Ai Yori Aoshi Fan Fiction ❯ Necessary Evil ❯ Necessary Evil - Acceptance ( Chapter 10 )

Chapter 10: Acceptance

Miyabi stared at the road in front of them intently, her eyes narrowed as she gauged the situation around her. Beside her, Kaoru snuck concerned glances at her. That the woman had not slept in nearly a day and a half was evident to him. Being a senior in University can teach you things that aren't covered in class - like how to tell how long someone has gone without sleep by simply looking at them. He thought. Miyabi flashed her high beams at a slow car, easing off the petal as she impatiently flashed her lights again.

"Come on, get out of my fucking way!" she snarled under her breath. Seeing the other car move to the left, she jammed her foot down on the gas again, the German sports car surging forward. Kaoru tilted his head to look at the speedometer. "Yes, Kaoru-dono?" came her level, clipped reply.

"Nothing, Yabi-chan." He soothed her. "Just wondering how wise it is to be driving this fast." Miyabi glanced at her go-fast gauge. "I mean, there are cops around, you know?" he added.

"This isn't fast, Kaoru-dono." Came her reply. Her voice was thick and dark. "In about ten kilometers, I'll show you fast!" she promised. Kaoru chose to let it drop at that.

"So, how's the fuel?" he asked her. Miyabi glanced at her gas gauge.

"We'll need to refuel about half way back." She said simply. Seeing an opening, she tapped the clutch, dropped a gear and floored the gas, her silver car all but leaping past a passenger car that was about to get in front of her. Moving back into top gear, she kept the gas close to the floor. Hang on, Aoi-sama. She thought to her former charge. I'll get your knight in shining armor to your side in time to save you, I swear it! Seeing a road sign blur past, her lips thinned into a tight smirk. Three more klicks to open road!

-

The remainder of the party was still sitting in the living room of the Sakuraba house, absorbing the revelations of the past half hour, and sorting through their feelings. They had been in a mild state of shock since Miyabi had arrived back, at it wasn't until a good fifteen minutes after her and Kaoru's tire-shredding departure that they had shaken off the shock enough to begin to deal with it all.

Tina was staring at the wall blankly. I should be glad for them. Really. I should. She thought. The memories of her and Kaoru's times together - both in bed and out of bed - danced through her head, undermining her attempts to simply let him go and cheer Aoi on. It's not like I really thought he'd want to marry me. But still… she sighed, trying to push those thoughts aside. In light of tonight, I should think about what to do next. She thought, absently touching her lower belly. Maybe I should just not say anything and go on another `trip'. She thought to herself. Yeah, and be eaten alive by guilt the whole time! Her more practical side thought. "This is making me nuts." She mumbled, forgetting that she was sitting next to Taeko.

"What, Tina-sempai?" asked the maid, blinking at the blonde from behind her glasses. Tina shook her head, her attention obviously elsewhere. Seeing that Tina hadn't been talking to her, the girl's mind went back to her previous line of thought. It makes a lot of sense, really. She thought. Aoi-san has always been very warm and sweet to us all, but it was always so much deeper with Kaoru-sempai. That thought brought to mind a favorite `deeper' subject between herself and Kaoru. I…guess that I won't be sleeping with him any more. I mean, he's marrying Aoi-san, and I know I can't compete with her! His words from a half hour ago came back to her. And it would be wrong for me to even try. She thought resolutely. Childhood sweethearts, and those scars on his back! I have no right to even think of getting between them! Like most girls, she had a soft spot for romantic notions like true love. Still, I can't help but wish he could be with me. She thought guiltily. And also like most girls, she saw no problem with ignoring the theory of romance in favor of a good lover in her bed.

Mayu was absently swinging her feet as her eyes looked blindly at the ceiling. I…don't get it. She thought. Hanabishi-sama was supposed to marry me! I've always known that, ever since the first time I met him! She frowned. But if that's true, then why do keep finding myself rooting for him, when he's already said that he's going to go save Aoi-sama so he can marry her?! She grimaced. "I don't get it." She muttered irritably. Ruka glanced at his young charge, but remained silent, knowing that she would have to work this one out on her own. Mayu didn't notice his attention, however. He loves me. I know he does! He even told me he loved me! She thought, biting her lip a little. So, why does it feel like he belongs to Aoi-sama? Her mind drifted for an instant before a new thought occurred to her. Of course! She though.

Kicking herself off the chair, she stood, habitually smoothing her expensive dress. "Ruka-san," she ordered imperiously, "have you found that number yet?" she demanded crisply of her chaperone.

"Um, no, Mayu-sama. Not yet." He replied, having forgotten the whole thing as the night's bombing run had pushed it all from his mind. Mayu sniffed.

"Well, hurry up and find it!" she directed him. "And their address, too." She added thoughtfully. He bowed to her.

"Yes, of course." He said, grabbing his cell phone and PDA. Pushing his own thoughts to the side, he resumed the search for the information. I guess I already know how things would have played out if I were in Kagurazaki-san's place. In fact, I've already been there, and I made the same choice she did. He mused, dialing a number. Maybe I should begin to plan for the day when I will be dismissed in disgrace from service to the Miyuki household for allowing their daughter to sleep with Hanabishi-san. Pushing the thought to the back of his mind, he resumed the search for the information.

All three girls had arrived at a similar conclusion, though all of them for different reasons. With their minds made up, they shook off the mental torpor they had been in and began to look around, planning a way to implement their various plans. Mayu was smiling a wicked smile as she hummed to herself. Tina rose and headed for her room, where a well-worn notebook waited for her. Tae-chan rose and headed for the phone in the house.

I'm going to help! They all thought in unison.

-

Miyabi had been a woman of her word, and had shown him her definition of fast once they cleared the more congested and twisty roads that lead out of the city. Once she was on the main corridor, she had pushed her steel steed to a little better than 180 klicks an hour, a speed that Kaoru had only seen in the movies. Even at the bat-out-of-hell speeds, Miyabi was humming to herself a little. Kaoru decided that he was safe enough asking her some questions now that they were on the relatively open road. "Yabi-chan?" he asked her cautiously.

"Yes, Kaoru-dono?" she replied easily. It seemed that driving fast late at night with little sleep relaxed her.

"Why are you doing this?" he asked her. She frowned a bit.

"I told you, Kaoru-dono, I will protect your and Aoi-sama's love." She said softly. Kaoru considered that.

"Nice, but why?" he pressed her. "You've already lost your position, your reputation and your livelihood. Why risk so much more by openly defying the Sakurabas?" he wanted to know.

She was silent for few moments before she answered. "Why did you leave the Hanabishis? Why did you take that beating?" she countered. Kaoru thought that one over.

"Because I couldn't not do it." He said at last. "I…had to leave. No matter what, I had to get out of there." He said softly. Miyabi glanced over at him, a knowing smile on her face.

"And that is precisely why I'm doing this now." She said.

"And you're going to be ok with just this?" he asked, inferring the losses she had already taken for him and his precious Aoi-chan. "I know that Aoi-chan and I will do all we can to repay you for your kindness and help, but we can't promise anything." He noted.

"You two being together is repayment enough." She said. "Seeing you two around each other for the last year and more has really changed the way that I look at things." She said. Silence fell for a few minutes, then she spoke again. "Do you…want to hear a little about my past, Kaoru-dono?" she asked tentatively. Kaoru did, but he had to deal with something else first.

"On one condition." He said simply. "Stop with the `-dono' stuff already, Yabi-chan." He said, smiling at her. "It's me! Kaoru!" he added, tapping his chest. "I'm no `-dono', so call me Kaoru - or Kaoru-kun if you must be more formal." He requested. Miyabi snorted delicately.

"If you insist, Kaoru-kun." She said.

"That's better." He encouraged, touching her hand. She instinctively interlaced her fingers with his, squeezing his hand. With the car in high gear, she could handle it with one hand easily enough for the time being. She began to talk about her early years, her family, upbringing and many other topics that they had never gotten around to discussing before. Time flew by, and before they knew it, her gas warning light was chiming.

Diving off the super-slab, Miyabi swiftly slotted them into a gas station pump. Evan as the tires gave a single soft skitch!, the young man working the station came over, bowing to Miyabi. "Welcome to…" he began as Miyabi lowered her window.

"Yes, thanks. Full tank, high performance gas. And make it fast, please." She said crisply. Bowing, the young man - probably a few years younger than Kaoru by her estimation - began to pull the fueling hose over to the filler on her tank. Leaning back, she stretched her back, hearing and feeling some pops. Damn, I'm more tired than I thought. She thought idly.

"When's the last time you slept, Yabi-chan?" asked Kaoru softly, touching her shoulder. She shrugged.

"Dunno. Been at least a day." She said. "But I can sleep later." Glancing at her gages, she noted that everything seems to be running fine with her BMW. All that upkeep and maintenance is paying off. she thought. She felt Kaoru gently pat her shoulder.

"Coffee?" he asked her, smiling a bit. "My treat." He added, his smile turning into a grin. She stifled a giggle.

"Are you trying to pick me up, you bad boy?" she teased him. He shook his head.

"No. I'm trying to keep from dying in a fiery car wreck." He shot back. She shot him a dirty look. "No, seriously. Be right back." He said, slipping out of her low-slung bullet. She leaned forward a bit to see him jog off down the road to a small store nearby. Turning her key to activate her gauges, she noted that the tank was rapidly filling. Deciding to be ready when the boy was done, she fished around in her pocket for her folded money, fishing it out and rough-estimated the total. Peeling off the bills, she tucked the money back into the breast pocket of her thin, clinging shirt.

The passenger door opened as the boy closed her gas cap cover. Maneuvering into her car, Kaoru steadied a small pressed-paper tray that held two cups of what her nose told her was coffee and a small paper bag. Holding out the folded bills to the boy through her window, she kept her eyes on Kaoru as he reattached his seatbelt, giving it a tug to make sure it was locked in properly.

Feeling the attendant take the bills, she glanced at him as she cranked her car, the motor turning over silkily and purring like a tiger. "Keep the change." She said, shifting into gear. She checked on Kaoru one more time as her right foot teased the throttle. "Hold on to that tight - we'll get into it once we're back on the road." She said, seeing the attendant back away from her revving motor. Satisfied that he was clear, she pumped the gas and dumped the clutch, her tires laying twin lines out of the pump key.

In less than one minute, they were back at their previous cruising speed of better than 160 klicks an hour. Once settled, Kaoru began to search for the cup holders, but, not finding any, shrugged and opened the coffee he had gotten for Miyabi, handing it to her. "Careful - it's hot." He cautioned her. She took it carefully and nodded her thanks before sipping a bit of the coffee. She was pleasantly surprised.

"Swiss mocha?" she guessed. Kaoru shrugged.

"Or something close to it. I told them that I needed the best coffee they had." He chuckled. "Since they could see your car, they assumed you were a gaijin and gave me this stuff." Opening his, he sipped it. Used to coffee of various pedigree from his school life, he had to admit that this was pretty good. Putting his cup back in the holder, he got into the bag. "And what's coffee without some snacks?" he asked rhetorically. Fumbling for a moment with the bag, he managed to extract a napkin and a small, sugary treat. Miyabi smiled.

"Coffee cake." She identified it. "Strange what you can find in the most unexpected places." She noted, handing her coffee back to Kaoru as she took the napkin-wrapped treat in hand, nibbling at it daintily. While she did that, Kaoru had managed to get another one of the treats out and sampled it.

"Not bad." He noted. "But this is more Tina's taste than mine." He added. Seeing Miyabi holding out her small pastry, he swapped it for her coffee. After a couple of sips, he switched it back out for the food. This is kind of nice. He thought. I mean, yeah, I want to be with Aoi-chan, but Yabi-chan is pretty damned nice to be with, too. The thought of being without the older woman was distinctly unpleasant. Not only because she was Aoi's best friend, but also because she was so organized and cool under pressure. Not to mention that she is the one I lost my virginity to. He added truthfully.

"Kaoru?" came Miyabi's voice, interrupting his thoughts. He looked over to her. Eyes on the road, she still noted his attention. "I need you to do something for me." She said.

"Of course." He answered immediately. Miyabi's lips twitched into a smile.

"Oh, the things I could say to that!" she teased. "But seriously, I want you to swear to me that you'll care for Aoi-sama to the very best of your abilities." She said, her tone dead serious. "She's not the most together girl I've ever seen, but her heart is good, and she never stops trying. Since I won't be able to be there for her, I want you - as her future husband and lover - to swear to me that you will cherish her as she deserves to be cherished." Said the older woman.

"You know I will." He said softly. "But, I know that Aoi-chan'll want to have you near her, and I want to make good for all the help you've given us." He said. "You said you were released from service, so…" he paused.

"So?" prompted Miyabi.

"So, I would like to hire you, Miyabi." He said. "At the moment, I can't promise you much of a salary, but Aoi-chan and I can surely figure out a…" he was saying before being interrupted by the woman beside him.

"You can't, Kaoru." She said simply. "I wasn't just released - I was disgraced." She said simply. "That means that no family of any standing will touch me with a ten meter pole." She said, her tone a bit tight.

"Well, MY family would love to have you." He said, his tone a bit hot. "If those fucking idiots are too stupid to realize that social status is nothing but arrogance, then to hell with them!" he growled. "What do you say, Miyabi? Want to work for Aoi-chan?" he asked her again.

"Yes." Said the woman simply. They'll make it. I know they will! She thought warmly.

-

"Man, this is a nice bath." Said Mayu, sitting next to Taeko in the master bath. With time on their hands, the girls had silently migrated to the master bath for a relaxing soak. Tina was currently rinsing off the last of her body wash before joining the well-endowed maid and the small heiress in the tub. "I feel a lot more relaxed now." She added, leaning back. Because of her short stature, she was sitting upright, and the water was to her chin. Beside her, Tae-chan was reclining a little to let the warm water cover her shoulders, though the tips of her breasts broke the surface.

"Yeah, I always feel so good after a nice soak." Agreed Tae-chan. "Aoi-san and I usually end up taking baths at about the same time each evening." She shared.

"Really?" wondered Mayu. Taeko nodded. Silent for a moment, Mayu soon spoke again. "Is she really as pretty as she looks?" asked the girl. Taeko frowned.

"What do you mean, Mayu?" she asked.

"She seems so perfect, dressed in her kimonos. Is she hiding anything under there? Like a birthmark? Or a little flab?" pressed the girl. Taeko shook her head.

"No. She's beautiful." Said the maid, sighing. "I know I could never compete with her."

"Well, at least your chest is bigger." Offered Mayu.

"Yeah, but it's more than that." Admitted Tae-chan. "She's…different. Like she isn't like me and Tina-sempai and other girls." The maid struggled with expressing her thought. "It's like she's a whole level above us."

"No kidding." Came Tina's voice as she settled into the tub with the two of them. For once, the American didn't have any immediate barbed comments for Mayu, and the girl seemed to be missing her own pithy retorts as well. "She's owned him since before the word `go'." All three were silent.

"Hey, what do you two think you'll do now?" asked Mayu a few minutes later. "I mean, he'll be back with Aoi-san as his wife, right? Isn't it going to be kind of awkward to be here, considering…" she trailed off, keenly aware that she was in that group as well.

"Considering that we've all been sleeping with her fiancé?" supplied Tina brutally. "Or that we've been getting what she couldn't even verbally claim as her right? Oh, and let's not overlook the fact that we've all been monopolizing his time, reducing the time she could spend with him." She finished darkly. Taeko and Mayu looked down as they thought about her words.

"But, she was always so happy." Said Taeko softly. "Every day, she greeted us with a smile and laughed with us, and everything." She protested.

"Like she had a choice?" countered Mayu. "There was nothing she could do about it, so she had to make the best of it."

"I'm not so sure about that." Interjected Tina. "Landlady-san is just a nice person, the whole way around. She just isn't able to hate anyone, no matter how much they hurt her." Silence fell for a good quarter hour. It was Taeko who finally broke it.

"You think…we should leave?" she asked the two softly.

-

"There it is." Said Miyabi, creeping her car forward to allow Kaoru to see the gate to the main house of the Sakurabas. Intently studying the estate, she nodded to herself. "They don't seem to be any more active than before, so maybe I got out clean." She murmured. As quietly as possible, she moved her car down the street. About halfway down the block, she pulled into a small alley and killed the engine.

Turning to her passenger, she studied him in the dim light of the moon and stars. Kaoru looked back at her evenly. "So, what's the plan?" he asked her. She remained unreadable for a few moments, then her shoulders slumped.

"I was hoping you might have a few ideas." She admitted. "We have to save Aoi-sama, but I really have no idea as to how we should go about it."

"Oook." Drawled Kaoru. "Well, first things first." He said resolutely. "In or out?" he asked, tilting his head to the walled estate.

"In would probably be best for now." Said Miyabi. "I'll take you to my room." She decided.

"You were staying in the mansion?" he gaped at her. "But, you were released!" he protested.

"Indeed. But Lord Sakuraba knew that I would do whatever I could to wreak his little `solution', so he arranged for me to be `housed' with them until after the wedding." She said, her lips twisting into a sneer. "It's basically imprisonment." She nut shelled.

"Well, there's one angle right there." Replied Kaoru. "Unlawful imprisonment and all." He noted. Miyabi snorted.

"With the battalion of lawyers and influence peddlers they keep on staff, you don't stand a prayer of using that to leverage anything." She noted cynically. Kaoru sighed.

"I see." He said softly. Miyabi opened her door quietly.

"Anyway, let's get inside." She said, slipping out of the car. Kaoru followed her example. Stealthily, they closed the car and moved along the wall. Coming to a small pass-gate, Miyabi fished around a bit before producing an archaic key and slipping it into the lock. Steady pressure unlocked the gate quietly and she pushed the wooden gate open, easing inside as she did so. Kaoru followed her lead.

Once they were inside, she closed the gate and re-locked it. Looking around, she made sure that no one was near them before grabbing his hand and tugging him toward a smallish building set back a bit from the main house. Moving through the shadows of the trees, the two made it to the back of the guest lodge, where Miyabi opened a single small window. Tossing her head, she indicated that he should go in first. Kaoru easily pulled himself through and turned to help Miyabi in. Once they were inside, she shut the window again.

Taking his hand, she led him one room over and closed the door behind them. By touch, she guided him to a futon. Easing down, he sat on the low bed, feeling Miyabi settle next to him. "This is the safest place to plan." She said by way of explanation. "There is a goon at the main door." She added.

"And here I thought you wanted a night of steamy passion." He joked back. Miyabi hummed.

"I do, but there are other issues to deal with. First and foremost is Aoi-sama." She said, wincing as her back spasmed. Damn, I have been driving most of a day. She recalled. She was surprised when she felt Kaoru's hands guide her to the bed by her shoulders before going to work on her clothes. "Kaoru, we…" she began.

"Shh." He soothed her. "I'm working on a plan right now, but you need a little care yourself." He explained, swiftly peeling her naked. Gentle pressure guided her onto her stomach, and he began to kneed her shoulders and neck, working his way down. "I think better when doing something useful with my hands." He offered. She just hummed. Steadily, he worked his way down her back to her firm, toned ass.

By the time he had reached the bottoms of her shapely butt cheeks, he had a rough idea of what he would try first. Opening his mouth to tell his idea to Miyabi, he heard her soft breathing and knew she was asleep. She's been running hard for more than a day. He thought, fondly caressing her silky skin. Yawning himself, he slipped out of his clothes and lay down next to his lover, settling in comfortably before pulling the cover over them both. Knowing he had only a few hours to rest, he still couldn't resist leaning over Miyabi to kiss the nape of her neck lovingly. As he drifted off to sleep, he had one last thought. I'm coming for you, Aoi-chan. Hold out a little longer.

-

The first calls of the birds were just sounding as Kaoru opened his eyes. Though feeling like he hadn't slept in a while, he was eager to begin the fight for his love. Glancing at the sleeping woman in his arms, he began to untangle himself from her. Now, to find a bathroom to freshen up a bit. He thought to himself. Easing out from under the covers, he had just swung his legs out when Miyabi opened her eyes.

"Ugh. Morning, Kaoru-kun." She said, grimacing a bit as she rubbed her eyes. The younger man watched her wake up.

"Good morning, Yabi-chan." He said. Miyabi sat up, the covers at her hips, her large breasts proudly on display. "Is there a bathroom where I can freshen up a bit?" he asked her, feeling his dick stir at the sight of her erect nipples. Miyabi nodded.

"Second door on the left." She said, tossing the covers off and standing. "Come on, we can share a quick shower." She said, glancing at the curtained windows. Silently, she led him to the bathroom. Kaoru felt his dick grow hard at he watched her gracefully move about.

Entering the bathroom, he saw that it was a small, economical deal, tiled and drained, with little more than a shower head on a hose to indicate what was shower from what was everything else. Starting the shower, Miyabi turned to see Kaoru's erection. Smiling, she opened her mouth to invite him to get in a quickie, but closed her mouth, remembering that he was there for Aoi, not her. Better start getting used to being single again. She thought.

The two showered fairly quickly, speaking little. Kaoru was busy organizing his thoughts and preparing arguments for his first attempt at claiming his fiancé. If this attempt failed, he would try again. And again, and again and as many times as it took to wed his Aoi-chan. His mind was busy, and his body was on autopilot, which is why he was somewhat shocked to find himself hugging the wet, soapy, slippery Miyabi from behind, his hard member between her legs, seeking her entrance. How the…? He thought, confused.

For her part, Miyabi wasn't resisting in any way, and was in fact easing herself into a more comfortable position for him to enter her aroused sheath. She was also being entirely silent, her mind in turmoil, torn between what she wanted to do, what she thought she should do, and ultimately what she wished she would do. Her mental war was put on hold as she felt him suddenly freeze. Several heated breaths later, she spoke in a soft voice. "Kaoru, whatever you choose is fine with me."

"Yabi-chan, I…" he trailed off, having no train of thought on this issue. "We…" he tried again, without success. Miyabi knew then that he was as confused as she was about where they stood.

"It's my fault we're in this situation." She said, still frozen in his embrace, feeling his member throbbing tight against her lower lips. "You're heart belongs to Aoi-sama, and yet I have forced you to become familiar with me as well." She paused, feeling his hands absently caressing her breasts. "There is no fault in your desire for me, nor is there fault in your actions." She said softly. One more time, if I'm lucky. She thought to herself. Silently, she leaned a bit farther forward, easing her legs apart as she settled into position, his tip now pressed tight to her entrance, her hot juice steadily soaking his tip. "I await your choice, Kaoru." She whispered to him, trembling a bit as she felt him begin to move.

-

"How much longer?" demanded Mayu from the back seat of the large Caddy. Ruka glanced at the integrated information center in the car. They had departed from Aoi's house as soon as he had found the correct address for the main house. Taeko had asked to accompany them, and Tina had invited herself as well. Right now, Mayu and Tae-chan were in the back, and Tina was in the front passenger seat.

Taeko was still sleeping, her head titled back against the support pillar. For a long stretch, Mayu had been curled up against the girl's chest, hugging herself to the large-chested girl's rack like they were two of her pillows in her bed. Ruka had wished he had a camera for that one.

Tina had been silent and mostly awake while they drove, though her eyes were fixed out the window. For once, she was wearing a dress. And not just any dress - it was a nice one. Usually she wore jeans and tee shirts or blouses at school, and tiny shorts and tight tees at home. Now, she was dressed in a knee-length dress of moderate cut, her feet sporting low heels for the first time in years. Tennis shoes or light hiking boots were her day to day wear. Ruka suspected that she was wearing hose, but couldn't be sure. Mayu was in one of her exquisite custom-fitted dresses, looking not unlike a perfect doll.

Taeko was in a skirt and blouse, the least dressed up the three girls. Still, she looked surprisingly presentable. Ruka had known that the girls had taken an extra bit of time once they left the bath to select clothes for the visit to the home where their Aoi was being held, and it showed. He was - as always - dressed in his dark suit, having taken the time to change into a fresh one while the ladies bathed. Good thing that I always keep a spare in the car for just this kind of thing. He thought. His reverie was cut short by a tiny hand on his cheek.

Blinking, he glanced in the rearview mirror to see Mayu leaning between the front seats, her hand on his cheek. "Pardon, what?" he asked. Mayu quirked an eye at him.

"How much longer?" she repeated. Once more glancing at the softly glowing screen, he checked the time readout.

"It should be about an hour, Mayu-sama." He said. She nodded.

"Just at daybreak." She mused. "That will be fine." She added, smiling evilly. Once more, she touched his cheek. "Thanks, Ruka-san." She said softly. Her fingers ran along his jaw. "You should shave before we meet with the Lord of the Sakurabas." She noted, sitting back in her seat.

"Yes, Mayu-sama." He agreed. Mayu hummed a reply and glanced at Tina.

"Still asleep, gaijin?" she asked the American, though her tone was nearly rancor-free.

"No." came the soft voice of the blonde, though her body didn't move. "I woke up about half an hour ago." She said quietly. The tiny girl opened her mouth to say something, but changed her mind, closing her mouth as she sat back. For the next twenty minutes, there was no sound in the quiet car.

"Mmm…Kaoru-sempai….yes…" muttered Tae-chan, waking from her sleep. Tina and Mayu turned to stare at her, both a bit jealously. Yawning behind a raised hand, she straightened a bit and rubbed her eyes behind her glasses. Seeing the stares of the other two, she blinked. "What?" she asked innocently.

-

"Ready?"

It was a simple enough question, really. Too bad he wasn't sure what the answer was. "Sure, yeah, I guess, Miyabi." He replied instead. The older woman glanced over to him.

"That's not a very confident answer." She noted. "Not that I don't understand your reservations." She added. The two were dressed and standing just inside the door to the guest house where Miyabi was `housed' until the wedding was complete. It had been decided that they would simply walk in for breakfast and catch the head of the family - and his wife and Aoi - flat-footed and hopefully unprepared for the initial assault. "You should try your best to appear totally confident of yourself and your mission." She cautioned.

"Even with the odds so heavily against us?" he asked her, managing a small smile. Miyabi nodded.

"Especially then." She replied emphatically. She found herself returning his smile. "Ever read a book titled `The Art of War'?" she asked teasingly.

"You mean the one that goes `when weak, appear strong, when uncertain, appear decisive, when defending, attack'? That book?" he asked. She nodded once more.

"'All strategy is but deception'" she replied. Each took a deep breath, holding it for a moment before releasing it explosively.

"Let's do this." Said the man, sliding the door open. Before the started `attendant' could react, he and Miyabi stepped past him. "Good morning." Said the young man distantly as he and Miyabi moved toward the dining room as swiftly as they could without running. It wouldn't do for the servants of the house to warn the lord in advance of their arrival.

It was a wise choice, as things turned out. Ignoring the started commotion behind them, they all but jogged to the dining room door, which Kaoru slid open forcefully, he and Miyabi striding into the room as if they were pirates boarding a treasure galleon. Sitting at the head of the table was a man with graying hair, looking older than Kaoru had expected. To his right sat Aoi's mother. Across from her and on the other side of the man was a setting for another person. Glancing swiftly along the length of the table, he spotted a single place setting at the farthest spot from the head of the table. Miyabi's, I presume. He thought, feeling his anger rise a bit.

"What is the meaning…?!" began the man angrily, only to be interrupted by the sound of fine china shattering on the floor. His eyes flickered to the entrance to the kitchen area, finding his Aoi-chan standing there, her mouth hanging open in shock, though her eyes lit up like Las Vegas.

"Kaoru-sama!" she wailed, running to him and clinging to him. "You really came, Kaoru-sama!" she cried against his chest.

"Of course I did, Aoi-chan." He soothed her. "I promised you, after all." He added softly.

"Hanabishi!" snarled the man, starting to rise from his seat. Kaoru turned to face him, still holding Aoi in his arms.

"I am Kaoru, once of the Hanabishi clan, but now simply Kaoru." He said, his tone even and controlled. "I have come to claim my bride." He added, his tone betraying nothing but supreme confidence. Silence fell after those words, and was only broken by a servant leaping into the room.

"Lord Sakuraba! There is an intruder in…!" he broke off, seeing Kaoru standing in front of the Lord of the house.

"Yes. I can see that for myself!" snapped the head of the Zaibatsu angrily. "Leave us." He added coldly. The man bowed and departed, sliding the door shut behind him. Aoi still clung to him, and Miyabi stood silently at his side. His lips pressed tightly together in anger, the man eased back into his seat.

"Please, be seated while the tea is prepared." Came the voice of Aoi's mother. "Aoi." She added firmly, "you will assist me." She directed. The blue-haired girl blinked, easing back from Kaoru. Seeing the look of concern in her eyes, he smiled at her reassuringly.

"I'll be waiting for you." He whispered to her. She smiled warmly and bowed, stepping back from him.

"I will return with the tea shortly, Kaoru-sama." She promised happily. She and her mother exited the room as Kaoru sank to his knees at the table to begin negotiations. Miyabi silently sank to her knees beside and a little behind him. For long minutes, the two stared at each other.

Finally, Lord Sakuraba spoke. "There is nothing you can do, Hanabishi." He said, making the last word a near-curse. "The deal is sealed and she is to wed tomorrow to a proper suitor." He said.

"And yet, she wears my engagement ring." He countered coolly.

"That arrangement was broken ten years ago." Replied the man derisively. "You have no claim, even if you weren't a disowned son of the Hanabishi clan!"

"You seem fixated on this issue, so I will answer this as clearly as I can." Stated Kaoru evenly. "I am not disowned by the Hanabishi - it is the Hanabishi that are disowned by me." The man just sent him a doubtful look.

"It is true, Lord Sakuraba." Interjected Miyabi, not looking up from the table top. "When I first heard him say this, I discreetly checked, and it is as he claims: he disowned them."

"Why would you do that, boy?" demanded the older man. "With the Hanabishi, you had wealth, status, and a future! Who in their right mind would give that up?"

"I would because they are a heartless collection of egotistical power junkies with no soul left in them!" he spat back, reigning in his temper with difficulty. "I was nothing more than a tool to them, to be used to gain more power, wealth and prestige by marring into the Sakuraba house." He paused. "In the end, I discovered that my heart was stronger than their greed, and I disowned them - though at terrible cost." He added softly, absently touching the scars near his shoulders.

"So, you admit that you seek to marry my daughter for her connection to us?" challenged the man gleefully. Kaoru shook his head.

"No. I seek to marry her because it is her that holds my heart. Even if she were destitute of all wealth, I would marry her. Even if she of the most common lineage, I would marry her. Even if she weren't the most beautiful, perfect girl on earth I would marry her, for she is the one that holds my heart." He said, his absolute belief shining through. "She has since we were kids." He added softly.

The head of the house just snorted. "A likely tale." He muttered. "That sounds like you read too many romance novels." He sniped. Kaoru said nothing to that, simply holding the man's gaze with his own. Just then, the door to the kitchen opened and Aoi and her mother entered, tea service in hand. A small flash of light from Aoi's left ring finger caught his attention. He smiled as he realized that she wore his ring even then.

Aoi naturally served him first, while her mother served her father the tea. Silently, Aoi served Miyabi next. Taking the tea for themselves last, Aoi and her mother sat opposite Kaoru and Miyabi. The father sipped his tea, grimacing behind the cup. Once enough time had passed to satisfy tradition, he resumed his attack. "His presence here is your doing, is it not, Kagurazaki?" he accused Miyabi.

"Hai." Was all the woman said.

"You were dismissed from service for failing to supervise Aoi and behaving in a way that shamed our house, and yet you still cause trouble." He seethed.

"And does it not shame your house more to treat your daughter as nothing more than a living stock option?" countered Kaoru. "She is not some commodity to be traded or sold for the betterment of your group!" he hissed. "She is your daughter, man!"

"Yes, she is! And as such, her duty is to serve the Sakuraba house as best she can!" yelled back the father. Kaoru bared his teeth.

"You truly are worthy of being Hanabishi." He sneered back. The other man blinked.

"What does that mean?" he demanded.

"You are as soulless as them, to see her as nothing more than a tool." He said softly, looking to Aoi. "She is your future, and yet you see only the gain to be had for sacrificing her happiness. How like the Hanabishi."

"I will not be insulted in my house, boy!" the man retorted hotly. Just then, a soft scratching came from the door. "I am not to be disturbed!" yelled the head of the family to the servant outside the door.

"My apologies, Sakuraba-sama, but there is a group to see you." Came a voice from outside the door.

"Send them away!" came the exasperated reply.

"But my lord, it is the heir to the Miyuki Group and her entourage." Protested the hapless servant. "She claims to have urgent business with you that will not wait an instant longer."

"Mayu-chan's here?" wondered Kaoru. The familiar, fond use of her name was not lost on the older man. Maybe, just maybe…! Thought the man.

"Very well. Show her in," he directed, suddenly calm. "and be sure to be polite. The Miyuki Group has been a valuable partner to us for more than a century." He cautioned the servant. Within moments, the small girl entered the room, smiling as she spotted Aoi and Kaoru.

"Thank you for your hospitality, Lord Sakuraba." Said the girl politely. Behind her, Ruka stood silent as he always had. Mayu sank to her knees next to Miyabi. "I have come to discuss a matter involving your family and Hanabishi-sama." She said, smiling at her first love. He smiled back at her.

"And that matter is?" wondered the man, playing dumb.

"It is his engagement to your daughter, Aoi-san, that we need to discuss." Said Mayu crisply.

"My apologies, but he is not engaged to her. In fact, she is to wed her fiancé tomorrow morning." Said the man easily. "Please forgive any misinformation that might have come to your attention." He added smugly. Mayu smiled a frosty smile back.

"If Hanabishi-sama does not wed Aoi-san, I will immediately sever all contracts with your group." She smiled. "Furthermore, as the heir to my family's business, I will make it my life's work to destroy you personally." She promised.

"What?" gaped the man. "Why would you do such a thing?!"

"Because I value integrity above all else." She said simply. "Hanabishi-sama and Aoi-san have exchanged vows to marry. If they do not fulfill those vows, then they are both dishonorable. By forcing Aoi-san to break her vows against her will, you will have proven to be without honor, and I will not be associated with an honorless group." She turned a warm smile on the young man. "I wish you happiness, Hanabishi-sama." She whispered softly.

"I have been told that you desire to marry Hanabishi." Said the head of the family. "If he marries Aoi, then you will be unable to fulfill your destiny to be his wife." He baited. Mayu just smiled.

"I cannot compete with Aoi-san, not as a woman, and not as a proper wife for Hanabishi-sama." She said simply. "I seek what is best for the man I love, and what is best for him is Aoi-san as his wife." She stated. "I would marry him if his heart were not already claimed by a better, more deserving woman." She added, looking at Aoi steadily.

Opening his mouth to speak, the head of the family was once more interrupted by a scratch on the door. "What is it now?" he hissed, clearly annoyed.

"Forgive me, Lord Sakuraba." Came the voice of another servant. "But there is a call for you." He said.

"I'll have to call them back." Said the man tightly.

"It's from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs." Explained the man. "He insists that he speak with you about a potential international incident." Everyone in the room blinked at that.

"For crying out loud, what the hell is going on?!" cried the man, standing. Before he could reach the door, the door was opened, revealing Tina standing there, cell phone in hand. Extending the phone to the man, she bowed.

"It's for you." She said simply, kneeling next to Mayu.

"Tina-chan?" wondered Kaoru. She turned to him, smiling a bit wistfully.

"Yeah, yeah, I know I don't look good in this get-up." She said, motioning to the dress. Behind the sitting people, the man had Tina's cell phone to his ear. Whatever he was hearing, he wasn't liking. Finally, he ended the call and handed the phone back to Tina.

"Who was it, husband?" wondered his wife, asking what damned near everyone was wanting to ask. The head of the house sat down, his face troubled.

"It was Minister Iwagata. He was calling from his office about an issue that the American Embassy was asking about. Ambassador Hubert-Jones was sitting in front of him." The man said. "His niece had asked him to look into a matter." He muttered. Mayu, Kaoru, Miyabi and Aoi all turned to look at Tina. She nervously giggled, scratching the back of her head.

"Ah, yeah, I was meaning to tell you that, guys!" she apologized. "Uncle Freddie is the American Ambassador to Japan." She admitted. Seeing the shocked looks on their faces, she held her hands up placatingly. "Oh, come on, guys! You must have wondered why I've been in Japan since I was five!" she exclaimed.

"True, I had wondered why there was never an issue with her visa expiring or the fact that she carries an American passport." Admitted Miyabi. The others nodded to themselves.

"Why now, Tina-chan?" asked Aoi softly, looking at the blonde. The taller girl sighed.

"I want to see you happy, Landlady-san." She said simply. "I want to see you smiling again."

There was another scratch at the door. The man of the house sighed. "Let me guess, there's a delegation from the UN here to talk to me about my daughter's marriage." He said sarcastically.

"Um, no, but there is a reporter to see you about a story." Supplied the servant.

"What the hell, send him in! Might as well make this a true circus!" he snapped.

"Her, Lord Sakuraba." The servant said, sliding the door back to reveal Taeko, camera in hand, along with a mini-recorder and a press badge.

"Tae-chan?" wondered Kaoru. "You're a reporter?"

"Well, I am now." She said. "Mom talked to the station manager, and he hired me to do a Society column piece, seeing as I have an inside scoop." She said, bowing to the parents of Aoi. "So, what have I missed so far, Kaoru-sempai?" she asked, sinking to her knees next to Tina. Almost by reflex, she snapped a picture of the group at the table.

The father of Aoi was muttering angrily under his breath as everyone watched him expectantly. "Fine!" he exploded at last. "Have it your way, Hanabishi!" he ranted. "But there is something that you will have to do for yourself!" he warned.

"And that is?" asked Kaoru evenly.

"The marriage agreement is already sealed, and there is no way out unless both parties agree. The family of the young man are most adamant about his marrying, so if you wish to marry her, you must convince the man and his family to voluntarily void the contract." Explained the man.

"Done." Said Kaoru, Tina, Miyabi and Taeko in unison. "What's his name and how can I reach him?" asked Kaoru.

-

Kaoru and his `entourage' - minus Miyabi and Tina who had stayed to clean up and to keep an eye on the situation respectively - had gone to put the final nail in the coffin of her arranged marriage, leaving her with her parents while they worked. The three had taken Mayu's car to see the soon-to-be un-engaged man, and had been gone about an hour.

During that time, the family and their two guests had had breakfast, talked a bit and were now in waiting mode. As soon as breakfast was over, the Lord had excused himself and wandered off, his face set in a hard expression. Aoi had sat silently by her mother as he left the room. Miyabi sat on her other side, and Tina sat across from the others. "Do you think that father will make more trouble for Kaoru-sama and myself?" wondered Aoi, her voice soft.

"No. He has finally accepted that you will marry Kaoru." Replied her mother, turning to smile at her daughter. Aoi gave her a blank look.

"He has? How do you know that?" she wondered. Aoi's mother just smiled.

"I know because I've been his wife for twenty four years." She said. "He's accepted the fact that your future is with Kaoru."

"If I may ask, Lady Sakuraba, why did he change his mind?" interjected Miyabi. "This whole thing ballooned because he was so dead set against Aoi-sama being with Kaoru-dono." Noted the former governess of the heir to the House.

"Yeah!" interjected Tina, in her usual direct fashion. "I was wondering why he was so hostile to Kaoru. It couldn't have just been because he disowned the Hanabishi." She insisted. She grinned as a thought hit her. "What did Kaoru do? Roll paper the lawn?" Miyabi cleared her throat meaningfully. Tina looked her innocently. "What, Manager-san?"

"My husband has been entrusted with the futures of all the members of the Zaibatsu." Said the Lady of the house. "As such, he has to look to the continued prosperity of the company as well as the stability necessary to success." Pausing, she considered her words. "Originally, the proposal for Aoi to wed the heir to the Hanabishi group was meant to do just that. At that time, the Hanabishi and Sakuraba were in competition for a small market. Neither Zaibatsu had the resources to force the other out of the market without fatally injuring themselves. So, the choice was made to unit the two by marriage and share the market. It was seen as a fortunate accident that my daughter developed such an attachment to her future husband." Aoi blushed at that bit.

"However, as time passed, the market expanded and split into two specialized fields, with the Hanabishi dominant in one, and the Sakuraba dominate in the other. We were no longer in competition, and without the need to compromise, there was talk of absolving the marriage contract.

"After meeting with the head of the Hanabishi family many times, it was decided to go ahead with the plans, as the combined Zaibatsu would have far greater prominence as a single entity. It was during this time that problems arose in the Hanabishi house, and within three months, they formally informed us that they were unable to meet the contract for marriage, and the matter was forgotten."

"I remember that." Murmured Aoi. "You came to me and told me that I wouldn't be marring Kaoru-sama." She reflected. "I cried for the rest of the day." She added.

Her mother nodded. "You also started your `Kaoru-sama or nothing' chant that day, daughter." She noted. Aoi just smiled, a blush on her cheeks. "With the sudden demise of the Hanabishi merger, issues within the group became paramount, and both your father and myself had to deal with them. This is what led us to decided that it was time to start your education for inheriting control of the company from us." She looked over to Miyabi, who was silently listening from her place next to Aoi.

"We had our legal team search for a suitable governess to take over your upbringing, and after two weeks, they nominated two people for the position. We interviewed them both, and Kagurazaki was our choice."

"Good thing, too." Murmured Tina. The Lady of the house said nothing, just giving the blonde a look. "What?" she asked, sounding a bit injured at the look.

"I have had few issues with her performance, it is true." Agreed the older Sakuraba, "But, there are other issues to be considered. My apologies, miss Kagurazaki, but you can not work for us any more." Said the woman. "The handling of the situation with the Hanabishi boy was masterful, but it got out of hand. You understand that we have no choice, correct?" she asked.

The long-haired woman bowed her head. "Yes. I understand, Lady Sakuraba." She said simply. Looking over to Aoi, she noticed that the girl had an unhappy look on her face. "Do not be concerned, Aoi-sama." She assured the girl. "All is well with me." She said.

"But, I…!" began Aoi. Miyabi touched Aoi's lips with her fingertip.

"Shh. I have another offer open to me, though I am not sure that I should take it." She said cryptically.

"Another offer?" wondered Aoi's mother. "What house would hire you?" she asked with brutal honesty. Miyabi just smiled as Tina scowled at whom she considered at least partially responsible for her recent troubles.

"A house that is unlike this one." She said simply. Aoi considered that for a moment, then gracefully rose.

"Excuse me, please, Miyabi-san, Tina-chan, mother." Said the girl, moving out of the room.

-

Mayu smiled as the group made their way out of the house of the man who had been scheduled to marry Aoi. Kaoru was still shaking his head in amazement, and Taeko was scribbling in a small notebook. Ruka, as always, followed them, silent and unreadable. Moving forward, he opened the door to the car for Mayu and Kaoru, as Tae-chan stepped to the passenger side and got in.

Slipping behind the wheel, Saionji cranked the car up and glided them all out the gate. Meanwhile, in the backseat, Mayu was beginning to giggle. Finally, it broke loose into a full-blown laugh, the small girl falling over onto Kaoru as she laughed so hard tears came out of her eyes. "That was…unbelievable!" she managed, still laying on and against Kaoru. Tae-chan finished her notes.

"It was…unexpected." She agreed. "Still, it was lucky for us!" she added happily.

"Though I am not sure his parents saw it that way." Noted Ruka. In the back seat, Mayu had managed to herself under control to a large degree, but refused to move from where she was curled up to Kaoru. Indeed, the small girl pulled his arms around her waist and snuggled into him a bit more. With no real reason to object, the young man hugged her to himself.

"Whatever they thought of it is their problem." Sniffed Mayu disdainfully. "Besides, we got a good deal out of this, as well as Hanabishi-sama."

"Yes, Mayu-sama." Said Ruka.

"How do you know he's going to be any good at design, Mayu-chan?" wondered Kaoru. The girl smiled up at him.

"I've been around clothes my whole life, silly. I know more about fashion and manufacturing clothes and design elements than most fashion magazine editors. Mom and Dad have made sure that I will learn what I need to know before taking over the business from them." She said confidently. "After all, it was one of the reasons that they made me go to school in England." She added, still sounding miffed. "Ruka-san, you did get the information to fax to Mom, right?" she prompted her chaperone.

"I have, in fact, already sent it, Mayu-sama." He confirmed. Mayu smiled.

"Excellent, Ruka-san." She beamed at him. Settling back against Kaoru, she hummed to herself.

"Um, do you think that he'll bring his…lover?" wondered Kaoru to himself. I never anticipated that the one that my Aoi-chan was to be married to was gay! He smiled a bit. Well it worked out, since the parents had been hell bent on marrying their son off to a girl, and he had been hell bent on being with his lover, so it made it easy to get them to see things our way. Four years of law had made him very aware of when to take `yes' for an answer, and now, in his pocket, was the piece of paper, bearing the stamps of the parents and their son, that nullified the marriage agreement.

"If his lover has as good an eye for design as he does, we'll welcome them both." Said Mayu. "A new design team would be helpful to the business, as well as giving us a secret edge." She noted. "I was impressed with the elegance of those designs he showed us." She added.

"Well, I'm not much of a fashion horse, but it looked good." Offered Kaoru, absently rubbing her belly with his palms. She moaned very softly in the back of her throat, approving of the gentle, soft contact. Tae-chan, noting the girl's look of happy pleasure, guessed that Kaoru was caressing her, and found herself a bit jealous.

"Well, let's get back and tell Aoi-sama the good news, shall we?" she suggested. That back seat is big enough for a threesome, and I can't take advantage of it! She thought wistfully. The large sedan gained a little speed as Ruka nodded to the suggestion.

"Of course." He said.

-

"Father?" asked Aoi softly, stopping outside the small, secluded tea house on the back of the property. She had spent the last several minutes looking for her father, and when she couldn't find him in the main house, she had known he was out here. He always liked to come here when he wanted to be alone for a bit. She remembered.

"What is it, Aoi?" came the soft answer.

"I…thank you, father." Said the girl. "You have given me the most precious gift you possibly could. I cannot thank you enough, father."

"Well, what is a father to do?" he asked rhetorically.

"May I ask you one question, father?" responded Aoi.

"Yes?"

"Why did you change your mind?" she asked him. For several seconds, there was no reply. Then, she heard the small door open, and turned to see her father looking at her.

"Your smile." He said cryptically. Seeing that she didn't follow, he elaborated for her. "Since you came here, you have not smiled. Not once. Not until you saw that Hanabishi boy this morning. Since then, you haven't stopped smiling." He paused. "I have missed seeing you smile, daughter."

"Father!" cried Aoi, tears of joy streaming down her face as she flung herself into his arms. For several moments, the two hugged each other. Finally, the man eased back. "Come. Let's go see what your mother is doing." He suggested. The two walked side by side back to the house. And let's see if the Hanabishi boy can pull off a miracle. He thought to himself.

-

Well, a miracle is what he needed, and it seems he got it. Thought the man an hour later. In his hands was the sealed papers releasing him from the marriage contract. In front of him sat Kaoru and Aoi, and at his side sat his wife. The four had moved to his office, leaving Mayu, Miyabi, Tina and Taeko in the sitting room while they dealt with family business. "So, I see that you were successful." He allowed at last.

"Yes, sir." Replied Kaoru, his hand holding Aoi's. His daughter all but glowed in the presence of her lover. There is no denying that they belong together. He admitted. Still, I have obligations to the group.

"I have learned that you are to graduate in a few weeks with a degree in law." He noted. Kaoru was silent, realizing that an answer was not expected. "Your grades are above average, and you have proven to be a talented negotiator." He studied the young man. "As you know, I have obligations to the Sakuraba Zaibatsu, and as you chose to disown your former family, you must realize that there are going to be some necessary concessions when you wed Aoi."

"I do, sir." He said simply.

"Very well." Said the Lord of the house. "This is what I propose, then. When you graduate, you will enroll in post-graduate studies at the University. During that time, you will also begin to familiarize yourself with our Group. Upon completion of the post-graduate studies, you will assume a roll as a personal aide to myself. It will be your job to learn how to manage this group."

"That is acceptable sir, with some minor agreements on a few issues." He countered. The older man waited. "First, if I am to have post-graduate studies, the Sakuraba will naturally pick up the cost of schooling. Secondly, any time that I am interacting with the group, I insist that Aoi be with me - either as my fiancé or my wife. Finally, when I assume the roll of your aide, I expect the pay to be equal to the station. I have to support my family, after all." He finished, smiling at his girlfriend. Aoi just blushed, smiling broadly.

"It is reasonable that the group pay for your added schooling. And it is also only natural that Aoi claim her rightful place at your side. As for the matter of pay, we will have to discuss that in detail when you are ready to accept your place among us. For now, the matter will be placed on hold, as the house and estate where you have been staying will be transferred to my daughter in its entirety." Seeing Aoi's mouth open in surprise, he gave her a faint smile.

"Yes, daughter, you have your first home." Said the mother softly. "Show us that you have learned to manage a house as befitting a woman of the Sakuraba." Aoi bowed to her parents.

"Yes, mother." She said.

"Speaking of that issue, when you wed Aoi, you will take our name." Directed the man. "You have severed your ties to the Hanabishi house, so there should be no problem with you taking our name."

"I would be honored to take Aoi-chan's name." Confirmed the young man.

"Also, the wedding will not occur before I have the chance to silence the factions that seek to wrest control of the group for good." Added the man. "And in any event, you must concentrate on your education first and foremost." He admonished.

"How long will that take?" wondered Kaoru. The leader of the Zaibatsu frowned.

"It depends on what they attempt to do when this goes public." He answered. "It could be a couple of years, but I hope to have it resolved before that." He added grimly. The two young lovers exchanged looks.

"I have waited this long, Kaoru-sama." Said Aoi softly. "I can wait a bit more."

"If you're sure, Aoi-chan." He answered. She nodded. "Well, at the least, we can dispense with the subterfuge." He noted happily. Looking back to the parents of the girl at his side, he got to business. "I would like to see if I can help you in this matter. What can you tell me of their aims?" he asked. Time to see if I can cut that delay down to size. The sooner I am married to my Aoi-chan, the better! The meeting ran deep into the night.

-

"Ah!" came the collective sigh of contentment as the group entered their home. They were all tired and rumpled, but happy. It had been a long couple of days, and there was still an odd tension in the house, but it felt like home once again. The girls immediately began to head for the baths. Before they could head upstairs, Kaoru asked them to listen for a moment. Turning, they all looked at him.

Reaching over to his Aoi, he took her hand, bowing to the women. "I wanted to thank you all for helping us." He said simply. "I hope we can repay your kindness." He added.

"That's all you wanted to say?" came Tina's characteristically blunt reply. "Man! You've got the be the sappiest guy I know, Kaoru!" she exclaimed, tossing her hair. "Can I get a bath now?" she asked, heading back up the stairs. The others followed, Aoi kissing her man before heading up as well. Miyabi waited for her at the top of the stairs.

As the girl neared the older woman, Tina's head poked back around the corner. Spotting Mayu standing next to Ruka, she waved to her. "What are you waiting for, shorty?" she called. "Aren't you going to take a bath too?" she invited. Mayu glanced at Ruka, who nodded.

"We can make the time, Mayu-sama." He confirmed.

"You're being nice to her, Tina?" teased Kaoru. The American shrugged.

"Just for tonight." She dismissed. Once Mayu was at the top of the stairs, the Landlady and the Manager accompanied her down to the bath. Kaoru smiled. Turning to Ruka, he indicated the living room.

"You can relax there while they are in the bath." He suggested. "They might be there a while." He cautioned. Ruka bowed to him.

"Yes, I suspect they will be." He agreed. Kaoru sniffed his shirt.

"Ugh! I think I better go get a bath as well." He mused, heading for the door to the servant's quarters. Ruka touched his shoulder. Giving the man a look, he waited for him to speak.

"You are very lucky, Kaoru-san." Said the older man. "I wish you the best of luck." He finished, bowing again. Unsure of how to reply, he bowed in reply.

"I thank you for your good will, Ruka-san." He replied. The chaperone nodded, heading for the couch as Kaoru slipped out to bathe.

-

Upstairs, the girls were soaking in the tub when the issue of what the other girls would do came up. Taeko suggested that they should move out to give Aoi and Kaoru room to be betrothed, but Aoi immediately shot that idea down. "I would be most grateful for assistance in maintaining our house for Kaoru-sama." She said to her maid. Tae-chan blinked.

"Um, well, if you're ok with it." She agreed hesitantly.

"I am." Said Aoi firmly. "And that goes for you all." She added, forestalling any objections from the other girls. They all looked at her, amazed.

"Um, Landlady-san, you know that we…well, with Kaoru and all. Are you sure that you're…?" began Tina, only to be interrupted by Aoi.

"Absolutely, Tina-chan." She repeated.

"May I ask why, Aoi-sama?" asked the older woman of her former charge. Aoi smiled one of her trademark best smiles.

"You are family." She said simply. "And this place wouldn't be home without you all." She explained. Stunned, the girls let the topic go in favor of another one.

"Well, what do we tell Kaoru-sempai?" asked Tae-chan. Tina giggled.

"Nothing, Tae-chan! Guys like surprises, right?" she suggested. The others immediately began to debate rather or not Kaoru would like that particular surprise. Silently, Aoi happily listened the ebb and flow of the conversation of the other girls. Beside her, Miyabi watched her young friend carefully, noting that the girl was obviously planning something. Wonder what the girl has in mind? Probably a way to go to Kaoru tonight to claim her rightful place in his bed. She guessed.

Aoi was planning something similar, but she was also planning well beyond that as well. It is my house to manage, and I am a traditional girl, after all! She thought happily. I will make my Kaoru-sama the happiest man on earth, I swear it as his fiancé! Humming to herself, she leaned back in the tub, her mind on her plans to fulfill her vow.

End of story arc.

Notes: This is the end of the main story arc. There are some notes for another, smaller arc, but there are other projects pending that I want to do first, so it might be a while before this second arc sees print.

Alpha-Zulu