared the wonders of his homeland with the foreign visitors. He wanted to be sure they left with the beauty of Greece ingrained in their minds forever.

Hatori was enjoying himself, especially since Marina was his companion. Dmitri was a very fortunate man he decided. It was very nice of her to keep him from feeling like a fifth wheel. However, despite his feeling of well-being, his eyes would sometimes stray toward Shigure. The dog was playing too hard and teasing too much. He was much more annoying than usual and Hatori was sure he was the only one that noticed. Shigure was too good an actor for the others to realize what he was doing.

"Hatori?"

"Yes Marina-san?"

"Are you concerned about Shigure? You keep watching him with a worried expression."

"I apologize, I didn't think it was that evident."

"It's not, it's just that I've been with you all day and couldn't help but notice."

"He was unwell this morning…"

"I understand and he didn't want to miss out on the last day of your visit. You are worried though…"

"There's no need to worry everyone else though. Shigure will do whatever he pleases no matter what I do or say. He's just being his usual stubborn, annoying self." Hatori's voice had little force behind it due to his concern. Marina recognized that and let the matter drop.

At lunch Tohru sat with Shigure and he forced himself to eat. He knew she would worry if he didn't.

The cruise turned out to be everyone's favorite part of the Sohma visit. Afterwards when they returned to the villa everyone changed into fresh clothes and headed into town. The older people also went with them.

The night was full of a lot of hustle and bustle as everyone talked and danced, and ate, and danced some more. The farewells were all gotten out of the way and each enjoyed time with a group of friends. Shigure held up his end of things quite well despite his rising fever. He was fine until they reached the villa and he stumbled at the foot of the stairs. Hatori was there to catch him; he had known it was going to happen sooner or later. Hatori asked Nikos for help in getting Shigure upstairs and into his room. His temperature was now 40 degrees (A/N: 104 F). "Damn stubborn dog!" Hatori help Shigure into his pajamas and onto his bed.

Shigure smiled weakly as he had to accept the assistance. "I have had better days Ha-san."

Tohru wished everyone good night and then rushed upstairs to Shigure's room. "Hatori-san, is he okay? Can I help? I'd like to help please." Her eyes reflected her grave concern.

"Tohru-kun, don't cry. He'll be fine although he may be in for a rough patch. It's probably only a summer cold although there is the possibility that he's succumbed to a fever native to these islands. Here is a recipe for a tea that will help him sleep and reduce his fever. I'll prepare a prescription for him that can be filled tomorrow."

Nikos stepped in the door. "It's good I came back to see if you needed help. Give me the prescription and I'll get if filled at the hospital pharmacy. Also, Tohru-kun, make sure you have everything he needs for the tea. I know a few people who will help me, even this late tonight, if needed."

"Thank you Nikos. I appreciate the offer. This is the prescription. The sooner it's filled the better." Hatori handed Nikos the prescription he had carefully inscribed in English since it was doubtful that the pharmacist could read Japanese.

"Here's the tea. We had everything needed." Tohru entered the room with a pot of tea, a cup, a bowl of cool water and some clean rags to be used as compresses.

"Tohru-kun, you seem to have thought of everything. Let me write out the instructions so you can care for him while he's ill. Unfortunately, I can't stay. I still have to return with Akito and Momiji tomorrow. I am going to have to ask you to take on a lot of responsibility because with the stress this fever is applying to Shigure, he is in danger of changing to his Zodiac form. You alone must care for him and ask everyone else to stay away. Do you understand?"

"Don't worry Hatori-san. Of course I understand and you can count on me to take care of Shigure-san."

Hatori nodded and left Shigure to Tohru's tender ministrations. Tohru grabbed blankets and a pillow and made the couch up as a temporary bed. If she left the door open she would be able to hear Shigure if he needed her in the night.

She put on her blue silk pajamas and then checked on Shigure to be sure he was okay for the moment. She kissed him gently on the forehead. "Good night Shigure, please get well soon." Shigure remained asleep and she went to bed herself.

Shigure slept through the night but Tohru still woke up every couple of hours to check on him and apply cool compresses as needed. By morning, she was very tired but was determined to be up to wish her guests farewell and safe passage.

"Akito-san, be safe. It was good to see you in such good health this week. Take care going home."

"I will Tohru-san and you take care of Shigure please. He is important to me."

"Hai Akito-san, I know. I will take very good care of him. We will see you in six weeks." Akito surprised himself and Tohru as well by kissing her on the cheek just before he walked out the door.

Momiji came barreling down the hallway just as Akito walked out the door. "Sorry I'm late. I forgot to pack a couple of things and had to open my suitcases again. Tohru take care. It's been a lot of fun and I'll see you when you come home." He kissed her quickly and gave her a reassuring smile. "I'm sure Shigure will be fine with you to watch over him."

"Momiji-kun thank you. Have a good trip and be safe. I'll see you in a few weeks. It really was fun having you here to visit!" Momiji looked down the hallway and saw Hatori leaving Shigure's room. He probably had a few words for Tohru. "Bye Tohru! See you soon!"

Tohru turned and saw Hatori coming. He had a worried expression on his face which he failed to dismiss before Tohru saw him. "Hatori-san, will everything be okay?"

"Yes Tohru-kun, but I am just a little concerned because it is an island fever and I hate to leave you with so much responsibility. I did some research last night after packing. The fever will last 4 – 7 days and then he'll need at least a week to recuperate and regain his vitality. I am glad he will be in your hands since I can't stay. I know he will lack for nothing. I left instructions for you on the hall table. Be sure and call if you need anything because you just might be in for a couple of verydifficult days."

"Thank you Hatori-san. It was wonderful to see you. Please have a safe trip home and take care. I will take good care of Shigure-san."

"I know you will. Good-bye. I'll see you in a few weeks."

Tohru stood on her tiptoes and kissed the doctor on his cheek. "Call when you are all safely home."

"I will." Hatori ruffled Tohru's hair as he went out the door.

Once the Sohmas left for the harbor, Tohru began to straighten up the already immaculate house. She looked at the clock and thought Shigure might wake up soon so she began preparing a light meal in the kitchen…Perhaps Shigure would be hungry when he wakened.

Shigure tossed and turned as the fever kept him from waking. He was haunted by nightmares he had kept at bay for years. The nightmares recurred again and again. He was transported back to his early college days and his first love. He relived the ecstasy of loving her and the pain of her betrayal when he found her in the arms of another man on the night he had planned to propose. "Hikaru, doshite…doshite…I loved you." Akito had preyed upon the insecurities of a college freshman. She never loved…she never thought you good enough…she only used you to gain the love of a son from the family of our sworn rivals…you can never be accepted…other people will hate you…there is only us Shigure…only you and me…only I can love you. As Akito's icy fingers caressed him Shigure screamed in denial, tears coursed across his unconscious features.

From the kitchen where she was brewing the tea Hatori had ordered for Shigure's fever Tohru heard the scream and raced to his bedside. "Hikaru…Hikaru…doshite…Akito…Akito…no you're lying."

A soft touch feathered across his brow as a cool cloth replaced the one heated by his fever. A gentle voice penetrated the nightmare and stilled it.

"Shhh…Shigure, please be still, you'll hurt yourself." Gradually Shigure relaxed and Tohru breathed a sigh of relief. Shigure regained lucidity and his hand claimed hers.

"Tohru-kun" he spoke softly "you won't leave me will you, you'll stay by my side won't you?"

"For as long as you want Shigure. I only need to go as far as the kitchen and get your tea."

He held her hand tightly. "You'll come back to me please, Tohru…"

"Hai Shigure; I will." He released her hand at the assurance. He knew he could trust her, she would never betray him, and she would come back. That was part of why he loved her.

Tohru returned with the tea and he allowed her to help him sit up and then obediently drank it. He took the two tablets Tohru offered him and laid back on his pillows.

"Shigure, Mom told me that a lot of bad dreams come from bad memories. She also told me that sharing memoriesmake the good ones even better and the bad ones not so frightening. Isn't it funny how that works? Ano…Shigure-san if it is not too much of an intrusion, perhaps you'll tell me about Hikaru-san someday." Shigure's expression hardened and Tohru spoke quickly. "I'm sorry Shigure-san, I shouldn't ask about such a private matter, please forgive me, and excuse me please…" Shigure heard the hurt in her voice and reached out to grab her wrist with his hot, dry hand.

"Shigure…?"

"It is I who should be sorry. I did tell you I loved you and it isn't right that I shut you out. I told you about Naruie, I would like to tell you about Hikaru. Stay with me please…Tohru-kun. It's another piece of my past that very few people know of, but I want you to know everything about me. As you know, I find it much easier to listen to others tales of woe than I do to speak of my own. I'm sorry."

Tohru nodded and retraced her steps to his bedside. "Shigure-san should not get out of bed yet; please lay back down. I am sorry to trouble you so much."

"You are no trouble Tohru-kun, except for the fact that it was inevitable that I love you." He accompanied that declaration with a wan smile that was just a shadow of his usual one. "I don't regret that at all. I love you and it is only fair that I share my past with you, not just select pieces but all of it."

"It's not necessary Shigure, everyone has secrets they would prefer not be known. I only thought that it might make you feel better and help the nightmares go away if I were to listen to your story. At least, that's what Mom always told me when I had bad dreams."

Shigure smiled weakly and lay back on his pillows with his eyes closed. One day soon he was going to have to remind her that his love for her was much different than that of her Mom's."

She placed a fresh cool cloth on his forehead once more, and he began to talk. "It happened back when I was in my first years of college. This was before Naruie; this was my first venture into the world of love.

There was a girl, her name was Hikaru Okikawa. She was the beauty queen of our campus and two years my senior. I didn't know it at the time but she had been in a relationship with Eirima Hiruki and he had dropped her at the end of the previous term. This is only important because it explains why she chose to pursue me. You see, the Sohma and Hiruki families have been rivals for many generations and she knew that he would not continue to ignore her if she took up with one of us. Hatori and Ayame both warned me against her, many times, but I didn't listen." He laughed wryly. "I suppose that is not unusual. At that time I was young, totally sure of my appeal, and before I knew it, head over heels in love." A dry hacking cough suddenly seized Shigure and Tohru offered him some water which he accepted gratefully.

Tohru noted his pale complexion and suggested "Shigure…perhaps we should finish your story another time. I am worried that this may be too much for you right now."

"No, stay. There's a good chance I won't make this offer again. I want to tell you now."

"Okay, if you're sure."

In truth, talking was one of the last things he wanted to do. However he was willing to tell her his life story if it kept her at his bedside. He felt weak and vulnerable and feared the nightmares would return if he was left alone. There were worse things in his past than the nightmare from which she had wakened him. He had told her about Naruie already, but he didn't want to relive that in his dreams. The medication was beginning to work and if he stopped talking he would fall asleep. Sleep was something he feared at the moment. "At least stay until I fall asleep, I don't want to be left alone right now."

"I won't leave you Shigure, not unless you ask me."

"There's not much more to say about this particular affair. I was in love. She was young, beautiful, intelligent, fun, and I thought she loved me. That was a time when I believed in love and trusted easily…"

"Oh Shigure-san…" Her eyes were damp with unshed tears and there was a shadow of pain in her beautiful eyes. "Do you really not believe in love anymore? I thought…"

He realized suddenly what he had said and how she had misinterpreted it. "Tohru-kun, please don't cry. Of course I believe in love. You've restored my faith in that emotion." Looking into her luminescent blue-green eyes that were a mirror into her soul, he really did believe.

"We were together until the first session of my junior year. She was graduating in three months and I wanted her to be with me forever. I thought she wanted that too. I bought her a ring and went to her apartment. I knocked and there was no answer. I had a key and so I let myself in; I was sure she wouldn't mind if I waited for her to come home. I heard screams from her bedroom and thought she was being attacked so I grabbed the guy and knocked him out with one punch. She was suddenly on the floor by the man and screaming at me. It wasn't until then I realized that the man I had just knocked out was Eirima Hiruki. Not only had she never loved me but that was also when I came to the realizationshe had also been using me to get him back in her life. I would probably have had a criminal record from this incident if not for Ha-san. I called him as soon as it happened and was able to keep her distracted so as to prevent her contacting the police before Ha-san's arrival. He erased any memory they had of me being in her apartment. She called me the next day to say good-bye. She had gotten what she wanted and that was the end."

"Oh Shigure-san that must have been very painful…" Tohru's tears spilled over onto Shigure's hands.

Shigure lifted her head so he could see into her eyes. "There's no need for the tears Tohru-kun, don't cry for me. It was a long time ago and hurt my pride more than anything else."

"That's not true Shigure. If that's all it was you wouldn't have had nightmares about it."

Shigure loved the way she altered between calling him Shigure-san and Shigure. It was delightful. It was so much Tohru; only she would be torn between the politeness that was ingrained into her being from birth and her acceptance of the growing relationship between them. "Tohru-kun, it's o…" He was seized by another fit of coughing and Tohru made him drink another draught of the tea. This time he was unable to overcome the effects and drifted into sleep.

Tohru sat by his bed as he slept quietly. Truthfully, it would have been hard to leave with the grip Shigure had on her hand and his request just before he dozed "Stay with me…please."

After a few minutes she was able to loosen his grip. His breathing gradually slowed and evened out as she waited. She watched his face for a little while and tenderly smoothed the dark strands from his eyes. "Oh Shigure-san, when are you going to give me a chance to tell you how I feel?"

She unrolled a futon by the bed and then prepared herself a tray and some broth for Shigure in case he should awake and be hungry. The couch seemed far away at the moment and she wanted to be nearby if he needed her. She called Sofia and told her that she wouldn't be needed until Shigure was well again since Hatori feared his fever might be contagious and he didn't want anyone else exposed to it. That wasn't actually the truth, but it was a lot easier than telling the housekeeper that Shigure might turn into a dog if his body encountered too much stress from the illness. The first 36 hours were gone but Hatori had warned her it might be a week before Shigure was well once again. She ate her meal and lay on the mattress. Her thoughts were active for a while but finally they quieted and she was able to sleep. She kept in mind Hatori's warning that the next few days might be difficult and she thought she should probably rest from the long night she had just been through while she could.

Tohru woke a few hours later. A change in the tenor of Shigure's breathing was the cause of her waking. He was still asleep but it seemed his fever was on the rise again. She decided to do some cleaning while she prepared more of the herbal tea for Shigure. It would be ready for him when he woke.

Shigure slept but as his fever increased the dreams started once again. The dream started out innocently enough with two children playing in the gardens and cherry blossoms drifting freely about the grounds. The scenery changed and there were two college students sitting on a bench in the same garden simply talking and catching up on the latest news. Shigure recognized the setting and its occupants. It was him and Naruie and he was telling her of his stupidity with Hikaru and she was reassuring him that he wasn't stupid, that it could happen to anyone. The memories progressed with he and Naruie falling deeper and deeper in love and then came the fateful day when Akito destroyed it all. His fever spiked and he was wrapped in nightmare once again. "No Akito…don't make me do this…Naruie…Naruie...I'm sorry…I'm so sorry…" Tears once more flowed and Tohru rushed to his side.

Shigure-san…Shigure, oh please wake up, it's over. That's the past Shigure, please wake up."

Shigure struggled to open his eyes as Tohru sponged his face with a cool, damp rag. As his eyes opened Tohru brushed the damp strands from his eyes and kissed his forehead gently.

"Tohru-kun…" He captured her hand and pressed it to his lips. "I haven't been very lucky in love, but I'm told the third time's the charm. Is it Tohru-kun? Do you love me? I know I said I would wait but…"

Tohru caressed Shigure's lips with her fingertips. "Shhh…Shigure-san." She smiled softly. "If you had given me the chance the other night you would know by now. I love you Shigure…I truly love… you."

She managed to get some tea down him and soothe his fever. Gradually Shigure succumbed to sleep but it was a natural sleep this time. The fever seemed to have finally broken. Tohru sat by the man who had come to mean the world to her and listened to his regular breathing. It had been forty-eight hours and it seemed everything was going to be okay.

The next two days were rough just as Hatori had predicted. Shigure alternated between moments of total lucidity and moments of high fever and nightmares. Tohru was by his side almost constantly and did her best to soothe him and send his nightmares away. Gradually, as the fourth day dawned, Shigure was in a normal sleep and Tohru breathed a sigh of relief. Perhaps he was finally getting better.

Shigure slept until noon and woke up to find that he was hungry. Tohru fed him some broth and promised him the evening meal would be more substantial if he was ready for it. Once his fever took a turn for the better, Shigure healed quickly and was able to resume normal activities. He and Tohru spent a few quiet days finishing up his novel and taking leisurely walks in the evening when the heat wasn't unbearable.

"Tohru-kun," Shigure asked a couple of days after his fever was broken, "did I dream it or did you tell me you loved me?"

Tohru turned to him with a smile. "It wasn't a dream Shigure, I do truly love you."

There were only about five weeks left of their stay in Greece and everything to do with the novel was completed. It was ready to present to Mii as soon as they returned to Japan. Shigure decided that the rest of the time they would spend visiting as many islands in Greece as possible. It was time to have fun because their job was complete. Zoe, Nikos, Miki, and Kyri often accompanied Shigure and Tohru on their outings because there was still an occasional need for an interpreter and because they had all become very good friends. They spent a lot of days on the beach and in Dmitri's boats. The remaining weeks in Greece were spent water-skiing, sailing, sightseeing, and dancing. Shigure and Tohru spent a lot of time together and took a lot of photos as the days passed. Shigure threw himself into the moment as he followed Tohru's example. There would be time enough to think about the future once it was time to return home.

Shigure prepared for their return to Japan with much trepidation as the date of their departure approached closer and closer. He didn't have the faith in Yuki and Kyo that Tohru seemed to have. He was afraid that this time her confidence was misplaced. This was the consequence he didn't want to face; this was where his plans prior to leaving for Greece might have to be set in motion. There would be trouble when they returned. He didn't want Tohru to be hurt, but he was sure that was inevitable. If only he hadn't been so selfish as to fall in love with her and allow her to love him back…If only…

The day finally arrived...

"Shigure-san, are you almost packed? Captain Dmitri and Marina are here to pick us up."

"Hai Tohru-kun. I'll only be a few more minutes. Will you come up here and help me please."

"Sure." He heard her turn to Dmitri and ask him and Marina to be seated. She was sure they would be ready to leave in a few minutes. Dmitri's voice carried to his room as he accepted her offer.

"How can I help Shigure-san?" She looked around his room. "Shigure, you have everything packed, what did you need me for?"

"For this…" Shigure's intense expression registered on Tohru just before he pulled her to him. "Tohru-kun, I love you, always…please never forget." Shigure felt a desperation he hadn't realized was there. How could he ensure this precious woman's happiness? He had known that the happiness they shared here in Greece was probably tenuous at best, but he had been very happy for a while and he would always be thankful for that. His thought processes began moving forward and he found it difficult to stay in the here and now. He felt his defenses beginning to fall into place and he fought against them although he knew it would be a losing battle once he was back on Japanese soil. He wasn't that strong…

Tohru didn't understand Shigure's sudden need to kiss her and hold her close, but she had no objections to it. There was desperation in Shigure's kiss that she couldn't quite comprehend. "Shigure…I love you too, why would I forget?"

"Promise me you'll remember Tohru…" Those were the last words spoken for quite a while. "I love you, my beautiful flower."

Dmitri looked at the clock. It had been fifteen minutes or so since Tohru went to help Shigure with the last part of his packing. He figured they would be coming down the stairs soon.

Eventually the couple reemerged and he took note of their tousled appearances. Oh ho, so that is what delayed them. He smiled amiably and helped Shigure carry his suitcases out to the Land Rover.

Sofia and her family, Petros and his family, and the Sandersons were all at the dock to see them off. One last round of farewells was made and after smiles and hugs for everyone, it was time for Shigure and Tohru to return home.

As the island receded behind them, Shigure could feel his masks trying to slip back in place. Not yet, we have three days in Athens before our flight leaves. I won't allow this to happen.

Once they arrived in Athens it seemed that Shigure's odd mood back at the villa had never been. He laughed and flirted with Tohru as he had been doing for the last several weeks since they had admitted their love for each other. She forgot his mood at the villa as they became immersed in all the sightseeing in Athens that they had missed the first time around. They took a leisurely stroll up the Acropolis and spent all the time that they wished for at the Parthenon. After talking to the concierge at the Hotel Parthenon, they visited some of the other sites in Athens and its surrounds. The second day they spent a lot of time in the shopping district as Tohru wanted to be sure she had the appropriate gifts for everyone back home. They ate at some of the lesser known, but better restaurants and basked in each other's company. Shigure felt as if Japan were still far away. He and Tohru spent every moment with each other.

Tohru found she was extremely happy. Shigure was at his best. There were times he was extremely silly and full of fun. There were other times when he was quite romantic and still other times when he would turn serious. She loved him in all of his moods and knew a lifetime wouldn't be time enough to know him. In the evening they would sit out on the balcony and watch the sunrise as they sipped a glass of wine or cup of tea. She never tired of the Parthenon in the moonlight and she even found herself wondering what it would be like to have Shigure make love to her within its tall pillars. That thought turned her cheeks red and of course Shigure noticed.

"Tohru-kun, what naughty thoughts did you just have? I want to know…are you going to tell me Tohru-kun? I know! We are making love in the moonlight in the pillars of the Parthenon…"

"Shigure…"

"I know, I was just joking. You wouldn't have such illicit thoughts, but I on the other hand…"

Tohru's cheeks became even rosier if that was possible. "Tohru-kun, don't tell me you were thinking such a thought… Oh, my illusions are shattered. My precious innocent flower is becoming just like me…" Shigure's dramatic expression brought laughter to Tohru's lips and the blush receded.

"I know Tohru-kun; we'll come back here for our honeymoon and make our wildest fantasies come true…"

"I'd like that Shigure…I think I really would."

The rest of the stay in Athens passed in a similar fashion. Each night they slept in separate rooms. Shigure knew he was doing the right thing but that didn't stop him from tossing and turning restlessly as he would remember the emotions reflected in Tohru's eyes. He knew his eyes reflected the same emotions as she closed her door each night. He hoped the time would come when they would both be on the same side of that door. So far, he hadn't taken her to his bed, but her fantasy of making love in the moonlight in the pillars of the Parthenon almost pushed him over the edge. He had experimented with a few touches and a lot of kisses, but he never let it go beyond that. His promise to himself kept his baser instincts at bay.

Finally the day came for them to take the flight home. There was a stop in London that allowed them to visit Buckingham palace and Big Ben but no time for anything else. As the final stretch of the trip began, Tohru felt like something was changing within Shigure. He became a little quieter and seemed to put a distance between them. "Shigure…"

"Shh, Tohru-kun, it's okay."

His warm hand on hers reassured her just a little but she still felt like something had changed, like a metal door had clanged shut between her and the man she loved.

A/N: Sorry if this seems a little rushed, but I have really used up all of my ideas for Greece. What I needed to happen there has happened and now, on with the story. I figure it's definitely time for them to head back to Japan. See you next chapter. Shigure's mood seems to keep changing on me, he's as playful as a puppy in one chapter and then he's as serious as a junkyard dog in the next. I don't know if I will ever figure out who the real Shigure is...on the bright side, I think it's hard to take him out of character. That's why he's such a wonderful main character to write.