18:45H, Amou Mansion

The aroma of delicious food in Italian, Spanish and Mediterranean origin filled the dining area. Glassware shone in blinding elegance under the soft light the grand chandelier gracefully handed the room. Servants entered and exited, carrying with them the sumptuous delicacies and laid them on the long table with precision and speed so as not to spoil anything.

Soft sea green eyes oversaw the preparations for tonight's dinner. Although the lady of the house was out to but another grand party, he, being the house's second in command after the lady and her daughter, ordered still that a menu for dinner must be prepared in case of unavoidable circumstances. His foresight about things and events earned him this immensely important position in the household staff.

"Hirano-san," a servant approached him. "All is set." She simply said and resumed to somewhere. He nodded and went upstairs and headed to a door. He knocked thrice and cleared his throat. "Miss Nami, dinner is prepared. Your mother will be joining you shortly." He announced. A few seconds after, the knob turned and a confused Nami peered. "Mom's having dinner here? I though she's out to a party?" she asked. A small smile appeared on the butler's face and bowed. "Pardon me, Miss Nami but I do not have the information you seek. Your mother only advised me of this fifteen minutes ago." He replied. Wrinkling her nose, she nodded. "Alright. I'll be there in a few minutes. I'll just fix myself." She said and shut the door. Hirano the butler bowed and went down to the main door. He looked at the time on his wristwatch and calculated the time when the lady would be back. He wondered if her lover would be with her still. Although he wasn't in bad terms with him-what was his name again? Oh, Kiriyama-he wasn't in good terms either. He just didn't felt fine with him. Maybe it was because of the fact that he could see himself in him: a young and capable man, yet being played upon by a more powerful woman. Both could escape, actually, the twisted fate but they seem to be drawn deeper to her every second, every minute, every hour, everyday. It seems like his path was closed and reserved only for her service.

A car revved outside and he knew that was his cue. He opened the doors and welcomed the lady that held his strings. "Good evening, madam." He greeted as she entered. She handed him her bag and the gloves that she wore. "Where's Nami?" she asked. "Upstairs. But she will be joining you soon." He said.

"I've invited Haruo here as well." She said the obvious as the said man came in. Hirano nodded and bowed as the guest passed by him. "I shall be changing my clothes first." Ruri said, her tone cold and obviously pissed before he could say anything more. "As you wish, madam." He replied instead and accommodated Tsuchiura, who explained to him the details. Although he wasn't fond of the man, he had to commend his quick and wise action. Of all things to avoid, one was a mad Ruri Amou. He wasn't exactly sure if Tsuchiura, or Kiriyama as he knows, has any idea of what damage and scene could occur if he hadn't led Ruri away. As their small talk continued, Ruri reappeared to them. "Dinner is set, madam. This way, please." He said as he directed the two to the dining table. Servants were already positioned to assist them in sitting. The dinner had commenced.

"Hirano," Ruri called as she worked through her salad. "Please check on Nami. She should have been here by now." She ordered.

"No need, Mom. I'm here." Nami sang as she bent to plant a kiss on her mother's cheek. "Hello, dear. Come, and eat with us." Ruri said and gestured to the seat on her right. Nami would have gladly taken the seat but her mood turned into another sour blend when she was who was sitting opposite her. He winked at her and laughed a low one, sending a wave of anger in her system.

"What is the doing here, Mom?" Nami couldn't help but say it in such a stinging manner. Hirano poured water on Nami's glass and she immediately took some of it. "Thank you, Hirano." She muttered. The butler nodded and backed a few steps.

Ruri sighed and her shoulders slumped a little. "Nami, Haruo here saved me this afternoon from a scandal. I'm giving him my appreciation." She replied and placed her hand on his. The man smiled affectionately at her in return. "In that case," Hirano came from behind them. "Let me serve you tonight's main dish." He said and placed a plate before Ruri. "Chicken Parmejan," Hirano introduced the dish as two more sets were laid before the Nami and Ryoutarou. "Whole skinless chicken breast, picked to perfection, coated with with breadcrumbs and parmejan, panfried. Accompanied with Portbello mushrooms and seasonal vegetables, topped with Napoletana sauce and melted camembert." He said. Ruri nodded and sliced a piece from the chicken meat to taste. "Excellent choice, Hirano." The lady was pleased. All worries had been eased. Wine flew in as well, creating a more somber atmosphere between the three. Hirano saw how Nami's sour aura has diminished to a calmer note. He somehow prided himself of the choices he made.

"Oh, I almost forgot to tell you something." Ruri tapped her daughter's hand lightly. Nami's blue eyes shot up; clear as can be. "What is it, Mom?" she asked as she dabbed the sides of her mouth with the table napkin. Soft violet eyes met her blues. "I'm leaving tonight." She said. Surprise was clearly painted not only on Nami's face but to Ryoutaro and Hirano's as well. "Madam?" Hirano couldn't help butting in. Ruri smiled at everyone.

"It's a very important matter. I'll be supervising a site where we could do an expansion for a potentially economically good city near the border." She said then sipped on her wine. "Is this…" Ryoutaro looked at her, his jaws tightening. A small laugh came from Ruri in response.

"But you just got home last week!" Nami protested. "I know, honey, but I need to go." Ruri replied.

Nami fought back a sob. She was really emotional with things like this: people leaving her behind. Since her father died, her mother became busier and was seldom home. She couldn't really blame her mother for that: their business needs to run no matter what. As time goes by, she felt lonelier inside the big house. She didn't want to feel any lonelier after the loss of her father, her confidant.

"Can't you just send someone over for you? After all, you're just going to survey the area, right?" Nami's voice came out small and fragile. Hirano looked away and excused himself. He wasn't really getting the hang of all the drama. Especially if involved a close to tears Nami. He couldn't quite accept that the strong little girl that he used to bring to school, who always gets home with a bruise in either on her knee or on her elbow, was now the image of a crumbling woman with no bars to hold on to. He had grown to be affectionate of her, although it remains to be as an older brother or as an uncle. It pains him to just stand there and see her break down.

Ruri's head shook. "I would love to do that but the expansion team had also planned on a meeting with various small business owners around the area. They said that my presence might bring a different turn on the talk." She said. Ryoutaro saw where the team was driving at. If Ruri was present in the meeting, then she might be able to tip the balance towards their side. After all, it was Ruri Amou asking for them. How could they turn down her?

Nami seemed to consider this as well. "Very well then, if that is the case. I wish you a safe trip." She said and stood. The soft scraping of the legs on the polished floor rang loud inside the room. "I'm going to continue my works." She announced softly as her figure disappeared. Hirano then came back to view and went to Ruri's side. "Madam, if I may voice out my opinions," he began. "I think it would be better if you postpone your trip for a few more days to bond with Miss Nami." He said. "If only I could do so. If only." She said and emptied her glass. She now turned back to Ryoutaro. "I'm sorry if you had to see this little drama between us." She apologized. The man shook his head and smiled. "It is I who should apologize. I shouldn't be around here, hearing this talk between you and your daughter." He somberly said and rose. "I think I should go back now. It was a very nice dinner." He said and nodded to Hirano. "I'll send you off myself." Ruri hurriedly rose but Ryoutaro halted her. "No need. Just go to your daughter and talk more privately. Have a safe trip, Ruri." He said and kissed her cheek. "I'll be sending you off instead, if that is alright." Hirano stated and the man obliged.

Ruri immediately went up to her daughter's room and decided to explain things to her, and hear her side as well. She was thankful for a loving and caring daughter like Nami. From all the stress and disappointments the business world has been shoving upon her, Nami's concern and love for her never fails to drive away the ghosts of her work.

"I promise to call you everyday." Ruri said, hugging tightly her daughter. She felt some wetness on her shoulders. Ruri gently stroke Nami's head. "I'll miss you, Mom. Keep safe." Nami replied between sobs. "It's not like I'm going away for years. It'll take at least a month." The mother assured. Nami broke free from the hug and wiped her tears then laughed. "I'll send you off."

"No need, dear. I know you're busy with school work. Just focus on them so you can sleep early."

Nami wrinkled her nose. "It's not like I'm not a veteran with staying up late." She said. A low laugh came from Ruri. "So that's why you've been looking more of a zombie now! Your complexion looks pale now and you have all those shadows under your eyes! I can't allow my beautiful daughter to wither!" she retorted and her daughter laughed. "Oh Mom,"

"Don't 'oh Mom' me, Nami." Ruri wanted to sound serious but her voice cracked at the end. "Just this night, please sleep early." She said and peered at the clock on Nami's room. It read 8:50 PM. "I'm giving you until 10 PM. Promise me you're asleep by that time." She said. Nami groaned a bit but agreed. "Alright." She said and hugged her mother before she left to prepare. "I love you, Mom."

Ruri smiled affectionately. "I love very much, Nami." She said and left.

A/N: Thank you so much to everyone who's been reading and watching out for updates on this. It really warms my heart to know that there are people who are waiting for updates. All your attention has made me strive harder to make this a good one. If you have any opinions or points you want to be clear, please do send me a message and I'll see what I can do for you. Of course, spoilers wont be given. Haha.