A/N - I decided for this chapter to be particularly Mori-centric. I was writing this out and I was happy for the turn out. The angst is too much!

Mori's phone rang, and he smiled when he saw Mitsu's picture on the screen. He answered, happy to hear her voice. "I'm glad you called."

"Well, you did tell me to call you when I got home."

"How was school?"

"Weird...like, I never thought I would be with my old friends again. They're the same goofballs as ever, only Yuusuke seemed to have change. It seems like he's got a jealous streak in him..."

"You still want to be with Kyoya, of course he's jealous."

"How are things on your end?"

"Hectic."

"Anyone know?"

"No one really knows, but people are talking. Kyoya though..."

"What happened? Is he okay?"

Mori felt a pang of jealousy when he heard her concern, but he pushed it away. "He looked like he had a mental breakdown."

"Do you know why?"

"Maybe it was because he found out about our family's agreement."

"He's that broken up about it?"

"Tamaki had to slam him against a wall."

"That explains why he came to speak with my grandfather."

"He came over?"

"According to grandfather, and he told him I got kicked out."

"Huh. I thought he would've showed up at your school."

"You'd think, huh? But, he didn't. But, this means he's finally figuring out what he wants. Yuuchin and the others were mad about me still loving Kyoya. I even told them about the back-up plan."

"And?"

"You have Yuuchin's blessing."

That made him laugh and brought a sudden realization to him. "Mitsu..."

"Hmm?"

"What if you didn't love Kyoya after everything?"

"What do you mean?"

"I mean...if Kyoya really did fuck up, and you refused to be with him again..."

"Well...I'd be single. I'd go on like I hadn't met him."

"Or you could be with me?"

"Eh?"

"The merger is one thing, but what about us on a personal level?"

"Mori-sen-"

"It's not fair, you know."

"What?"

"It's not fair. I know I don't have a right to say this, but he ignored you completely when this started. I didn't. I'm the one you should be with...I can take care of you and Hiromi. It's just so unfair..."

"Mori-senpai, you know-"

"I know, I know." He chuckled. "This is why you would make such a wonderful wife and addition to my family. Because you're faithful and loyal, and your passion rivals no one." He sighed. "You love him. I love you, but I can't have you. We'll always be friends, right?"

"What kind of question is that? Of course."

"I'm not the only one who's miffed by this."

"Oh? Who else?"

"Kishiruma."

"Him?"

"I think we became enemies because he knows I have feelings for you and I told him to stay away. Now I gotta keep an eye out for him."

"Oh...why does everyone hate him?"

"We don't hate him per se, we're just cautious. He's as calculating as Kyoya, but he's actually a pretty nice guy, but he can be a little...passionate about things. He's just too unpredictable to leave alone, so steer clear of him."

"Okay."

"Good." He sighed once again. "I really do wish I was the one you wanted, but I'll respect the relationship we have now."

"Mori-sen-"

"Even after everything I've said, you're still using honorifics?"

"Um..."

"Drop the senpai. I'd prefer it if you called me by my first name."

"I-I can't..."

"Mitsu..."

"B-But that should be meant for specific people."

"And you made that list."

"Only Hani-senpai can-"

"He's my cousin. He's allowed to call me by my first name."

"You have an answer for everything, don't you?"

"Perhaps. But from now on, I want it to be 'Takashi'."

"But-"

"Please?"

She groaned, defeated. She just couldn't say no when he asked nicely. "Okay...Takashi."

He chuckled again. "I gotta get back to practice."

"You were practicing?! Why did you ask me to call you if I was gonna be a distraction?!"

"Because you would be a good distraction. Because I wanted to make sure you were alright. And...I wanted to hear your voice."

Her blush burned. "Oh..."

"You should really check those texts Kyoya sent you. You'd be surprised about how much he worried for you."

"I'm-"

"Don't tell me you're still angry at him, because you're not. Now, tell him that."

"Okay..."

"Good."

"T-Takashi?"

"Yes?"

"Thanks for being there for me."

"I'll always be there for you. You know that."

"I know. I'll let you go."

"Text you later."

"Okay." She hung up and sighed, collapsing onto her bed. "Why does this have to happen to me?"

Mori stared at his phone, unable to comprehend what had just happened. He pretty much confessed to his kouhai, and was rejected but not rejected at the same time. He knew where his feelings lied when it came to Mitsu, but he also knew where hers lied. It was moments like these that he wished that she never forgave Kyoya, but it was futile. But as long as she was happy, he was happy.

"Taka-nii?" a voice called. He turned to find his younger brother, Satoshi, who looked rather concerned. He only patted his head and smiled.

"It's nothing." He went back to practice, but Hunny knew something was off about his taller cousin.

Morinozuka Akira, who had been observing practice also noticed the change in his eldest son. "Takashi..." Said boy stopped and faced his father. "You may leave early. I can tell you're not yourself."

"Hn." With that, he left swiftly, making his way to his meditation room. Akira sighed, but chuckled all the same.

Satoshi was confused. "What's going on?"

"Takashi seems to be feeling a whole slew of emotions right now. Sadness, contempt, happiness oddly enough, and...anger."

"Anger?"

"Takashi is angry at the unfairness of everything that went down in the past week. The fact that Mitsu-chan still loves Kyo-chan after it all, it just tears him apart."

"Ah, the Fukumotos are withdrawing their offer and going back to Ootori. I knew that was going to happen and I think Takashi knew it too. Kyoya just needed an attitude adjustment."

"I should talk to Takashi" Hunny said.

"You may go."

Hunny was by his side in an instant. "Takashi..."

"It's unfair..."

"I know, I know. It hurts, especially when you love her as much as you do."

"What if, Mitskuni? What if-"

"Kyo-chan would be miserable, but take the defeat, just like you have."

"I'm so mad, Mitskuni. At her for forgiving him, at him for abandoning her, at myself for being so selfish..."

"But..."

"I can't bring myself to hate them. I love them both. I love her so much. I respect him, and...I'm happy for them. That's why I have to get over her."

"Oh really? Can you really do that, Takashi?"

The taller stared at the blond and sighed dejectedly. "No..."

"Then, don't stop. You and Kyo-chan love her. Just come to terms with it. Then, you both will do just fine. You're a very good friend. And they love you."

"Yeah..."

"Besides...you could always hope he screws up again."

He chuckled. "Yeah, there's that."

"Get some rest. You look like you need it."

Touma paced back and forth in his room, seething yet again. "Morinozuka...even he's in love with my Mitsu. How did that happen? They don't even interact."

"You'd be surprised, sir. One can fall in love with just observations. You did, after all."

"Shut up, I know. I don't need him getting in my way. He's ruining everything. I was gonna swoop in and sweep her off her feet. No matter, I'll still do it. Help me find something to wear."

"Young Master?"

"I'm going to Mitsu's home. I want to take her out on a date."

"Are you sure this is wise?"

"Don't question me." His bodyguard sighed and helped him. Once he was ready, they were off to the Fulumoto Residence. He knocked on the door, only to be answered by Kahoko, who looked suspicious of him.

"I'm sorry, but Fukumoto-sama is not home at the moment. You must schedule-"

"I'm not here for him. I'm here to see Fukumoto Mitsu."

That tipped her off. "I'm afraid I cannot let you see her."

"Why not?"

"She is spending time with Miss Hiromi."

"That's great, I love children. I can join them." He moved to step inside, but she placed a hand on his chest to stop him.

"So sorry." She began to close the door, but Touma grabbed it.

"You're just a servant. Who are you to tell me 'no'?" He pushed through, knocking her back. She lunged at him, but Shiro was quick to react.

"I'm afraid you'll have to put up with me."

She growled and tried to make a break for Touma, but Shiro grabbed her and threw her down. "So rough."

"Forgive me, I actually hate beating on a woman."

"I'm tougher than I look." And she grabbed the nearby vase and hurled it at him.

Mitsu was reading to Hiromi when she heard the crash. She knew something was wrong.

"Mama?" Hiromi asked.

"Mitsu..." someone called.

"Kishiruma." She grabbed Hiromi and hid her in her lavish closet. She then grabbed her phone and dialed Kyoya's number. He answered on the first ring.

"Mitsu?"

"Kyoya, get over here. I need you. Kishiruma's in the house. I'm calling Mori, hurry."

"Mi-" She hung up and called Mori.

"Hello?"

"Takashi! Kishiruma's here, please come over. Kyoya's on his way, but I need you too. Hurry!" Another bang. "Please!" She hung up and gave the phone to Hiromi. "Stay here and stay quiet. Pick up if it's Mori or Papa."

"But, mama-"

"Hiromi, listen to your mother." She kissed her forehead. "It'll be okay."

"Okay..." She closed the door.

"Mitsu!" Touma called again. She stood by the door. Then, the first bang came. "Mitsu! Come on, I know you're in there! You should really train your servants better. That bitch was so rude to me!"

"Just leave."

"Not before I get what I came here for."

"And what is that?"

"You."