A/N: Long overdue but here's a little something to stave yourself off.

MARYLOVER- Well he hasn't waited to see what has happened since he's so busy with Yuri and her friends. But we'll get back to them

A Second Chance

Rated: M

Summary: After 15 years away, Ryoma is finally returning to Japan with his 2 kids to take care of his mother after his father's death. Although the place brought back painful memories, he never thought he would meet his old flame there again. Is there a chance they could rebuild what they once had?

Chapter XXI: Confidence

Recap-

"I just hope she's there." Ryoma said placing a hand over Fuji's.

Fuji nodded and started the engine.

xXx

Mitsurugi Residence

Renji frowned as he looked around the room trying to see if Kanna had returned. He had teased her a little and she ran out with his sister earlier but it had been a little too long. Plus Yuna's friends were becoming a little too friendly with him while Kanna was deciding to NOT return to his side.

Damnable woman! Didn't she realize how lucky she was to even be in his presence?

"Renji-kun?"

He turned his attention back to the girl whose hand was on his chest.

"Hm?"

"Were you listening?" she asked with a slight pout.

"No," Renji said with a small smile honestly. "I'm going to go out and see where Kanna ended up."

He made his escape and was about to head upstairs to grill Kanna and Asu about returning when he heard Asu's laughter coming from the library. He strode over and pushed the half open door open further to see what the amusement was about when a grip of jealousy sunk its claws into him.

He hadn't expected to see his strait-lace brother waltzing liked an idiot with Kanna in tow. It was stupid to see such a fun dance butchered by a deadweight woman and stiff man. His first instinct was to rip her out of his brother's arms and tell her what a stupid girl she was to think she could ever fit into his world. He was almost certain that it had been a blow to her pride when the other girls had teased her about her shortcomings. STILL, that was no reason to enlist the help of his immature sister and serious brother. His brow creased as he caught her look to his brother when he insisted that she should just flow with his movements. She had blushed… she had stuttered and acted not like the strong woman she always seemed to be in front of him. How dare she treat him better when he looked exactly like the bastard holding her at the moment!

"She has a long ways to go!" Renji said walking into the room. He pulled on a bored face to mask his irritation at Kanna's actions.

"She's still beginning," Asu explained with a frown to her brother. "I won't let Asu feel embarrassed by those low class girls again."

"Well it's not like a mouse can be cultivated in one sitting." Renji said with a shrug. "She can't just expect to step into our world because she looks a little pretty."

"You need to watch your mouth," Ren said with a warning edge in his tone.

"I never asked to step into your circle!" Kanna said backing away from Ren in anger to approach Renji in anger. She had thought he had been trying to cheer her up but it seemed he just wanted to play with her and make fun of her!

"Excuse me," the butler said interrupting the conversation. "Echizen-san is here for his daughter."

Kanna stalked past Renji and shoved his hand away when he tried to reach for her.

"Gosh Renji!" Asu said with an angry look at her brother, "Why do you have to be such an ass?"

Kanna didn't care. She was positive se wasn't going to his cousin's birthday since it'll be only for their type of people. She just wanted to go home… and maybe cry a little. She was tired of trying to be a girl that someone would want.

"Are you okay?"

Kanna glanced up to see her brother staring at her with a hard stare. She nodded but didn't trust herself to say anything. He was her twin, he knew her better than anyone and she was aware he understood she was so close to breaking. She held his hand and nudged him towards the door showing she was done here but she saw that look.

She hated that look.

Her father gave the exact same one before they scowled and took care of whatever problem they thought should be their responsibility.

"That bas-" Ryota started and turned to go find his victim but Kanna tightened her grip on his hand.

"Kanna," He said with a half snarl.

"It's fine!" Kanna said sternly.

"Kanna!" Asu said entering the foyer.

"Bye Asu," Kanna managed to let out with a small smile. "I'll see you another time, Tell Ren thank you for his patience."

Ryota bit back his anger as he exhaled a long breath. He could see how upset Kanna was and he didn't need to ask to know which bastard it was… if he found out that he touched her inappropriately he would break his nose!

"So you were here,"

Kanna wanted to cry in embarrassment now… god! Her Dad AND Fuji-san had come as well.

"What happened?" Ryoma asked with an instant scowl as he moved forward to embrace his daughter. She was clearly upset and on the verge of tears. If any bastard laid a hand on her he was going to-

"Fine daddy," Kanna uttered and pulled him towards the door. "Let's go."

"I'm sorry," Asu said with a bow to Ryota. "Renji- nii upset her."

"I'm not surprised!" Ryota said with another scowl now. He'd made up his mind; he was going to kick his senpai's ass in his house.

"PLEASE!" Kanna uttered seeing her father and brother behavior. Really! They were like little kids with their replicated emotions and sequence of action.

"I'm so sorry…" Asu said again with a lower bow only to feel a warm hand land on her head suddenly. She glanced up and saw Ryota staring at her with a small smile before he removed his hand from her head.

"It's nothing you need to apologize for Asu-chan." Ryota said before clucking her below her chin in fondness. "I'll kill him another day for Kanna and your sake."

"I would think he would too," Yuu mussed to his uncle with a smile.

"He would," Fuji agreed with a similar smile. It had been too long since he'd seen Ryoma fired up against someone else. He was incredible attractive during those times. If this had been years back, Fuji had no doubt he would've pulled Ryoma into his arms and kissed the anger out of those golden eyes and tense jaw.

"Shall we go?" Fuji asked seeing that Kanna was more than ready to go.

Ryoma nodded.

xXx

School

A Week Later

Kanna ducked into a classroom as she spotted Tetsuya walking over with a friend. She had carefully been avoiding Tetsuya since she was still reeling from her feelings for him. It felt painful to see him and yet-

Kanna jumped slightly as she felt arms wrap themselves around her from behind. She didn't need to look to know who it was.

"Will you leave me alone?" Kanna said getting angry. She had enough of his pawing for the week and she certainly wanted nothing more to do with him. She had given him his chance and she didn't feel like giving him more. She struggled out of his grasp and backed away from him with a glare. He didn't seem to understand that her words weren't an invitation because he advanced forward again with a crooked smile.

"Why don't we go out for a date hm?"Renji asked shoving his hands into his pockets as he cornered her in the classroom. "I could teach you how to be womanly."

"I'm sure you tell all your other ladies that too… so tell me, what about Mika? Did you teach her something or did she teach you?" Kanna asked bluntly with a frown. How dare he force his presence on her every day when he couldn't even let go of some woman's memory.

It came so fast, Kanna didn't know how to react. She saw his eyes light of anger, and then before she knew it, he had tugged her head harshly by her hair and gave a bruising kiss that she refused to respond and open too. She struggled but he was stronger and she felt pain from how he gripped her hair so tightly. She turned her head despite the pain and a tear escaped her eye in pain. She wondered what the hell life was handing her to deserve all this.

xXx

Music

Kanna grinned as she saw that Ryota's fan club was not amused by his fascination with their new music teacher. Oshitari-sensei was teaching just like any other teacher but Ryota was enthralled by her mature and beauty obviously. He NEVER paid this much attention unless it was gym so Kanna knew he was taken with her.

Kanna gathered her music stuff to put away as the teacher checked the time and they stood to bow. It was finally time for a break that she had so look forward to. She wanted to check her scalp after forcing Renji to let go. Her head was sore from the struggle she had with him earlier and it was only lucky that she had been able to land a solid kick to his shin to escape.

Kanna started out the door when someone grabbed her arm. Her instincts flared to life as pulled free and swung a slap towards her attacker.

"Whoa!" Tetsuya said wincing when her palm made contact with his shoulder hard.

"Tetsu!'Kanna said backing up in slight surprise.

"What was that for?" Tetsuya asked rubbing his arm slightly to numb the sting.

"Sorry, I thought you were Renji…." Kanna apologized dropping her head I apology.

"I didn't realize you two were so close to be doing that…" Tetsuya said with a slight smile.

Kanna didn't answer as she put more distance between them. "Excuse me," She said suddenly and turned to escape.

"Wait! I haven't seen you in a while," Tetsya said jogging to catch up with her brisk walk.

"I'm headed to the bathroom," Kanna said trying to get rid of him.

"I can walk you there can't I?" Tetsuya asked.

"There's no need,"Kanna protested and continued on her mission without slowing for him.

"But Ryota would prefer I do don't you think?" Tetsuya asked still keeping up with her since he had longer legs than she did.

"Tetsuya…" Kanna said turning to face him suddenly making him almost run into her.

"Yeah?" Tetsuya asked dodging a couple girl heading the opposite way.

"I need some space." Kanna blurted out. She'd just have to use her father and brother's straightforwardness.

"Of course I won't enter the bathroom with you," Tetsuya assured.

"No, I mean from you," Kanna cut in with a weary look.

Tetsuya paused and stared at her for a slight moment before he stuffed his hands into his pocket in awkwardness.

"Why?"

Kanna opened her mouth to tell a lie but playing at her dad and brother's attitude had rolled the truth out instantly.

"I need time to back away from you since you're in love with someone else."

"What?" Tetsuya asked in slight shock. His mouth hung open and his eyes widened as he waited for an answer.

She couldn't say. She ran instead and wondered when Echizen Kanna became such a coward.

xXx

Echizen Residence

Ryoma caught the tennis ball easily with a flick of his wrist and smooth manvuer of his racquet. He walked towards the bench Fuji had already settled on and raised his hand to accept the towel Fuji held out to him and wiped the sweat off his face. He hid a smile behind the towel as he heard Fuji's harsh breathing beside him. They had only done one set yet it was clear that Fuji hadn't played in years from his endurance. Still, it was also true that once your body learned something, it wouldn't forget the movements.

"I'm still rusty," Fuji said reaching for his water bottle between the two of them.

Ryoma nodded his agreement at that.

Fuji chuckled watching Ryoma stretch his legs out and turn his head up towards the clear blue sky. Even after all this time Ryoma was completely honest and held nothing back not even to make him feel better.

"You were slightly distracted," Ryoma commented turning his head to look at Fuji.

Fuji smiled and took a sip of his water before he screwed his top back on in silence.

"Syuusuke?" Ryoma questioned.

"It's nothing," Fuji said glancing back at Ryoma. He poked Ryoma's cheek absently before he spoke again.

"It's Chihiro,"

"What about your sister-in-law?" Ryoma asked straightening himself.

"I feel like I'm holding her back." Fuji admitted putting his hand on top of Ryoma.

"What do you mean by that?" Ryoma questioned leaning his head against Fuji's shoulder now. "Wasn't she leaning on you for support through your brother's death?"

Fuji chuckled softly before placing a kiss on Ryoma's forehead. "Well, I feel she can't properly move on because I'm still there reminding her of Yuuta."

"Do you remind her of him though?" Ryoma asked moving his head up to stare at Fuji.

"I think so" Fuji said opening his eyes to stare back at Ryoma.

"Then why don't you give her space?" Ryoma suggested looking away slightly before turning back. "We have a spare room here and-"

"Is that an invitation to your room?" Fuji whispered teasingly at Ryoma.

"..Baka!" Ryoma said with a quick frown before he turned away from Fuji fully. "I was just suggesting a way!"

"You're not scared I might just hop in bed and have my way with you?" Fuji asked wrapping his arms possessively around Ryoma's waist forcing Ryoma to look back at him.

"Isn't that expected?" Ryoma said irritably as he turned to face the house with slightly reddened cheeks again.

Fuji smiled and nodded against Ryoma.

"I'll talk to Chihiro about it if you talk to your mom and kids." Fuji said.

Ryoma only had enough time to nod before Fuji's lips pressed against his and coaxed him into a drugging kiss.

xXx

After School

"What are these for?" Kanna asked staring at the flowers Renji dropped into her arms as soon as she stepped outside to go home.

"You know what it's for," Renji edged out before placed his arm around Kanna.

"I don't want it if it's your apology for earlier today," Kanna said darkly.

"It's asking you out formally you idiot," Renji corrected her. "You deserved that kiss."

"Never," Kanna said with a bright smile to Renji's face. "I'm through with you!"

Renji's eyes clouded in anger and he opened his mouth but Kanna turned away tossing the flowers into the trash nearby. She heard him kick the wall hard and knew she had to get away before he forced himself on her…

"What a bitch,"

Kanna head turned to see a group of girls standing near the bushes watching the whole confrontation of Renji and her.

"She opens her legs only to drop Renji as soon as he's ready to commit; what a whore." The girl said clearly not afraid that she was listening and hearing it all.

Kanna ignored it as she continued on her way towards Ryota who was waiting.

"Kanna, I have a last minute photoshoot so why don't you wait for Tetsuya to walk you home and-"

"I'll just go with you," Kanna said firmly. She wasn't going to face Tetsuya again after what happened earlier today.

"Are you sure?" Ryota asked with a small frown, "It might take a while and-"

"It's fine." Kanna said with a tight smile. "Let's go,"

xXx

Satohashi Modeling Agency

Kanna frowned at her brother as Ayaka fussed over her.

"What?" Ryota asked with a half-smile that threatened to spread across his sensuous lips.

"How did I get dragged into this?" Kanna asked starting to pout now.

"Well I told you to go home but you decided to tag along so it's only fair that you should be open to be a replacement."Ryota explained with a slow wink.

Kanna let out a low che and wondered why the hell her brother was blessed with everything. He was a brat but yet could look extremely handsome without even trying… life wasn't fair.

"Kanna, don't frown." Ayaka directed as she viewed Kanna's face once more before nodding her approval at her work.

"Done?" Kanna asked turning to the mirror.

"Yes," Ayaka said staring at Kanna through the mirror. "The model that didn't show today looked a lot more mature than you so I had to tweak it without making it seem like we tried too hard to make you look older."

Kanna smiled a little and thanked Ayaka before Ryota pulled her up and out of the makeup room so they could get started with Nakamuta-san. Kanna appreciated how her brother coud make his personality stand out so far… even if it was because he was mostly too confident and cocky.

"Ready?" Nakamuta asked eyeing both with appreciation.

"Aa," Ryota replied and dragged Kanna onto the set with him. "How do you want us?"

"I invited a well-known photographer here for the shoot," Nakamuta explained. "This is Shitsuma-san."

Kanna and Ryota bowed slightly in acknowledgement to the younger guy beside Nakamuta. He smiled back at them and nodded. Kanna supposed he was good at what he did since he looked like a model himself being tall and confident.

"Shall we start?" He asked.

Ryota and Kanna nodded. They faced each other and Ryota knocked his forehead lightly against Kanna to get her focused.

"Ouch," Kanna pouted.

"Just follow through," Ryota uttered brushing his hands into her hair.

CLICK!

Both looked up startled by the blinding flash. They hadn't known that it was beginning with no directions.

"You two are good together," Shitsuma said from behind his camera. A smile crossed his face as he turned his lens slightly and he gave the first order. "Let's get a back-to-back pose."

Ryota smiled at Kanna and bent slightly. "Trust me," He whispered before he turned away from her. Kanna exhaled slightly and felt Ryota hold her hand as their backs came together. She glanced down and stared at their entwined hands and smiled slightly to herself about how comfortable her brother could make her feel.

XxX

Kanna bit her lip as she eyed her solo photos and couple pictures with Ryota. They were really good and she couldn't believe that she was actually the one in those photos.

Nakamuta watched quietly form the back at Kanna's expression. She obviously liked what she saw from the way she eyed the screen but he wondered if she knew her talent that was born into her.

He had loved catching the siblings off guard when Shitsuma had snapped them unexpectedly. That shot had showcase the trust they had in one another. The way Ryota had buried his fingers into her dark hair, the slight touch of their forehead in affection, the way Kanna looked at him so trusting had been more for the atmosphere rather than the photo shoot. He'd have to bug Shitsuma to let him have a copy of that one.

Then there had been that second one. Kanna hadn't known but that back to back picture was definitely going to be the blown up picture for the magazine. She had smiled so childishly yet naturally staring at her brother's hand entwined with hers that she had missed her brother's expression. He had softened his eyes and though they faced away from each other, his slight smile showed his subtle happiness.

Nakamuta wondered if Sagawa was going to say anything on Ryota since the interview happened a while back, it hadn't been released. He was sure the hardheaded publicist was still reeling that Ryota had cornered him at his own game and refused to use his mother's name to climb the ladder of success

"You looked good," Shitsuma said to Kanna with a smile.

"Thank you," Kanna said with a smile back at the photographer. "I'm just so awkward so I never know how I'll turn out."

"Actually, you're pretty normal." Shitsuma admitted. "I think if it had been anyone else, you wouldn't have shined as much as with Ryota."

"Oh…" Kanna said with a quick smile not knowing if that was meant as a compliment or criticism. Then again why should she care? It wasn't a profession she was looking at so it shouldn't matter.

"You should pursue it seriously," Shitsuma said cutting into her thoughts. "You have a gift for it, the only thing is you lack confidence."

"I don't know about that," Kanna said with a sigh. "I'm nowhere near my brother's level or my mother's.

"That's called experience," Shitsuma corrected. "Everyone starts at the bottom."

"Sakura!" Ayaka said suddenly.

Everyone turned to see Sakura walk into the room.

"I was just dropping by to see if I had left my notebook here," She said with a smile to them before bowing gracefully. Kanna wondered how she looked when walking across the room because she was positive she didn't glide like Sakura did nor did she have a flawless doll like face.

"I don't think you left anything here," Ayaka said as she moved towards the dressing room. "I'll double check though."

"Thank you Ayaka-san!" Sakura said before she turned to stand next to Kanna and stare at the photos. "You're doing better."

"Thank you," Kanna uttered. "I'm nothing compare to Ryota or you though…"

"Hey," Ryota said coming to stand in-between both girls.

"Hi" Sakura said with a small smile though her eyes glued onto him.

Ryota had stopped paying attention though as his eyes grazed the photos on the monitor instead.

Still, Kanna noted that his arm was around Sakura's waist and she had scooted closer to him. It was quite clear to her that Sakura liked her brother but she was also extremely sure her brother had no idea about it. It was times like these that she was glad she actually wasn't dense where her brother was.

xXx

Elsewhere

"I need to know Yuu," Nami persisted drawing his attention once more towards herself. He merely stared at her and wondered why she was pestering him so much lately… or had it been always?

"We've dated for three months now and yet have gone no where…" Nami pushed trying to get a response out of the usual cheerful guy.

"You're right,"Yuu agreed, "Shall we break up?"

A/N: With Thrill inside the house and so many pending problems, what will this cast do?