Call me crazy. Call me insane. I am one hundred percent in support of the notion. For weeks, I considered what Len had said, trying to decipher fact from fiction. Could I really just...go? Had he really invited me? Or was he just being courteous? No, he owed no courtesy to me. Then again, I didn't reveal his hiding place in my wardrobe. Oh bother! I refused to dwell on the matter any longer.

Around three days ago, I made my decision.

Call me crazy. Call me a fool. But to defend myself, the most curious people often are the ones labeled as heretics, right?


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Chapter 4: Good Evening Sir


It was unusual for a lady to be out alone, without even her lady-in-waiting or maid with her. It was even more unusual for her to be out in the approaching dusk.

And it was downright scandalous to go to a young man's house like so, especially if he wasn't holding any sort of affair that evening.

My reputation wasn't stained as far as I knew, and I could only pray that my actions tonight wouldn't lead it to be so. The sun was just disappearing beneath the horizon, rich shades of pink and orange melting with the soft pink dress I wore. I took as many backways and alleys as I dared, hoping to not allow high society or gangsters to see my face.

As I walked down the street, the sound of rushing water from the nearby canal became apparent to me and I grew relieved at the fact that I was nearing Len's residence. Unlike that night a year ago, I did have a somewhat better thought out idea of how things would go. After all, it couldn't be too hard could it?

I turned down another alley and made my way towards the main road, intent on just reaching my destination at this point and ignoring anyone who may possibly see me. In the distance, I could see the grandeur of his estate, standing proudly with the finer residences of our city.

I paused down the way and took a deep breath, suddenly nervous and aching with anxiety. I should my head furiously and bit the inside of my cheek, hoping the pain would keep me from fainting in the middle of the street.

" It's fine Rin, you can do this," I whispered. And so I made my way towards the estate, only to stop and run back the other way, hiding myself behind the corner.

Staring from a distance it was slightly more difficult to tell, but up close I had definitely seen what I thought I had. Two men stood outside the gate, both about the same height. One with gold spun locks upon his head, the other with delicate layers of whitish silver. I saw the gold man hold out his hand stiffly and the other take it quite amiably, as if he were oblivious to the emotions of his acquaintance. And so, after the brief handshake, he began to walk away towards the carriage that had rolled up from the opposing direction.

I straightened and commenced walking back that way the moment he disappeared into the coach. I carefully angled my parasol in the direction of the street so as to prevent any recognition of me, should they by chance look out their window.

Len had already noticed me by time I had actually made my way to the front of his gate. Faint shadows underneath his eyes and the casual manner of which he carried himself bluntly put to me that he was in no mood for further company this evening. And yet, he maintained the impish look in his eyes, as if my presence had suddenly filled him with new life.

" How peculiar, Miss Kagamine," he said slowly. " I do believe to arrive at such an hour is quite damaging for a lady such as yourself."

I lifted my chin and replied defiantly, " Lord Kagamine, I'm sure you are well aware that I don't have much regard for the rules of society."

" So it seems," he murmured.

" You appear fatigued, should I come back another time?" I asked with slight concern. He subtle stagger a moment ago alarmed me, and although I hadn't expressed it, I'm sure he noticed. At that moment, he straighted his back and ran a tired hand over his face before smirking at me and offering his arm.

" I couldn't possibly leave a lady such as yourself to go home alone without dinner now could I?" he said, gracefully leading me toward his front door when I took his arm. He then paused and looked at me gravely.

" Miss Kagamine, please do tell me that your brother will not pay me another visit on your behalf. I'd hate to have another occurance similar to last year."

I shook my head. " Don't worry yourself, I'm far more mature now Lord Kagamine. Miku knows."

" Does she," he said slowly. " Then, I suppose your brother knows as well?"

" Not...particularly," I said slowly. We entered his home and I stood astonished at the interior, realizing for the first time I hadn't ever truly seen it with my eyes.

I didn't know what I'd expected, but his mansion was rather...elegant, to say the least. The hallways and rooms were well-lit, painted with comforting cream and warm colors that gave the house a somewhat livelier and warmer feeling. There was constant chatter drifting about, not too loud to be displeasing to the ears, but soft and homely.

But what caught my attention most was the abundace of flowers throughtout the hallway. Vases and the walls were laced with them and I couldn't help but express my wonder and delight, at which Len chuckled at.

" You act as if you've never seen a flower before Miss Kagamine."

" I've never seen so many flowers in the house of a man such as yourself," I replied huffily.

" Boss! Boss! We've- oh...Miss Kagamine," Mikuo, if my memory served correctly, appeared, nowhere nearly as well-dressed as Len currently was, but comfortable and relaxed looking, an assortment of papers in his hands. " How lovely to see you, though I trust you aren't attempting murder again?"

I glared at him, prepared to spit a retort back, when Len gently pried my hand from his arm and strode over to Mikuo.

" Are those from Mr. Henry?" he asked seriously.

" Not all of them, perhaps just one or two," Mikuo shrugged. " The others are-"

He abruptly cut off and glanced at me, an outsider in their close-knit home.

" Rin, please leave," Len said bluntly.

" Is that any way to treat a guest?" I said, teasing him slightly, but partially seriously. I hadn't walked all this way to be dismissed as trivial!

He stared at me, the once lit up blue eyes completely devoid of any emotion towards me. Had I not known better, I'd have thought he'd completely forgotten who I was.

" The parlor with you, now," he said and then paused. " Please."

My cheeks flushed angrily and stomped off in no particular direction, as I was completely unfamiliar with the house. I found myself suddenly in the kitchen, the residents inside stopping their lively conversation to take notice of me. Their eyebrows rose at my appearance, making it apparent that they weren't hired civilians; they knew quite well who I was.

I straightened and lifted my chin before asking where the parlor was. One of the ladies pointed me in the right direction and I found the room, just as delicate and refined as the rest of house. I sat down in a chair, staring into a small, barely flickering fire. For how long I sat staring into the glowing embers, I don't know, but the sound of footsteps shocked me back to reality.

Len looked very different now, the formal attire he wore earlier replaced with a simple crisp white shirt, slightly opened at the chest. His hair was only partially pulled back as opposed to earlier, strands brushing the collar of his shirt as he strode over to me.

" I hope I haven't caused you trouble," he said boredly.

" On the contrary sir, I believe you caused quite a bit of trouble," I said bitterly. " Never have I been dismissed so-"

" If the only reason you're here," he said calmly as he sat in a chair across from me, " is to complain and criticize my hospitality, by all means, you have every right to leave. However, do take into consideration that it was you who appeared at my home at such an unnatural hour and without even so much as a call beforehand."

My cheeks flamed up and I snapped back," I didn't think I'd needed to call. If I remember correctly, you said I could visit at any time."

He leaned back in his chair and studied me for a moment before saying, " I suppose I did, didn't I. I beg your pardon."

I frowned slightly. " That was Oliver wasn't it. Why was he here?"

Len features became stony as he regarded me closely. " I only ask that when you visit me Rin, you not ask about my family's affairs."

" Do you sincerely believe that I would tell my brother anything you told me!" I exclaimed. " Surely, you can't hold me to such low regards."

" Come Rin, please do change the subject," he said in exasperation.

I studied him for a bit, taking note of the soft tone of his voice and the darker shadows underneath his eyes. It could've been the fire light but... he seemed just a bit pale.

" Len," I said with concern. " Are you tired?"

" What was your first guess sweetheart?" he smirked.

" Then, I'll take my leave," I said ignoring his comment. " Miku will be wondering when I will return anyhow."

" You're leaving?" he asked, his voice hinted with a trace of a whine. " Don't let my appearance fool you darling, I'm perfectly capable of teasing you still."

" I'd rather not impose any longer sir," I said moving towards the door.

" Then at least allow me to escort you out," he said. Behind me, I heard the shift of him rising and the slow movement of his footsteps. His shoes echoed on the stone floor as he trailed behind me, and a soft thump accompanied me.

I whipped around and gasped at Len's crumpled figure on the floor. Cautiously I walked over and prodded him my foot, whispering his name softly.

" Len..? Len, are you alright?" I asked kneeling next to him. I relaxed at the soft breathing come from him and placed his arm around my shoulders in an attempt to lift him. At that particular moment, he snapped awake, startling me so much as to nearly fall back down once I'd nearly succeeded in lifting him.

" Are you alright my lord? You collapsed suddenly," I said glancing at him.

" So it seems," he said huskily. He tried to remove himself from my support but I held fast.

" If it wouldn't be too detrimental to your pride, I'd like to escort you to your room sir. Would you be so kind as to direct me there?" I insisted.

" I don't need your help sweetheart," he chuckled. Even so, his eyes were drowsy and his legs bent at the knee as if he could barely support himself.

" Lest you wish to sleep in the hallway tonight, I believe it in your best interest to rely on me just this once Lord Kagamine," I insisited.

"...There's a staircase at the end of the hallway. Turn right and my bedroom is to the right of the library."

" The li-?"

" You'll see it, it's hard to miss," he said. As I walked towards the staircase, what he did next shocked me, though I fought to keep the warmth in my cheeks down; ever so slightly, did he rest his head on my shoulder. Once we reached the staircase, he lifted his head as subtley as he had put it there, lifting his feet with each step so as to not cause me too much trouble.

At the top, there was only one direction to go and so traveled down the right wing, the library making itself apparent just as Len said it would. Bright light streamed from it like it were a holy ground containing divine information no one could touch. Had I been alone, I'd have been drawn to the room and quite possibly never to return.

" My room is right down the way there," he said nodding toward a particular room on the right.

Moving quickly towards the door, since my muscles were beginning to ache from supporting him, I reached out for the handle and pushed it open. The moment I stepped in the atmosphere began to suffocate me with the knowledge that I was only with this man in his bedroom. Len lifted himself from my shoulders and kicked off his shoes, collapsing on his bed with a heavy sigh.

Though I knew it'd be appropriate to take my leave, I felt compelled to sit next to him and wait for him to fall asleep. He glanced at me, a faint smirk playing on his lips.

" You need something princess? I'd like to think you'd completed your one act of chivalry for tonight," he said.

" Don't joke with me Lord Kagamine," I replied. " I just wish to ensure you get proper sleep. You're quite stubborn and may very well go back roaming your house the moment I leave."

" Yes, that does seem like something I'd do," he said with approval. " I must be getting predictable to you, I'll have to fix that."

" Please get to sleep promptly sir, I still have to get home."

Len frowned slightly. " It's quite dark out for a lady to travel alone."

" A lady perhaps, but not for a daughter of the mafia."

" Even so, a woman is a woman," he aid straightening. " Don't be naive Rin."

" Who's being naive?" I said indignantly. " Me for thinking a woman can go home safely at night, or you for believing a woman can't take care of herself!"

" Nevermind, I'll take you home this minute," he began to stand but I pushed him back down.

" We just tried that remember? And you collapsed. I'd rather not have anyone else have to struggle with carrying you up some stairs; you aren't as light as you look you know."

His arms suddenly snaked around my waist and jerked me back against his chest, a low chuckle tickling my ear.

" Then perhaps you'll sleep in my bed tonight? I'd be able to rest much easier knowing your safe here," he said softly.

I ripped out of his grasp and furiously faced him, restraining myself from delivering a smarting slap across his face. The nerve of this man! Doesn't he ever rest?!

" You loathsome cur!" I shouted. " How dare you! Why if Oliver were here-!"

In half a second, his hand was covering my mouth, his movements smooth and unfaltering as if he had rehearsed this moment. His eyes bore into mine, shockingly blue and bright, yet dark somehow as if his anger were enough to tint the color.

" Don't ever mention that man's name in my presence again girl," he said darkly. " Understand?"

I pushed his hand away, staring back into his face just as angrily. " Why, you just had him in your home as a visitor and you act as if you hate the man! What did he ever do to you?"

Len murmured something inaudible, but before I could demand he repeat himself, he threw himself back onto his bed.

" If you insist on staying until I fall asleep, do make yourself useful and aid me in the process."

" And exactly what do you expect me to do?" I asked.

" Bring me tea, bore me with gossip and fashion, the list goes on," he said with a smirk.

I studied him, my thoughts of him growing more and more frustrated. How can one leapt between emotions so quickly?

" I'm afraid it would look strange for me to be bringing you tea," I said seating myself on the edge of the bed. " And to be honest, I care very little for gossip and fashion myself."

" Yes, your clothing choices make that apparent."

" Do you try to pick a fight with everyone you associate with," I snapped.

" No, no my dear, just you. Your reactions are quite entertaining," he said leaning back with a grin.

My cheeks warmed slightly and refocused my attention on the opposite wall. " Please do fall asleep already."

" I'm sorry, I'm not used to falling asleep immediately with a woman in my room."

" Damn you."

" Oh, the angel child swears still!"

Irritated, I stood up and started pacing.

" What on earth are you doing woman?"

" I'm merely releasing pent up anger is all," I retorted. " Not to mention trying to- I know!"

Len raised an eyebrow as I sat back down and faced him. " How would you like a story?"

" A story? What am I, a child?" he exclaimed.

" Why Len, you're never too old for a good story," I smiled.

He remained silent, a strange look in his eyes as he watched me. Feeling slightly uncomfortable I asked him what was wrong.

" I believe, Miss Kagamine, that was the first time you've ever called me by my Christian name," he replied.

I blinked in confusion before gaping in horror, my face exploding with heat. Len burst into a fit of laughter as I fumbled over my words trying to apologize. Dear God, what was wrong with me! Calling him by his name like this! I was getting far too comfortable. I'd have to leave soon.

But before I could even announce my intentions to leave, his hand brushed my cheek, making my ears burn even redder.

" No need to apologize love," he said. " I'd much rather prefer it if you called me that on a more regular basis."

I only could sit there gaping like a fish and in returned he smiled. But...it was different this time. Len's signature teasing smile that was always preceded or followed with some perverted jest wasn't the one I was looking at. His expression was soft now, affectionate, as if he were looking at someone he'd known his entire life, an extension of his soul that was irreplaceable.

His hand trailed from my cheek towards my hand, slowly removing the glove that I'd all too well forgotten was there. I couldn't remove my eyes from his, my heart crashing in my chest as my fingers tingled from the electricity coming from his hand. His expression was serious now, affection absent and in it's place a far more heated, intimate emotion.

My mind jumped back to the dream I'd had a few weeks ago, and I suddenly became acutely aware this setting wasn't far from different, save for the brighter lighting and the difference of color in the room. Len gently pulling me towards him called me back to reality. He slowly pulled my bare hand to his mouth, softly pressing his lips against my knuckles and then the inside of my wrist. Dear God if I could've gotten any redder I would've. I really needed to leave.

And yet...I couldn't. So captivated was I, that I barely noticed his other arm embrace me and pull me against his chest. He released my hand and brushed his thumb against my cheek, trailing his hand down to firmly cup my neck, all the while his gaze not wavering one bit.

" Lovely," he murmured and pressed his forehead against mine, his nose just barely touching mine.

Dear God, if Leon or Miku saw me now...

My entire being began madly shrieking at me to jerk away, that if I got caught, my reputation would be finished. That Miku would surely castrate Len when she came, that Len's family would chase me out as a harlot, a whore. And yet...I simply couldn't bring my self to pull away once his lips began to brush mine. I was dimly aware that his heart was exploding beneath my hand and had I not been so absorbed in him, I would've made fun of him for it.

Then he froze. I didn't move a muscle either, fearful of what he was planning to do, or more importantly, why he stopped. No Rin! This is good, this is good, you needed to stop anyway!

His lips moved from mine and he swore softly.

" Mikuo. What business do you have with me."

Furious whispering could be heard outside the door, but Len didn't move an inch, his eyes still closed with his forehead pressed against mine. Curious as I was to watch the two men walk in, shame burned mercilessly at me and I was all too grateful for Len holding me so close and not allowing me to move.

" Well, Boss, as much as I'd hate to interrupt you two's second little romantic elopement thing," Mikuo said with slight amusement in his voice. " But I believe the girl's body guard is here to get her. And she says to be quick about it, it is rather late."

I gasped and tore myself out of his grasp, frantic as to what to do. Out the corner of my eye, I saw an odd look flash across Len's face before he laid back and turned on his side, ordering Mikuo to escort me out.

" Will do Boss," Mikuo said. " This way Miss Kagamine."

" Good night Lord Kagamine," I said, but he didn't make so much as a move in response.

Slightly injured at his rejection, I gathered my parasol and left the room, following silent down a series of corridors behind Mikuo. The entire time, he remained silent, until we came just a few feet shy of the main staircase that lay outside the foyer where I'd been just hours earlier. He turned around and eyed me accusingly, as if I'd committed some evil deed. Feeling instantly attacked, I demanded to know what he had against me.

" Miss Kagamine, I've nothing against you," he said. " I just fear for our Boss with his constant involvement with you."

" Whatever do you mean," I said coldly.

" Ever since your little escapade last year, he's been acting oddly," Mikuo said with just as much ice in his tone. " Recently he started to resume his normal ways until a little over a month ago, he went missing for a day and returned late into the evening. Perhaps you know something about that?"

" I may," I said softly.

" And then you appear at his doorstep and in his room in such a situation," he said with utter disgust.

" You say it as if it were my fault!" I spat. " You should know very well the behavior of your Boss!"

" I am more than aware of Len's behavior, I just look down upon the women who are so susceptible to his shenanigans," he muttered.

" I don't under-"

" Listen," Mikuo said stepping closer to me. " I'll say this quickly. Boss has never acted like this before. Why, I don't know. Maybe it's a phase. But our family is...not used to having him act like this in certain situations. I'm going to need you to stay away."

I immediately became furious and though I desperately wanted to argue and claim he had no right to say such a thing, I knew Miku was waiting. And without even so much as another look at him, I left.


" There is absolutely no way you can ever do that again Rin!" Miku exclaimed.

Perhaps for the past half hour Miku has been ranting and raving about how reckless I'd been. It was rather odd, Miku had never fussed to me like this before. Probably because Leon nearly died from anxiety.

" I'm sorry Miku, I-"

" Rin, regardless of what Kagamine wrote in that letter, you can't keep going back and hiding it from Leon," she said gravely. " In fact, I can't understand why you won't tell him."

" He'll forbid me from going! Le-Lord Kagamine is in no way dangerous!"

Miku stared at me before whispering, " Have you forgotten the type of world you live in?"

As if she knew anything! I thought bitterly as she left. Just because we live in such a world, what use is living if you're afraid of everything around you? I laid back onto my bed, the covers pulled up to my chin as if I could keep out Miku's negativity and bury myself within the idea of Len.

Len.

My skin tingled at the memory of his lips pressed against my wrist; dear God, in terms of reputation, maybe going there was a mistake. And yet, I sincerely wanted to go back. Maybe I would, tomorrow, in the morning with Miku in tow. I smiled to myself at the thought of potentially spending another day with Len and then furiously shook my head. No! No, no, no, no, this man is lecherous. Perverted! A complete and utter scoundrel! Even if I wanted to go back, Miku definitely wouldn't let me. Not to mention, she was right in keeping this all from Leon. How would I manage to keep it a secret if I persisted in this?


Dawn's light bled through my eyelids and I opened them weakly, quite unaware I'd ever fallen asleep at all. There was a remote shuffling about in my room and I quickly drew the conclusion that Miku was there, though she hadn't made the attempt to rouse me yet.

I groaned softly and turned over, calling to her attention that I was awakening and was none too pleased about it.

" Come now Rin," she said. " At least pretend like you weren't out until late last night."

" If I didn't, would anyone even question my mood?" I asked pulling the pillow over my head.

" If you did, they'd have even more reason to not question you," she replied and jerked my blankets off of my body. I gasped and immediately curled into a ball, my body prickling with goosebumps at suddenly being exposed to the cold air.

" Get up my lady," Miku said with a hint of a smile in her voice. " I'm afraid it would be most improper for Mr. Henry to see you like this."

I shot up, my heart speeding up at the mention of Oliver returning. " Quickly, pull out my green dress! The forest green one with the silver buttons!"

I nearly jumped out of bed, excitement flashing through my veins and I stripped off my nightgown, and quickly began to change into my chemise. I Frantically held out my hands for the dress, which Miku came around and helped me into it, commenting on my excitement.

" How could I possibly contain myself Miku?" I smiled. " Mr. Oliver is just as lovely as Lord Kagamine, though I could do without his consistent lechery."

Miku's hands slowed buttoning, making me slightly apprehensive and regretful that I had mentioned Len at all.

" Rin...something like last night can not happen again," she said slowly.

" Why not?" I asked carefully. Miku finished buttoning up and my dress and beckoned for me to sit in front of the mirror, my brush in her hand. I moved as she asked, taking my seat slowly and focusing in on her conflicted, stressed expression.

" I know you do not like hearing this Rin," she said. " That man cannot be trusted."

Immediately my mind flashed back to his mansion, filled with flowers and warmth and lively voices. A house so similar to our own, filled with comforting scents and sounds. And its master...

" I do not understand," I said defiantly. " Lord Kagamine is-"

I felt that last pin be slipped into my bun and Miku whipped me around to face her. Her green eyes bore into mine, pleading and concern overflowing in them.

" I do not mean that man as a Boss Rin," she said softly. " Though it is concerning, I feel that our family is perfectly capable of protecting both you and Leon, whatever the cost. However, that is not my concern."

" Then what?" I asked just as softly.

Miku bit her lip as if it were difficult to say, as if she did not know how to say it. Her eyes searched my face for a moment before saying, " You have never been in love Rin, am I wrong?"

I shrugged my shoulders. " I remember when I was quite young and I wanted to marry Gakupo and Leon, but-"

" That is not what I mean Rin," Miku said seriously. " You have not been in love. I do not even think you have experienced those types of feelings for men unrelated to you at all."

I raised an eyebrow, feeling slightly uncomfortable with the route the conversation appeared to be going. " Miku, I feel that if you are going to talk with me about sex, Leon should be present as well."

Miku sighed and looked down thoughtfully before returning her eyes to my face and saying, " Len Kagamine is incapable of loving women as they should be loved Rin. The man only knows lust, has only ever known lust."

My cheeks warmed at various moments when Len had stripped off the refined mask he wore for high society and the underground and exposed his innermost desires.

" I am well-aware that Len is...lustful," I said reluctantly. " But to say he cannot love is going a bit too far."

" My point is Rin, that it is not," Miku said sternly. " Do not fall in love with that man."

" You say that as if love can be controlled!" I scoffed.

" Perhaps it can if you catch it before it starts."

" You honestly believe that I would fall in love with someone as perverted, arrogant, and rude as Lord Kagamine?" I said incredibly. " I don't think there is a bigger insult!"

" Rin," Miku's eyes were pleading now. " I only wish for you to not get hurt. You are nearly a woman and you have to understand that not all men-"

" Are sadistic, perverted pigs like you want me to believe?" I said irritably. " Miku, I am not a child! I understand! But Len, is not like that!"

" And how do you know," she straightened, removed her hands from my shoulders and looked down at me with a superior look in her eyes.

My mind flickered back to yesterday, that soft look in his eyes at the suggestion of a story, and I shook my head.

" I just know he isn't," I said standing. Miku remained a bit taller than me, even with our shoes on, but it provided me with more confidence to challenge her beliefs. " I will not fall in love with Len, but I refuse to sit here and allow you to tarnish his name and call me a child!"

" You say you will not fall in love him Rin, but I fear you already have," she said after a moment's silence.

Anger surged up in my chest before I stormed out the room, going down the staircase faster and faster and nearly entering my brother's study when the soft whisper of voices stopped me.

"...warn you. I don't think he's man to be trusted Leon."

" I should take your advice why?"

There was a silence before a reply, " I suppose after last year's incident there is no reason to."

The sound of a chair scraping against the tile and footsteps toward the door came after, and immediately I panicked, searching for a place to hide when they stopped.

" Don't say I didn't warn you Leon."

I quickly turned the corner leading to the main staircase hoping to find a way out, and seeing that there wasn't one, I cursed myself.

" Miss Kagamine?"

Slowly, I turned around, presenting my best smile rather than expressing my panic at the sight of Len in my house.

" Lord Kagamine," I said. " You look well."

" I was well-rested," he grinned. " May I ask what you're doing here?"

One of the first things I learned while being raised in the mafia is that no one ever asks questions out of curiosity or courtesy. Lack of important knowledge like this makes one prone to lying, as is custom in such a situation. This brings us to the second most important rule when dealing with the mob: lying doesn't work.

I sat frozen for a second, unsure how to approach Len's question. " How strange," I said. " Is this not my home?"

" Oh Miss Kagamine," Len said shaking his head, his grin growing a bit wider. " I was merely curious as to what you were doing in this part of your home, so close to me. It would be rude of me to assume anything, hm?"

I cursed myself silently for blushing and replied back fiercely, " Assume what you like sir, I do not mind, but I refuse to stand here and be accused!"

Len raised an eyebrow at my outburst, surprised at how much more quickly my temper had flared up than normal. My irritation grew only with the realization that romantic ideas of what Len would be assuming entered my head and that perhaps Miku had a point. I immediately shut down the thought at the sound of Len clearing his throat.

" Forgive me miss, I didn't mean to give off that impression," he said humbly. " I was only concerned that certain ears may have been listening where they aren't needed."

My heart sped up at the obvious jab at eavesdropping and just as I opened my mouth to object, Len crossed over to me in one smooth, graceful step - too perfect to not have been rehearsed - and said softly, " Your brother is listening sweetheart" and stepped back, making his footsteps a tad louder than they had before.

" Miss Kagamine, if you wish to speak with me, your brother and yourself are welcome at any time," he said amiably and pressed forward to leave. Upon brushing past me, he leaned down and whispered, " Particularly you" and calmly began to descend the staircase.

I turned slowly, trying to catch a glimpse of him as he left and puzzling out what exactly had just happened in my head. I was not so dense as to not have picked up that Len wanted me to see him, but if he knew Leon was listening, then why would he have made such an obvious final gesture?

I shook my head quickly at the sound of footsteps and looked at my brother turn the corner.

" Leon."

" Rin," he said. " I see you have had your own encounter with Lord Kagamine."

" It was a matter of time really."

He remained silent, eyeing me carefully, before continuing, " He is not a stupid man Rin. Do not fall-"

" First Miku and now you!" I snapped. " What tricks! What makes you think I am so susceptible to them! Don't you believe I am smarter than that? I am not as naive as you think I am!"

" Miku?" he asked with genuine surprise. " No, that not the issue, I can figure out Miku later."

Leon stepped over to me with the same grace, fluidity that Len did; their movements were so similar it was almost eerie. " I know you Rin. You are impulsive, rebellious, especially at this age. Do not take it upon yourself to find out what that man was talking about."

" Maybe I would not take it upon myself if you would only tell me," I sneered. " Constantly treating me like a child, when will the madness end!"

" Safety is not madness."

" It is when it becomes oppression," I shot back. Leon's face was only calm, despite my obvious anger. " Why are you so collected, say what you are thinking!"

" I'm thinking about what he said," Leon murmured. " No bother what you heard, we both know you were listening."

My cheeks warmed at knowing I'd been caught, but it was of somewhat trivial importance now.

" Who was he talking about?" I asked.

Leon's face immediately became a wall, devoid of any emotion and impossible to decipher. " No one he said stonily. Never mind it."

" I should mind it! I heard, I have a right to know!"

" You have the right to greet Mr., Henry when he gets here and that's all," Leon said sternly. " Do not ask anymore about it. Especially in front of our guest."


At any other time, I would have been glad to have greeted Oliver and spent time with him. He really was a wonderful man, and he was more than admirable. However, I couldn't help the rebellious streak that Miku and Leon incited in me, and as a result, I was headed to Len Kagamine's doorstep without a moment of delay. I ignored all the stares I received as I took the shortest, but most populated, route to Len's house, intent on seeing him even if it was at most improper hour.

Out the corner of my eye, I could see two men whispering to one another and eyeing me carefully, as if I would turn and lash out at them at any moment. The moment Len's estate came into view, I immediately blocked them out, gathered up my skirts, and broke into a run to his doorstep.

Len, being the man he was, felt no real fear during daylight hours and kept his gates wide open. Knowing him is was more a mocking invitation to those who dared to even dream of attacking his family. Furiously I shook my head, suddenly realizing that I was placing Len on a much higher pedestal than the one he crafted for himself.

I took a deep breath and boldly knocked on the door, trying to quell any anxiety as the door opened and revealed a disheveled looking Mikuo.

" Miss Kagamine," he said with distaste. " To what do we owe this displeasure."

" I would like to think the lord of your house would not take kindly to such disrespect to his guests," I snapped. " Where is Lord Kagamine, he requested my presence."

Mikuo scoffed. " Did he now. That man sure doesn't have any limits."

" The lord of this house Mikuo, now," I demanded.

He raised an eyebrow at the use of his name and shook his head. " Boss is...busy right now. You would not want to see him like this."

He proceeded to close the door, but I quickly wedged my parasol in between the narrowing space and glared at him. " I'll be the judge of that. Whatever mafia business Len is up to will not bother me, rest assured."

Mikuo glared back at me and continued in his attempt to close the door, but I refused to let him.

" Damn it brat, go home! Don't you have dolls to play with?!"

" I do not play with dolls!" I yelled. " I am not a child, let me in!"

" God, just go home! Shoo!"

" Don't treat me like a fly!"

" Well you're as annoying as one!"

" I wouldn't be if you'd just let me in!"

The door flew open and Mikuo threw up his hands in exasperation. " Fine! You know where Boss is."

He narrowed his eyes at me, but something else glinted there too, something that I wouldn't have recognized back then. I had brushed it off as the trick of the light and glared back at him.

" Have fun, sweetheart."

The blood rushed to my face and I flew past him, finding my way through the corridors and up stairs as if I'd been raised here my whole life. It was actually quite odd, even to me, that I knew the way so well. I'd only been here once, but feet carried me through the house as if they were thinking for me while my mind focused on Len.

My cheeks burned even more at the realization that he was even on my mind, and suddenly I was acutely aware that I was out of breath and my heart was pounding in my chest. I wasn't moving that fast was I? Maybe I was, I had to be, running could be the only things causing me to act like this.

And yet when I came to his door, I wasn't panting like most women would have been. My heart thrummed in my chest and for some reason I couldn't open the door. Gently, I touched the doorknob and tried turning it.

Locked.

My mind cried out and my heartbeat pounded relentlessly in my head. The gears in my head were grinding and squeaking against one another as if they were unable to comprehend what was happen. My breath hitched in my throat in disbelief.

Locked.

I stood there, my mind crying out even louder to me and the gears turning in my head struggled to create thoughts. Louder and louder, until finally it stopped and I realized numbly that I hadn't stopped breathing at all, I just couldn't hear it.

It took the sight of Len at his door to bring the reality crashing down on me. The feminine voice crying out had not been me trying to save myself, the merciless squeaking had not been me trying to organize and comprehend my thoughts and the situation. My face burned, so much that I was certain my skin would melt off. Len looked down at me, seemingly shocked that it was me standing there and out of words himself.

I couldn't even gather my wits enough to take note of how exposed he was, emotionally and physically. My eyes left his face, unable to process his expression and the words forming on his lips, and went to the figure lying comfortably in his bed. My eyes met hers and she smiled - a genuine smile, with no malice or superiority in it. Slowly, I returned my gaze to his face, my head spinning and my lungs suddenly aching for air.

" Honestly, my lord," I managed to breath out softly. " How indecent."


Author's Note: Ahhhh, what even is this?! What the heck Len, am I right?

So sorry for the three month disappearance, but AP tests and final are a bitch. Too bad this couldn't have been for my Language and Composition exam, I would have for sure gotten a five.

So, tell me what you guys think. Hating Len right now? Pitying Rin? Still shipping Rin and Oliver? Never shipped them at all?I want to knoww~

Alert, Favorite, Review please!