Chapter 25

"Mira come over here for a second." My father called out to me from the living room, distracting me from searching through the fridge for some lunch.

I walked through the doorway and leaned on the frame, "What's up?"

"I need a favor from you, tomorrow I have an important meeting with someone who is willing to invest into my company. I need you to escort his son and keep him entertained while I convince his father to sign with us."

I stared at my father with a blank expression and raised a brow, "So you're pimping me out?"

My fathers eyes went wide as he turned to me with a shocked expression letting out a small chocking noise and mumbled, "You are defiantly your mothers child."

My relationship with my dad is still strained but not nearly as much as before, after we sat down and discussed everything and there was no more secrets between us we were able to work through a lot of our issues. We are able to hold more and longer conversations and have made a ritual of eating dinner together, when he's home anyway, but as I said we were still working on things. It still feels a tad weird how much our relationship has shifted, I mean it's as if he just walked right into my life and isn't budging. So in short, major improvement but still some small issues here and there.

"I would never pimp you out."

"No you just want me to escort and entertain some guy while you get money." I pointed out as I crossed my arms, trying to fight the smile that was creeping onto my face.

"Now see here! It is a professional business deal! His son happens to know you and requested to spend time with you while his father and I negotiate."

"Oh? So I'm a high end hooker? That's good, you almost hurt my feelings there." I grinned as he pinched the bridge of his nose and let out a deep sigh when his words finally hit me, "Wait who is this guy anyway? How does he know me?"

"Apparently he goes to your school and was very eager at the chance to spend the afternoon with you."

I straightened my form and walked closer to my father and sat in the love seat next across from him, "This isn't...this isn't mafia stuff is it?"

"No, it is simply a chance to improve sales in our market, my business with the mafia is on the side. We've been through this already Mira."

"Well this is still weird for me..." I replied and lowered my gaze to the floor, "Did...did mom know about it?"

He was quiet for a minute before he answered, "Yes, but the mafia was not the reason for her death, you know that."

"I know."

I heard him let out another sigh as he walked over to me and put his hand on my shoulder in an attempt to comfort me. It helped, but it still felt bittersweet to me.

"So will you do me this favor?" He questioned as he removed his hand.

I met his gaze and gave a slight roll of my eyes, "I just have to spend the afternoon with him?"

"Just a few hours, go to a restaurant and have lunch, go for a walk in the park. Just long enough for me to close the deal."

"And if he tries anything?"

"You're in the mafia, I believe you can handle yourself." He answered giving a slight wave of his hand.

I grinned, that's his way of giving permission to make sure this boy will never get the chance to reproduce.

"Alright...but you owe me one!"

"Thank you sweetheart." He smiled and patted my head as he made his way into the kitchen. My eyes widen slightly and my hands rose to touch the top of my head. He hasn't done that since...

A slow smile made it's way to my face, maybe there weren't as many issues with my dad as I thought.

"Oh and Mira?"

"Yes?"

"Dress nice."

"Right don't want them to think I'm just any hooker, I'm top of the line!" All I heard were mumbles of how I have my mothers smart mouth, and grinned. I slipped my phone out of my pocket and sent a text to the girls to see if they felt like shopping with me.

Within ten minutes I got replies of acceptance from my fellow females and I began getting ready, I threw on a pair of faded jean shorts and a light blue tube top with a gray sweater over it, I rolled my sweater sleeves up to my elbows and twisted my hair into a messy bun.

Hana, Kyoko, Haru, and I went to about three different stores before I picked out a gray tiered skirt that went down to my knees and a loose fitting white shirt with a thick brown belt to tie it all together. We talked about anything and everything and I can't even describe how much I missed this...how much I was having fun being one of the girls again. We then went out for lunch and as we were all talking I couldn't help but let out a bittersweet smile at the scene.

Before the mafia...this is what my life used to be...

I said my goodbyes to the group and made my way to the school gates, I have to play nice with the clients son today, meaning I need to rush home and change before they get there. I still have no clue who the guy is, all I know is that he goes to school with me...which does not narrow it down even in the slightest.

"Mira-Chan!" A voice called before a hand softly gripped my shoulder.

I looked over my shoulder and smiled at the baseball captain, "Hey what's up?"

Takeshi scratched the back of his head and flashed me a smile, "Well I wanted to know if you wanted to hang out today?"

"Sorry but I can't," I frowned and faced the boy, "I have to-"

"Raphaela-Chan!" A familiar voice bellowed causing my head to snap in the direction of the voice only to find Ryo waving at me and making his way over.

I smiled politely, "Hello, sorry I can't really-"

"Are you excited? I've been looking forward to hanging out with you today." The dark haired boy smiled as he placed himself in between Takeshi and I.

I furrowed my eyes at the boy until it hit me, "Oh! So you're the one who-"

"Who is lucky enough to spend the whole after noon with you." He countered smiling sweetly at me before glancing over his shoulder at Takeshi who was standing there with a blank look.

"Oh, hey." Ryo greeted apathetically before looking back at me and smiled, "So let me walk you home and we can get started."

"Uh... sure." I answered flatly and stepped around Ryo to give Takeshi a cute smile, "I'll talk to you later okay?"

Takeshi stared at me for a minute before forcing a shaky smile that made mine falter, "Yeah, sure."

"Tak-"

"Let's go Raphaela-Chan." Ryo gently gripped my arm and tugged it as he led us out the school gate and to my home.

"Did you want to go home and change?" I asked politely as I looked over the boy.

Dad wants me to be as polite and friendly to Ryo as possible to get on his dads good side, at least until they finalize their deal, which I guessed would take about two hours. After that I'm free, it's not that he was bad company, I just don't want him thinking this is more than just a business deal...

"No it's fine, the more time with you the better." He grinned making me feel a pang of guilt.

"You know...that it's just us hanging out right? I mean you know it's not...a date or anything...right?" I trailed off nervously, biting my lip and fiddled with the hem of my skirt.

"Yeah I know."

"Okay, I just don't want you to get the wrong-"

"But maybe after today you'll change your mind!"

I stared at the overly excited boy and felt my lips curl into a small grimace, "I wouldn't count on it."

"You don't mind eating here, do you Raphaela-Chan?"

"Hm?" I looked up and deadpanned at the sight, "Uh...well-"

"Great! Let's go!" Que getting dragged in and practically shoved into a booth while Ryo clambered into the seat across from me. I nervously glanced at the counter to see that Mr. Yamamoto hasn't noticed me yet and gave a small sigh of relief, at least something is going my way today.

"Mira-Chan?"

I flinched at the voice, I didn't even need to look into those honey colored orbs to know who was going to take our orders...

"Takeshi..."

"So this is your family restaurant then Yamamoto?" Ryo questioned crossing his arms and laying them carelessly on the table while I kept my hands in my lap with my head down. I felt weird all of a sudden...like I was doing something wrong some how, as if being here was a mistake.

"I remember hearing some guys on the team talk about this place."

I could feel Takeshi's gaze boring into me and I risked a glance at the baseball ace, only to have that weird feeling intensify. Takeshi held a small note pad in one hand with a pen in the other, he must be helping his dad with the shop today, he was dressed in the white uniform and stared at me with a vacant look in his eyes.

After a brief pause Takeshi answered, "Yeah my dad is an amazing chef."

"Rikuto and I are hanging out while our dads are making a business deal." I explained quickly before Ryo could interrupt me, for some reason he's been doing that a lot today. I don't know why I said it so hastily, in fact I don't even know how or why that came out. I felt my cheeks heat up and risked a glance at my favorite athlete, I watched as some life returned to Takeshi's eyes and a real smile tugged at his lips as he gazed on at me. I felt my own smile growing as the recognition showed on his face, then it was like a switch was flipped and he returned to the normal Takeshi.

Takeshi ruffled my hair and grinned, "Oh is that all?"

"At least until Raphaela agrees to go out with me." Ryo spoke up calmly, but his facial expression clearly showing sign of annoyance.

I blinked at the male, does he not like Takeshi?

I glanced at the baseball star to see him staring straight at Ryo with an unreadable expression. His smile changed and so did the warmth in his eyes, I couldn't explain it but as I glanced between the two boys I felt the atmosphere change somehow. I felt it change into something thick, cold, and unnerving. But it also felt masked...the two boys were obviously glaring at each other and were holding some kind of conversation with their eyes...but they plastered on these crazed smiles as if they were trying to cover it up for my sake.

Unsure of what to say or do I turned my attention to Mr. Yamamoto to see him observing the scene and then look at my confused expression. My hope for help was shot down as I watched an almost proud smirk work its way onto the older mans face.

Just what the hell is going on here?!

"So what do you two want to drink?"

"Two cups of tea." Ryo answered before I could even open my mouth.

"For you and Mira-Chan?"

"Obviously." The boy grunted before giving me a polite smile.

I raised a brow at the scene, it just doesn't make sense. If he doesn't like Takeshi why would he come to his family's restaurant? I mean if his team mates told him about it then, of course he would know that this place was owned and run by the Yamamoto family. If Rikuto doesn't like Takeshi then why the hell did he choose to eat here? Also, why was he so annoyed that I told Takeshi about the business deal? Did he want Takeshi to think this was a date? Is he trying to rub it in his face or something? But then again as far as I know the two don't have any bad blood between them. They both play different sports so it's not one of those 'I'm-better-than-you-at-this' things, maybe he's just trying to win me over by being nice to my friends? But then he wouldn't be acting like this...maybe I'm just over thinking things?

"Mira-Chan doesn't like tea."

I blinked up the baseball ace and tilted my head, "I never told you that."

Takeshi looked at me and smiled, "No but I can tell, whenever you drink it you always scrunch your nose. Don't worry it's cute!"

I blushed at the observation and even more at the compliment, "Sorry, it's just that I know how important tea is here, so-"

"No worries Mira-Chan." He waved it off and patted my head, "Do you want some milk?"

I nodded and let out a small smile, "Yes please."

"Order anything you want Raphaela-Chan, I'll take care of it." Rikuto smiled at me sweetly, but I could see the way he clenched his hands when he looked at Takeshi.

"Uh you sure? I don't mind-"

"Order anything you want!" He urged hastily as he shoved a menu into my face.

"Okay..." I trailed off awkwardly and looked at the printed selection.

"Do you want your usual Mira-Chan?" Takeshi asked kindly sending me a warm smile that chipped away at my unease.

"That would be great, thanks Takeshi." I smiled back and handed him my menu.

After Rikuto grumbled out his order and practically threw his menu in Takeshi's face, the baseball player flashed me one more grin and walked off to the kitchen. The second Takeshi was out of sight Rikuto turned to me with the biggest smile I've ever seen him wear and started to strike up a conversation.

"So how was your day?"

"Fine I suppose, had a big test in math but I think I did alright. What about you?" I answered and gave a smile. He really is a nice guy, just for some reason not around Takeshi, but I guess I can't really say much, I'm not exactly tight with the 'Yamamoto fan girls'.

"It just got a lot better," He grinned and continued, "So tell me about yourself."

"Not much to tell really, I'm just your average teenage girl I guess." I smiled and scratched the back of my head modestly.

You know besides being in the mafia.

"Come on that can't be true, I heard you were on the volley ball team for awhile. So you like sports?"

"There are some I don't care for, but mostly yes."

The boy across from me was obviously thrilled at the conversation and tried to keep it going, "What sports don't you like?"

"I'm not a big fan of golf-"

"Me too! Would you rather watch or play a sport?"

"Depends which sport, I'd rather watch football and hockey, but I'd rather play volleyball and basketball."

"What about soccer?" He asked excitedly practically leaning on the edge of his seat.

I gave a timid smile at the eager boy, "It's alright, but it's not really in my top five favorites."

My answer seemed to have deflated his mood as he begrudgingly slouched in his seat, "So then what are your top five?"

"My top five would probably be volleyball, basketball, tennis, gymnastics, and baseball." I smiled at the end, baseball wasn't always in my top five, it wasn't until I received private lessons with the master that my list changed. Apparently the boy across from me caught on, at least that's what the small scowl on his face told me.

"So do you have any siblings?" I questioned hastily and folded my arms on the table as I slightly leaned forward, showing that he had my full attention.

His lips quirked upwards as he answered, "One younger brother, you're an only child right? That's pretty lucky."

"I'm an only child, but I have some good friends that are like family to me." I grinned at the irony of my words before looking back at the boy across from me, "Any pets?"

"Two cats, what about you?"

"Nope, but I want a dog someday."

"Are you a morning person or night person?"

Oh irony...

"Defiantly night." I smiled and shook my head, if only he knew he was questioning the moon guardian.

"So what's your favorite school subject?"

I was about to answer but a glass of milk was placed in front of me and a hand was placed on my head, "Her favorite subject is English."

Rikuto and I both blinked and looked up to the smiling face of Takeshi Yamamoto. I smiled as the boy patted my head and then placed one hand on his hip and the other by his side.

"Sorry about the wait, it's getting pretty busy here."

It was then that I looked around and found that most booths were filled and the sushi bar itself was packed. It must be the early dinner rush, meaning it was close to parting ways with the soccer player.

I smiled up at Takeshi, "No worries-"

"Yeah not a problem, Raphaela and I were just getting to know each other better." Rikuto interrupted with a smug expression. This whole interrupting me thing was getting very old...very fast. Wait a minute, did he say my name with out a suffix? I furrowed my brows, it's not that I mind, if I had my way everyone would just call me Mira. But that was the first time he said my name with out 'chan', is he trying to annoy Takeshi? I swear if this is one of those stupid macho things...

"Is that so?" Takeshi questioned directing his now slightly narrowed eyes on Ryo, "Mira-Chan is interesting, I know almost everything about her!"

"Oh really?" Ryo sneered and crossed his arms, " What's her favorite snack?"

"That's easy, strawberries!" Takeshi grinned as he ruffled my hair.

I noticed Ryo's questioning glance and nodded, "He's right."

The boy's look dampened and he immediately turned his gaze to Yamamoto, "What's her favorite book?"

"Harry Potter series."

"Favorite hobbies?"

"Writing and gaming, she's pretty good too."

"Zodiac sign?"

"Libra."

"Favorite movie genre?"

"Horror, which is pretty cool since most girls don't like that kind of stuff. I told you she was interesting!" Takeshi beamed at me as my face flushed, I wasn't kidding when I said we were close.

Granted Tsuna and Gokudera could probably answer these same questions about me, but it was something in the way Takeshi answered that made heat creep onto my face. It was direct, and quick, as if he didn't even need to think about the answer, he just knew. But he answered them with a smile and would look at me as he answered as if he was playing the memories of when I gave him the information. This clearly did not please the male across from me.

"Don't you have other costumers to wait on?" Ryo growled tapping his fingers on the table as a clear message to Takeshi to leave.

Takeshi blinked and grinned, "You're right! I'll be back soon with your orders!"

It could have been the lighting but I swear Takeshi's cute grin formed into a smirk as his eyes caught Rikuto's glare.

I felt a slight chill at the scene, I don't know how to explain it...but I believe a murderous competition has just started...and I'm afraid I might be in the middle. I zeroed my attention to Mr. Yamamoto for guidance but all I saw was honey colored eyes staring at me, and a father patting him on the back with pride.

It was a matter of reflex really...

...who wouldn't face palm right now?

Dinner was going fine, everything was smooth and I was having the time of my life with Rikuto, we got along great and everything went off with out a hitch...I lied this is the most awkward and nerve wracking event in my life.

The food was great but the company...not so much. You see after Takeshi came back with our food Ryo had a new batch of questions for the baseball ace...that were all about me. Now you would think he could just look up from his plate and ask me directly, but apparently interrogating Takeshi was easier...and when ever I tried to say anything the boy would simply interrupt me and bombard Takeshi with more questions.

Oh let's not forget the best part...when ever Takeshi would walk past our table Ryo would shout out a question and Takeshi would pass by and answer it with out a second thought, grinning like a freaking Cheshire cat. I continuously stared at the clock that hung above my booth and counted down seconds until another minute went by...one minute closer to getting the hell away from here!

I held my face up with my hand and drummed my fingers on the table as the two boys were once again battling their knowledge about me. The place died down so Takeshi had time to talk more, much to Ryo's dismay, and here is the result:

"Favorite color?!"

"Purple."

"Worst fear?!"

"Spiders."

"Birthday?!"

"October ninth."

"Favorite flower?!"

"Cherry Blossoms."

"Favorite animal?!"

"Fox."

Both boys dropped their smiles long ago and showed their true emotions on their faces, their glares holding so much heat I could practically see flames behind them. Finally having enough of it I grabbed my plate and stood up, not that either male noticed, and walked over to Mr. Yamamoto and sat in one of the empty bar stools.

"Why are men so competitive?" I mutter as I put down my plate and began poking some food with my chopsticks.

"First date not going so well?" Mr. Yamamoto questioned with an amused expression.

"It was never a date to begin with." I sighed and eventually put down my chop sticks in defeat. "My dad is trying to get his dad to invest money into his company, we were just hanging out until they were done."

"That doesn't look like just 'hanging out' to me." he replied gesturing to the teenage males behind me. I glanced back to see them still glaring to the point I almost saw sparks flying out but just sighed and turned back around.

"He likes me...but I'm not interested."

The older man smirked, "Only have eyes for my son, eh?"

I remained silent looking into the mans eyes before looking down, missing the older mans expression soften,"I'm glad he found you."

I lifted my head up, confusion showing on my face as I blinked, "What do you mean?"

The older man shook his head, his soft smile turning warmer as he looked at me, "Do you want to call your dad to come and get you?"

I briefly glanced at the time and towards the two boys who still haven't noticed my disappearance, "Yes please."

Mr. Yamamoto nodded and grabbed a phone for me to use as I watched the two bickering males.

"It's funny...it's times like this that make me feel like he might actually like me back..." I mumbled softly, not caring if the elder heard me or not as I reached my hand out for the phone.

"You'd be surprised." He replied smiling, as I turned around and smiled back.

"I' d rather not get my hopes up." I began dialing my home number and pressed it against my ear.

"Have you tried talking to him about it? It might help."

I looked at the man with a clear 'are-you-crazy' expression before I heard my father answer the phone. "Hey dad, are you about done? I'd really like to come home now."

"Yes, we just finished up. Do you want me to come and pick you up?"

"If you don't mind."

"I'll be there soon." He answered and I heard a distinct click as he ended the call.

I smiled and returned the phone, "Finally, something is going right today."

"Raphaela!" I looked behind me to see both Rikuto wearing an apologetic expression, "I'm so sorry! But I need to go home...maybe we can do this again sometime? Somewhere less...crowded."

"Well..."

"Sorry but Mira-Chan and I are hanging out that day." Takeshi stated walking up behind Rikuto with a sheepish smile and threw an arm around my shoulders.

"I never said what day." Rikuto practically growled out.

Takeshi laughed merrily, "Sorry but we hang out everyday!"

I bit my lip and glanced nervously between the two boys and shivered as I could feel the smug smirk Mr. Yamamoto was making behind my back.

Dad...please hurry...