Warning, much emotion coming up.

Amaya rolled her neck in a circle as she worked the kinks out of it. The hour drive to her families estate made her feel a little stiff. Although, in hindsight, leaning on Takashi's shoulder for the entire journey may have contributed to that.

The trio climbed out of the sleek black car that her parents had sent and looked around the modest but huge area. They began walking to the two large wooden doors that marked the entrance to her traditional Japanese style home.

Out of the corner of her eye Amaya spotted a brown blur flying through the air directly towards them. She spun rapidly on her heel as she saw the form near Honey. Reflexively she prepared to attack when she realised exactly who the assailant was.

"Chicka!" She cried happily, leaping at her younger cousin with open arms, tackling him out of the air.

"Hey, let go! I have to fight Mitsukuni." He complained, trying to claw his way out of her arms to get at his brother.

"Nope, not a chance." She said brightly. Honey smiled and attack-hugged the two.

"Hi Chicka-chan! Did dad call you too?" He giggled, his legs wrapped around his brother's back.

"Yes. Now release me, we're supposed to be fighting!" Chicka squirmed.

"But this is so much more fun. I like hugging better. What about you squirt, do you like hugging better?"Amaya smirked.

"Uh huh. Hey Takashi, do you want to hug too?" Honey asked chirpily.

"No."

"Aw, come one Takashi! Feel the forcibly given love!" Amaya said rubbing her face against Chicka's reluctant one.

Takashi started to move towards the entrance but froze as raised voices came to their ears. People were shouting behind the front doors. And they were angry.

Suddenly the wooden doors burst open and a large figure came crashing to the ground. A woman came into the door frame, her blonde hair hanging wildly around her face and her brown eyes flashing with unhinged fury.

"How dare you?!" She spat at the man she had just sent tumbling down the drive. Amaya recognised her Uncle Yorihisa immediately as he slowly dusted himself off.

"This concerns the Haninozuka-" He said tightly.

"I don't give a damn about your bloody Haninozukas! This is my family's business not yours. How dare you summon my children!"

"I am your family too." Yorihisa protested.

"You weren't two years ago when that bastard died!" Amaya's mother spat.

"He was our father, show some respect!"

"He never showed respect in his life! And you're not much better. I'm warning you Yorihisa, take your sons and leave. For god sake I wasn't even going to involve Takashi in this! This is Amaya's life we are discussing, not yours!"

Yorihisa fumed. "I'll allow you some time to talk this over, sister. But even you can't deny that what effects one of our families effects the other. Mitsukuni, Yasuchicka, come. Let's leave the Morinozukas to their discussions." He stormed down the path. Chicka and Honey looked at one another and then at their cousins before following him.

Amaya and Takashi stared at their mother in shock. They had never seen such an outburst from her before. Their father may be the quieter one of the two but it was their mother who could mask and control her emotions so well.

"Amaya your father is in the study, he wants to speak with you. Taka-kun, why don't you get something to eat while we discuss this with your sister."She turned back into house.

Takashi nodded and the siblings followed, both of them wondering what exactly this was and how it affected Amaya's life so much.

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When Amaya reached the study door she sent a backward glance to her brother. He nodded encouragingly to her before walking onto the dining room. Her mother was at her side and she opened the door.

"After you." She said politely. That worried Amaya, sure they hadn't been never been particularly close, especially after the last two years, but they had at least been comfortable with each other. Right now she felt like a client, or an employee about to be fired.

Amaya squared her shoulders and fixed a bored expression on her face. She wasn't going to let down her guard until she knew what this was about, even if it was her parents she was talking to.

Her father was sitting behind his polished antique desk. Her mother walked behind him and rested her hands on the top of the chair. Her fingers pinched the leather tightly.

"Hello Ama-chan. How are you?"Her dad's impressive frame rose from his chair and walked over to him. She felt herself engulfed in a hug. Takashi may be tall but he was yet to outgrow their father. His dark eyes, the same as his sons, lightened at the sight of her but she could still sense unease behind them.

"I'm fine dad. Mostly wondering what this is all about." She detangled herself from his arms and sat down in the seat across from her father's.

Her parents shared a look. She didn't like that. Her mind started whirring a mile a minute. She hadn't done anything wrong had she? Maybe they found out about the attacks on the guests? Or the host club? Or...

She paused, this couldn't be about Ootori could it?

Her father cleared his throat and she tensed with anticipation.

"Amaya, do you know about the Otazin technology company?"

The question surprised her hugely.

"Em, yeah, I suppose." She said dazed before mentally shaking herself. "I mean yes. I have."

"How much do you know about them?" Her father said pressing her on.

Amaya frowned. "Well as far as I can tell they are a relatively new company but massively successful. Their founder is some sort of genius who has been developing newer and faster computer programs, games, phone apps, memory cards...Basically anything in that whole area."

Her father swallowed, he folded his hands together and put his two index fingers to his lips.

"And how much do you know of its CAO?"

Her mother's knuckles went white as her grip tightened for a split second. It was the kind of movement only someone who grew up in Amaya's house would notice.

"Not a whole lot." Amaya said carefully.

"Well to summarize. He is young, started making up these computer programs on an archaic machine when he was fourteen. At fifteen his mother's boss took a notice of his capabilities and funded his experiments. Within a year they went into business together. Four years later and they have taken over a large percentage of the Japanese market and have achieved multi-million status. They are making a move on the American and European market next year."

"Alright. I don't see how light industry such as that has any impact on us. We are a protective services and training company." Amaya said confused.

"Amaya, this isn't exactly a discussion on business." Her mother said running a hand through her blonde hair.

"Well then what is it?" Amaya snapped, a little frustrated.

"The CAO, Otazin Kiyoshi, has asked for your hand in marriage." Her father siad finally.

Amaya felt as though the world had gone still.

Marriage? But I'm only sixteen? Sure, I know arranged marriages aren't that unusual in families such as mine but...She shook her head.

"So you brought me here to tell me that you're selling me to some hot shot computer hacker?" Her voice was harsh as she slowly rose from her chair.

"No darling, that's exactly what we haven't done." Her mother reached for her but she recoiled.

"This is entirely your decision. But we thought that in this case we should permit you to make it." Her father reasoned.

"What do you mean in this case."

Her father smirked a little. "Amaya you are a beautiful, intelligent, young woman from a very well established family. Surely you don't believe that we haven't been approached with people hoping to make you their daughter in law before?"

"We always declined because we either felt you were too young or the people asking were too arrogant or obnoxious or they asked when you were... gone." Her mother stated, her voice getting awkward near the end.

"So why now? I'm sixteen I'd hardly say that I'm old enough to be getting married!" Amaya argued.

"Don't worry about that. He made it very clear that he had no intention of marrying you until you are at the very least out of High school, preferably out of college."

"Oh well that makes it okay then." Amaya said sarcastically. She wasn't usually this rude with her parents but she felt betrayed. Like they had gotten used to not having her around and were now trying to pawn her off again.

"Amaya, listen. This man is young. He is intelligent. His mother was a maid so he's not obnoxious and is capable of living without butlers and other servants. So when he came and very politely requested that we consider him as a prospective husband for you we thought that we should allow you to know about it. However, that being said, if you choose to decline we will not be disappointed. We will not be hurt. You have given enough to this family these past two years. You shouldn't have had to do what you did. So if you decide that this is a part of your life that you want us to have nothing to do with, we will have nothing to do with it." Her mother finished, her eyes looking into their mirror image in her daughters'.

Amaya felt a part of her relax. She had a choice but...

"Can I go for a walk?"

Her mother smiled. "Of course love. If you see Takashi send him in. We have another matter to speak to him about."

She nodded numbly and shut the door behind her. She closed her eyes and sighed.

"Is everything alright?" Takashi said.

"AH!" Amaya jumped. She must be distracted for someone to be able to sneak up on her like that. Even if they were a Morinozuka.

Takashi frowned at her. She waved off his surprise at her reaction.

"Mam wants to talk to you. She didn't say what about."

He nodded and walked into the room knowing he wasn't going to get any information out of his sister.

Amaya sighed and shoved open the front doors, hoping to clear her head.

It made sense for her to consider it. It was a good offer. Of course she'd have to meet him before she made a decision. And run a background check.

But what about Ootori?

Amaya felt like growling at that thought. What about Ootori? It's not like they were dating or anything, or in love...

So why was the idea of stopping their relationship so unwanted?

"-that girl is highly unlikely to make the correct decision. She's only a child! How can she be expected to do what's right for this family?!" Her uncle's angry voice interrupted her thoughts. The voice came from inside one of the training rooms that stood apart from the main house.

"Amaya isn't stupid, she'll do what's right. Even if that's not what you want." Honey's voice said irritated. Amaya paused, listening intently now. Her cousin was defending her to her uncle. She felt a pang of guilt. Would she have shown him the same loyalty?

"What I want is the right thing for this family. Her marriage would be of huge benefit both the Haninozuka and the Morinozuka companies. She needs to be selfless and under her mother's influence she won't be."

"Amaya has already done what's right for this family!" Chicka protested.

"I'm tired of this conversation. I'm going to find my sister and discuss this matter further."

Amaya heard the sound of a door opening and quickly hid out of view. She watched her Uncle's retreating form cautiously.

He's so going to get his ass kicked again, She thought.

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Honey walked out of the training room and dusted himself off. After their father left Chicka demanded the fight that he had been refused earlier. Now his younger brother was lying on the floor in pain.

"Allo Squirt." He looked over to see Amaya leaning against the wall.

"Hi Amaya. Are you ready to go back to the beach? Where's Takashi?"

"He's still talking to our Mam. Not sure what about. Can I talk to you for a second?" She started walking to one of the benches that lined the drive into her house.

"Em okay is something wrong?"He asked, following her.

"Not really. I just wanted to talk."She sat down, her eyes straight ahead as she spoke.

"Do you know why I didn't like you for so long?" She asked simply.

The question practically winded him.

"I, I thought it was because I'm a Haninozuka."He muttered.

"So is Chicka but I've never had a problem with him."

"So what is it then?" Honey demanded. He had often wondered about this himself.

"I don't know if you remember but around the time you were eleven you and Chicka got really sick with the flu. Takashi and I came to help out but really we were just making sure you two didn't go crazy being kept inside all day." She smiled fondly before continuing.

"We brought you both food and I used to read to Chicka. Takashi would play video games or cards with you. It was kind of fun in a weird way."

She paused and Honey could see her jaw set with anger.

"The thing is though if you hang out with people with the flu for that long there's a good chance you're going to catch something. And Takashi did. He got so weak, but grandfather" She spat the word, "Made it clear that we should keep looking after you and Chicka. So we did. And Takashi got worse."

Honey's eyes widened. He remembered the time Amaya was talking about but he had no recollection of Takashi being ill.

"Then one day, I heard shouting coming from your room. I ran in and saw Takashi with hot soup all over him and your bed. From what I gathered from you screaming at him, he dropped it while he was bringing it to you. His arms were too weak ,you see, to carry the tray for so long. You started calling him an idiot and in that moment I couldn't see any difference between you and grandfather." Amaya's voice was cold and furious. Honey felt a wave of guilt wash over him. He didn't even remember that.

"After that moment it was pretty easy to view the way you treated him as the same way grandfather saw us. It was easy to dislike you so much." Honey's looked down at the ground in shame.

"But then I started hanging out in the Host Club. And suddenly I started seeing the truth about your relationship. That he needed you just as much as you needed him." Her voice was lighter now.

"So, I guess my point is...I'm sorry squirt. I misjudged you." Honey looked up to see Amaya smiling at him meekly. His eyes welled up and he hugged her tightly around the waist.

"I'm sorry for being mean to Takashi!"He wailed into her stomach. She smirked and ruffled his hair. Her older cousin was such a little kid sometimes.

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Mori didn't exactly know what was going on when he came upon Amaya and Honey hugging. He tilted his head to the side.

"What are you two doing?"

The pair broke apart and looked up at him with grins. It was kind of eerie.

"Just showing some cousinly affection. You ready to go back to the beach?" Amaya answered rising up from her seat.

"Yeah."

"Well then let's go. Can't keep you boys away from your devoted guests forever now can we?"

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Amaya stared out over the sea from her balcony. Her chin was resting on her knees and her arms were looped around her folded legs. The rain had finally stopped. The sun was setting behind her and she watched the sky darken into night.

Her mind was rampant with thoughts about the proposal. Logically she had to consider it. He was a young, intelligent man. Her parents had approved him and they were excellent judges of character.

But how do I tell Kyoya, she thought sadly.

Will he be upset? No, don't be silly, she chastised herself, he'll be alright with it. He's a handsome boy, I'm sure he'll find someone else willing to share his bed.

So when do I tell him? She sighed, she should let him know next time she saw him.

"Did you have a good time at your parents?" She froze temporarily before recovering. That was the second time today someone had snuck up on her. She was losing her edge.

"It was fine." She replied curtly.

There was no further questions and she thought that he may have decided to leave.

Instead she heard him sit down on the ground. His arms snaked around her waist and his legs spread out so one was on either side of her, his knees pointing into the air like her own.

He pulled her in closer to him and rested his head on her shoulder. She sighed, happily accepting his warmth.

Kyoya kissed her neck softly and she bit her lip.

Perhaps she wouldn't tell him just yet.

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Well that is easily the longest chapter I've ever written. I hope you enjoyed it and didn't find it too long or tedious.

Please review and tell me what you think. How do you feel about the whole proposal thing? And How do you think Kyoya is going to react?

Oh and by the way a different Ootori is going to be making an appearance very shortly.

Thank you for reading,

IvyNO.