A/N- Chapter 9. Wow. I didn't think that the story would get this far, and there is no visible end. Once again, I would like to thank readers, reviewers, followers, and those who favorite. Thank you! Each one of you brings me happiness.

Kimberly, as you know, will be going with to the resort. What you don't know is that she and Hatori are going to have a similar situation as Emiko and Shigure (Now you do, lol. It's no longer a secret!) If you're interested in me writing the story, review and tell me. If you're not, review. Just review. Review! I'm a greedy review lover, and I want you to help with my addiction.

To sparrowismyhummingbird- Sorry. I really tried to have it out by Tuesday, but I just couldn't. But here it is! xD

Disclaimer- I don't own Fruits Basket, or any of it's characters, blah, blah, blah, we all know the drill. I only own Emiko, Ryuu, and Kimberly.

Chapter 9-

Emiko's POV-

Slowly, she smoothed her shirt, glancing at her reflection in the mirror. Her long, black curls were pulled into a high ponytail that cascaded to the bottom of her shoulder blades, with one long curl left by each ear to frame her face. She had put a touch of mascara on, and a layer of Chap Stick, but that was the only makeup she wore. The shirt she had on was white with an empire waistline and a scarlet halter neckline. Where the neck ties met the shirt, there was a cute little bow that was also scarlet. She wore skinny jeans so dark they were almost black, and white boots with red laces that went to her knees. The boots were heeled since he was so much taller then her.

~Okay, this looks cute.~ Emiko thought to herself, nibbling her lip slightly, ~But am I overdressed? Should I wear something more casual?~ Emiko turned to look through her closet and change clothes a fourth time, before she stopped herself. ~No, this is what I'm wearing. I am not changing again.~

She walked into the living room, and looked out the window. ~Perfect timing. I wonder if he's there yet?~ she thought to herself. She was about to walk to the door to go, when she saw him ever the park. He spotted her, smiled, and waved. She waved back, then went outside.

A huge smile on her face, she walked up to him, "Hi, Gure-san."

He smiled, "Hi, Miko-chan."

"I got your note," she blurted out. ~Oh, wow, I'm such an idiot! Duh!~

His smile grew larger, "Yeah, I kind of figured."
She took his hand, and led him to the swings, sitting in one, and patting the other. He sat beside her.

"Gure-san?" Emiko said.

"Yes, Miko?" Shigure said. ~Did he just call me Miko? Until now I've never liked that name... but when he says it...~

"I've never... done this... before," Emiko said nervously. What if the fact that he was her first... everything scared him off?

"Done what?" Shigure asked obliviously.

"Dated someone. Kissed someone. You know?" she managed to stutter out.

"You haven't?" Shigure asked incredulously. At her head shake, he nodded in understanding, "Never met anyone you wanted, huh?"

She raised an eyebrow in confusion, "I've met people I wanted before."

Shigure stared at her in confusion, "Then why have you never dated anyone? You're beautiful and wonderful, and I can just see the guys lining up for you. I know I would."

Emiko blushed in happiness, "Thank you. Part of the reason I've never dated anyone is because every time I liked someone, they didn't like me. The guys that asked me out, I either thought of them as a friend, or thought they were just in it for the money."

Shigure looked confused, "What money?"

"My dad owns a modeling agency, and my mom used to model," Emiko stated. At Shigure's surprised look, she asked incredulously, "You didn't know?"

Shigure shook his head. "Oh," she said.

"Why did you want me to know?" Shigure asked looking at her.

"So that if I'm hesitant, or confused, you don't feel awkward, or offended," Emiko said with a blush, looking away from him.

After a few seconds, Emiko felt a warm, large hand tug her face forward. Shigure was kneeling in front of her. ~When did he get there?~

"Miko, I would never force you to do something you weren't ready for. I'm not that kind of man. We'll move at whatever pace you want," he said with a serious expression.

Emiko smiled, and blushed again, "So what did you want to talk to me about?"

Shigure laughed, and moved back to his swing, "And what says I didn't just miss you? Maybe I just wanted to see you."

"Did you?" she asked, biting her lip.

"Miss you? Yes. Want to ask you something? Yes again," Shigure said with a grin.

Emiko laughed, "What did you want to ask me?"

"You have vacation soon, right?" he asked, looking at her.

"Yes," she said with a smile.

"I was wondering if you wanted to go on a date with me on Sunday during your vacation," he said, glancing at her from the side.

"Isn't everyone going to be at your house that night because their going with Momiji?" she asked, still smiling.

"Well, yeah, but I wasn't planning on going anyway, so it- Wait a minute, how did you know about that?" Shigure stared at her in shock.

"You're not planning to go?" she asked. Shigure shook his head no, and she smiled playfully, "Well, that's too bad, because I was."

"Tohru invited you?" Shigure asked incredulously. At her nod, he smirked, "Well, I guess I'll have to postpone our date, because I will be going."

She smiled in glee, "Good. It wouldn't have been as fun without you."

"That's comforting. So, you know that I missed you, Miko, but did you miss me?" Shigure asked playfully, standing up, and grabbing her hand. Gently, he pulled her up out of her swing and along the path next to it.

"Yes, silly, I missed you. How could I not?" she teased right back.

Quietly, they walked down the path, occasionally talking, but mostly in silence. After about an hour, Emiko started to get cold, but didn't say anything. She was enjoying herself to much to want this to end, no matter how cold she got. ~That's what I get for not wearing a jacket. If I had worn one, I wouldn't be shivering.~

Quickly, Shigure noticed her shivering. Taking off his jacket, he held it out for her to put on, "You're cold. I'll take you home."

Reluctantly, she put Shigure's warm jacket on, "I don't want to go home."

"I know that feeling. But we're both getting cold, and it's dark. Besides, I'll see you on Sunday," he said with a smile.

A halfway fake pout present on her face, she conceded with a sigh, "You're right."

Slowly, they walked back to Emiko's house. Once they got there, Shigure walked her to the door.

"Gure-san? Do I get a goodbye kiss?" Emiko teased.

Shigure smiled, "If you want one."

Emiko smiled, and they both leaned in. Just as their lips were about to touch, Emiko's front door burst open, and an angry, feminine voice said, "And where have you been, young lady?"

~Oh, shit...~ Emiko thought, yanking herself away from Shigure. She looked toward the open door to see not only her mother, but her father, too.

"I think you two better come inside," said her father.

As her parents disappeared into the living room, Emiko turned to Shigure, "There's another reason that I've never had a boyfriend."

"What?" Shigure asked, curiously.

"My father. Anyone I brought home to meet him never wanted to go on another date."

"Is he really that scary?"

"He can be..."

Shigure's POV-

~He can be scary enough to make guys afraid to take Miko out on a second date?~ Shigure thought in concern.

They walked into the apartment, down a short hallway at the entrance, and into Emiko's living room.

Emiko's father was sitting in an armchair facing the couch. Her mother stood in the doorway to a bedroom.

"Emiko, you go talk to your mother. I'll talk to this young man," her father said. Emiko gave him an apologetic smile that looked more like a grimace before walking over to her mother. Her mother walked into the bedroom, and Emiko followed, waving before closing the door behind her.

Shigure looked at Emiko's father. He had black, straight hair cut short, and close to his head. His hairline looked like it had started to recede, proving, along with the laugh lines surrounding his chocolate brown eyes and mouth, that he was early to mid forties. Since he was sitting down, Shigure couldn't tell how tall he was, but if he had to guess, he would say five foot six, or five foot seven. (Around 168 centimeters, same as Emiko. I know I said she inherited her height from her dad, but never specified how tall she was ) All in all, he looked like a man who was typically kind and cheerful. Right at this moment, however, while he looked calm, Shigure felt a deadly chill in the air. He knew, if he made one mistake with this man, he would most likely be removed from Emiko's life.

"Sit down," he ordered, gesturing to the couch across from him. Unable to resist against the tone of command in his voice, Shigure gingerly sat on the edge of the couch.

"How did you meet my daughter?" he asked.

"Through Tohru," Shigure started. When he mentioned Tohru's name, Emiko's father relaxed just the tiniest bit, "Tohru lives in my house."

"Tell me about your relationship with my daughter," Emiko's father commanded.

~I feel like I'm at a job interview...~ Shigure thought. Nevertheless, he complied...

Emiko's POV-

She waved nervously at Shigure before closing the door to her mother and father's bedroom. Anxiously, she turned to face her mom, who patted the bed next to where she was sitting, "Come here, Pookie." (That's what her mom calls her. It's used just like sweetie, or baby.)

Emiko carefully sat down next to her mom, "Mom, I'm sorry, I didn't mean-"

"Why are you sorry? I'm not angry," her mother interrupted.

"Y-You're not?" Emiko stuttered in incredulity.

"No, Pookie, I'm not. I was a little worried that you didn't leave a note, and slightly annoyed that you didn't tell me about that lovely gentleman out there, but I'm not angry," her mother smiled, giving her a small hug. Emiko smiled back, "Now that that's out of the way, tell me what it's like, Pookie."

Excited about finally being able to tell the person she's closest to about her relationship, she asked, "What do you want to know?"

Her mom giggled quietly, "Everything, but let's start with what's important. Is he a good kisser?"

Emiko flushed a painful shade of red, "MOM!"

Her mother laughed, "I knew it! You've kissed him!"

"So, you didn't actually want to know?" Emiko asked in relief.

"No. I wanted to see how far you'd gone with him, and this seemed like the funnier way of asking," her mom admitted guiltlessly.

"You are so terrible, Mom," Emiko stated.

Her mom smiled, "I know. Now, Pookie, tell me all about him."

So she did.