Disclaimer: This story is just an entertainment fiction for the Fruits Basket fans, and especially Gureru fans ^__^

This fanfic is loosely based off the manga version.

~ = Quotes, Poetry, or thoughts that have inspired me to write this story ^_^

* * * = Change of scene and/or later on in the story. Italics = Thoughts/Flashback. * = Notes

M a g n o l i a

C h a p t e r   I ~ "I dreamt of the one I love, even so, I was overcome by a feeling of helplessness." – Souma Shigure [Vol. 3, pg. 99]

Many times Shigure watched over the three of them. They always laughed, argued, smiled and even shared sadness. Tooru. She is the central figure of happiness and hope in the lives of many Soumas. Though she is not aware of how much of an impact she has been to the Souma clan, the happiness due to her actions do manifest in the faces of those she really cares, and that brings her joy. Everyday Tooru's life became more entwined with the Juunishi, and perhaps the same fate would be shared as well, a fate of a hopeless future without the embrace of a lover to comfort. Death seemed to have offered a better future for the Juunishi, but not even that was a choice for them, for their god, Akito, controlled every decision. As a junnishi, Souma Shigure was bound to that same miserable fate. But while the others began to accept it, he would not. Ever since the dream— that oh so painful, sweet lingering dream of passion that had deeply moved his heart and placed it into the sunrise of a harsh reality. From then on he claimed his selfishness, manipulation, deceit and pain were worth it all, for in the end he would feel that tender and loving embrace, eternally.

"Shigure-san . . . Shigure-san."

Shaken from his reverie, Shigure looked up to see an unexpected Tooru staring at him with such obvious concern.

"Are you alright?"

He smiled warmly for her. "Of course I am. What makes you think I'm not?"

Tooru held her gaze. "For a moment there, you almost looked sad."

"Really? I don't feel sad, but maybe if Tooru-kun would give me a big, wet kiss I would always be happy?" Shigure closed his eyes and puckered his lips, waiting for her kiss. But instead, all he got were two fists that sent him flying through the sliding doors and outside into the bushes.

"Pervert!" Kyou and Yuki shouted simultaneously.

Shigure climbed out from the bushes and he grunted in pain. "Aww, Tooru just came along to relieve my suffering heart with a kiss," he sighed romantically, as he let eyes wonder at Tooru's sweet figure.

Tooru turned her face away in order to hide her bright crimson face. One would have thought she was used to Shigure's comments, but still each time he seemed to be the only person to make her blush in multiple shades of red.

"Honestly Shigure, don't you have any shame?" Yuki scolded.

"Is that a 'yes' or 'no' question?" Shigure pondered as he headed back towards his study room.

"Cut the crap! I know you were trying to trick Tooru again!" Kyou raced towards Shigure, wanting to give him another beating.

Shigure quickly latched onto Kyou's head, keeping him at a distance while his arms thrashed wildly at him. "Oh is this how you treat the one who has provided you with shelter and infinite wisdom!"

"I am grateful Shigure-san!" Tooru cut in, hoping to end the fight. "If it weren't for Shigure-san, we would not have been able to be together like this," she smiled in genuine appreciation. It was true. He had allowed her to stay with them in his home, gave her a room with a soft bed, food to eat, incessant kindness and most of all the happiness of being with all of them. She was indeed very thankful for her life with the Soumas.

Kyou suddenly stopped his futile attack while Yuki had to reluctantly agree.

Shigure then flew to Tooru's side and kissed her hand smoothly. "Oh, won't you be mine Tooru-kun?"

Before she could even respond, Shigure's head was pounded into the floor. "Don't you ever learn!" shouted an angry Yuki and Kyou. Obviously, that dog was never tested for Pavlov's supposed 'conditioning reflex'.

"Don't you have a book to write," Kyou spat.

"Or an Editor to harass?" Yuki added.

Shigure quickly recovered and began scratching his head, trying to remember what he had planned for the day. "Ah, that's right! I am supposed to visit Ha-san!"

"Good, go harass him," Kyou mumbled.

Shigure's eyes began to water as his nose sniffled. "You want to kick me out of my own home? How mean!"

Tooru just smiled. "Shigure-san, would you tell Hatori-san I said 'Hello'?"

"Whaa! You too, want me to go!" he cried out, clutching his chest. "Oh, I can now feel my heart shatter into a thousand pieces!"

Tooru then realized at just how she said that. "Ah! I am very sorry Shigure-san!" She quickly went up to him, eyes serious with regret. "I really didn't mean it that way!"

"I was just joking," he smiled whole-heartedly. "I know my little flower is always sweet and kind."

"Honda-san, how about we go finish planting those strawberries?" Yuki was eager to get out of the house, away from Shigure's antics and Kyou's threats, but mostly he wanted to enjoy being with Tooru alone.

Tooru nodded in excitement. "Yes, let's go!"

"Gardening?" Kyou mocked. "Sounds like the wimpy mouse has nothing better to do."

Yuki was tempted to retort, but he knew that it would only take more of his time arguing with him rather than doing what he loved most.

Kyou waited anxiously for Yuki to fight back, yet this time he didn't. He only went outside, picked up a couple of potted plants, and then lead Tooru with him into the forest.

Kyou's arched shoulders quivered like that of a furious feline. "Hey! Where do you think you are going?"

"Forget it Kyou-kun, he is long gone." Shigure approached from behind. "You should also try doing something constructive like Yuki-kun, other than practice fighting."

"Humph! Why should I do something like that, just cause the damn mouse does?"

"Well, Tooru-kun is happy whenever she is with you. Finding something like what Yuki-kun does would give her the opportunity to be with you more often." Shigure watched Kyou's facial expressions change dramatically. "But I suppose none of that would matter because you are so determined to beat Yuki-kun that you easily forget what's truly important."

Shigure knew he hit the right spot in Kyou's heart, but he felt it necessary to push him a little farther. "One more year is all you have left. It's your choice on how you spend it."

Satisfied with what he had done, Shigure left him to ponder in his motionless stance. As he walked up the stairs to his room, a smirk tugged at the corner of his mouth; he knew very well what Kyou's actions would soon be.

Yet, at the same time his eyes revealed an unfamiliar emotion. Was it guilt? No, it certainly wasn't guilt, for twisting people like what he just did to his cousin did not affect his heart. He did what had to be done.

"Not for much longer," he whispered to himself. Everyday, I come closer . . .

* * *

Even on a bright spring day the Souma clan estate was dark and dreary. The scattered cherry blossoms had bloomed late for the time of the year. They were well past their peak, as the petals yielded to the slightest gust of wind only to become like dancers in the air that easily enchanted any one soul. Yet, it was a shame that not one soul was in sight to enjoy their beauty.

Many times Akito withdrew himself to and from the light, squandering every little bit of life he had in him. He was just like a child that would throw fits of rage in the slightest of disappointment, or beg for attention by being ill more than he really was. Nevertheless, Akito is the feared god of the Juunishi; however, for Shigure, that was not entirely so. Akito's erratic behavior often made it difficult to hold control over him, but Shigure still continued to hold much power over him.

"Hi Ha-san!" Shigure waved in his usual bubbly manner, as he slid the doors open and bent down next to the table. Across from him sat Hatori, who happened to be enjoying his afternoon tea. "I called you today. Why didn't answer?"

"Because I knew it was you," Hatori replied.

"Ha-ha, you're not funny. It could have been an emergency you know! What if I fell down? Or worse! What if your secret love, Tooru-kun, got hurt? Oh, I can just imagine the guilt and regret you would be suffering!"

Hatori sipped his tea, choosing to ignore him.

"Aw, you're no fun!"

"You didn't stop by to see just me."

"What do you mean? I always stop by to see Ha-san."

"Humph. Liar."

Shigure couldn't help but grin. He knew he couldn't trick Hatori, but he could certainly hide things when he wasn't watching. "Ha-san always knows me too well."

"Though Akito is in a foul mood he has ordered you to see him as soon as you have come."

Shigure picked up the warm teacup and inhaled the green tea aroma. He then brought it to his lips, slowly sipping the savored taste. With a delighted expression, he nodded to Hatori.

"I suppose I shouldn't let him wait any longer," he mused.

Shigure walked down a dark narrow corridor until he reached his destination. He slid the door open and saw Akito on his back, sprawled out on the tatami floor mats. Through the room's dimmed light, he saw his chest rising up and down, breathing heavily. He walked over to him, and bent down, gently placing his hands on both sides of his face. Akito remained motionless, but very much aware.

"Akito," Shigure whispered deeply.

Akito stopped breathing so heavily and slowly turned his face upward to meet Shigure's. "Why did you not come to me directly as I have said?"

Shigure bowed his head in apology. "Forgive me, I have no excuse."

Akito seemed to be in a forgiving mood, for he did not reprimand nor move in anger. He then smoothly caressed his face, while Shigure's hands still held his. "Don't do it again," he said devoid of sentiment.

He dropped his hand to his side and picked himself up. "Shigure, do you know how much Tooru-san means to Yuki?"

Shigure watched him walk towards the round window, as he then leaned partly out past the shutters. By the way Akito questioned, he knew his mind was scheming. He chose his words carefully.

"Yuki cares for her."

"And the monster? Does he care for her as well?"

"Yes."

"And she cares for them," he stated. A moment of silence ensued. Shigure's face was expressionless. His thoughts predicted that Akito just wanted him to involve Yuki and Kyou in another ploy against Tooru.

Akito smiled. "Such a stupid girl she is." He headed back to Shigure, who still remained seated on the floor. Akito then asked him another question he did not expect. "Do you care for her Shigure? For hasn't she affected you as well?"

Without hesitation, Shigure boldly looked into his eyes. "No, she has no affect on me," he said coldly.

"I know," Akito smiled gently. "Because you are not like the rest them. You have always been different." He walked circles around Shigure as if he was studying every unique part him. "You deceive people all the time, don't you?"

Shigure smiled faintly in response, while inwardly, Akito's unexpected comments and demeanor caught him off guard.

"You will do something for me, won't you?"

Shigure felt the subtle command in Akito's voice; he had no choice but to agree.

Akito stopped in his tracks when he saw Shigure nod his head from behind. Pleased with his agreement, he wrapped his arms around Shigure in a tight embrace. Shigure reluctantly relaxed his body against his in effort to prove his submissiveness.

In his ears, Akito whispered, "Make Tooru love you . . . seduce her . . . and she will bear your child." He then breathed deeply into his neck. "In the end, she will suffer the most."

Shigure slightly opened his mouth almost as if to speak, but paused for the shock of what he had to do held his words back. He was, however, careful to keep any form of emotion in restraint. Deep down Shigure knew that it was only a matter of time before Akito would act out his will on hurting Tooru. It was expected. But in no way did he expect to be involved with Tooru in such a way.

Make Tooru . . . love me? he thought to himself. How could anyone make someone love another? And a child too?

Shigure knew he was the wrong person to be a father, for no child's father should be devious and selfish as he, realizing that wasn't so much as a regret for him, but more of a fact that he accepted. To hurt Tooru was something Shigure would do, but only if it was necessary to himself. Either way, Shigure knew he couldn't get out of his deal, at least for the moment, for it was obvious that Akito had his mind set on making Tooru regret for ever having wanted to know the Juunishi.

Akito's embrace began to loosen as he looked up, carefully watching Shigure's face for any bit of emotion or reaction to surface. "I applaud you, Shigure for hiding everything so well. I wonder what is going on through that twisted mind of yours."

"I was thinking how I could accomplish such a feat. Tooru-san loves Yuki and Kyou, not I."

Akito let go of Shigure and stood up as if to lecture him for saying such a thing. "Oh Shigure, what I want most of all is the look on Tooru's face when I take her child away, a Juunishi child," he cackled softly to himself. "Only you can do this."

Shigure rose to his level, not liking the power he had over him, but still Akito did not back away; in fact, he only drew closer.

"I believe Yuki and the others need some relaxation, and since I am so caring I have already had the villa prepared for their visit. Beginning tomorrow night, they will be gone for 4 days, leaving Tooru behind. You do understand?"

"Yes," Shigure bowed his head respectfully, but before he could take leave, Akito gave him a soft kiss on the cheek that was like an affirmation of their conspiracy.

"I know you will not betray me, Shigure." It sounded as if Akito was confidant in him, yet his tone had enough warning if he should fail.

With one last profound look from behind, Shigure felt a premonition that his dream would no longer be defined as it once was. He could not allow that to happen, for his dream was the only thing worth living for in life, or so he thought.

____________________________________________________

*That's it for now. Please review and tell me what you think of this story so far. Also, I just wanted to say this story was inspired by a message ('Shigure Revelations') I saw in the 'Fruity Group' ML. If you haven't been there, I suggest you do. It brings up interesting and debatable facts about my most favorite character, Souma Shigure. ^__^