Happy New Years! I hope you all have a great day! Much love!

"Well Hiroki is gone." Yukina informed everyone as he came in the main room where Chiaki and Takano were out of their minds with worry for their New-born's. No one made any comment on Hiroki's disappearance; actually it only managed to calm the men down knowing that Hiroki might be able to take care of them.

They called Usami-san many times and he repeatedly reassured them that they were safe and sound. To Yukina it seemed like they needed to hear it as least fifteen times to be slightly reassured. They demanded to know where they have taken Hatori and Ritsu but Usami wouldn't say anything.

"Maybe in England?" Chiaki suggested.

Takano shook his head. "I have already called the four estates and they wouldn't inform me as to where he might be."

Chiaki sighed in frustration, "Can't we trace the call?"

"Usami-san hangs up every time before we could track it."

Usami owned various places around the world. It would take days to find him. Yukina sat down with Yokozawa who was quiet through the whole thing. He was looking at the world map where he had marked all the estates that Usami-san owned and Yukina wondered why the hell Usami-san needed all those houses to begin with.

Kisa came in. "How's it going?" Yukina shook his head. Kisa was worried about Hatori as well. He was glad though that they had no interest in Kisa since he was still human but Yukina was more concerned about Chiaki, at times he would squeeze his head, or call out Hayate's name from time to time, and sometimes scream out of nowhere. The poison was taking its toll hard.

Seeing that Takano went crazed thinking how Ritsu was holding up. He would get up and walk to his room to think alone and then come back looking more distressed and anguished.

"For sure they aren't in Tokyo anymore," Yokozawa spoke up. "They left last night after the party to who knows where."

"Where would they go then?" Takano murmured to himself. Yukina knew they took a private plane so it was almost impossible to find out where they headed to.

Kisa leaned against his arm which made him tense. Ever since he came back Kisa had been 'accidently' touching him in small ways like this and it didn't fail to make him flare up like a small boy with a crush.

He scooted over a little only to have Kisa move closer. Yukina tried to keep his cool but this was his Kisa, how could he not react to his small touch?

Kisa looked over at him with a small seductive smile. Yukina tried not to grin.

Chiaki jumped as his phone sounded. Frowning, he answered, "Hello?"

-Ritsu

The smoke cleared from Ritsu's vision to a massive dining room. Ritsu was surprised to see Hatori was waiting there with Shinobu. How did he get here?

Hatori took one look at him and ran over to him to take him from Misaki. "Ritsu, are you alright?" He hid Ritsu behind him as if in protection. Misaki and Shinobu glanced at him in amusement. Ritsu now knew that there was nothing Hatori could do to stop them from taking Ritsu back.

Ritsu nodded. "I'm fine Hatori, but what are you doing here?"

"They brought me," He pointed to Misaki. Hatori frowned when he noticed how happy Ritsu looked. Wasn't he frightened? "And Takano is worried about you, you know." Was there no danger to him after all? Hatori thought, relaxing slightly. Misaki rolled his eyes at Hatori's comment.

Ritsu looked away. "I'm fine. It's actually been fun here…" Ritsu couldn't stop the feeling of guilt though. Hatori cocked his head as he noticed that he was more relaxed than when he last saw him. Still it wasn't good to stay with those who wanted to kill them in the first place.

"Both of you stay here." Ritsu and Hatori turned to Misaki and Shinobu. "We need to get Usagi-san and Miyagi to join us." Misaki said.

"Don't go anywhere!" Shinobu warned. "Ritsu take care of Hatori, don't let him wonder off." Ritsu nodded. They went out the door.

"So, you really are alright?"

Ritsu nodded. "They were really nice to me; I don't know why Takano-san said they were evil, Misaki is so protective of me."

"I see. Excuse me Ritsu; I need to make a call."

"Ah, don't go too far, this is a big place and you could easily get lost."

Hatori nodded. "I'll just be outside through the open window." Ritsu nodded to Hatori as he went outside and took out his phone. Ritsu wondered who he was calling.

Ritsu turned his attention to the beautiful room in the meantime. There was a massive table of polished wood so dark it was near black, more windows covered the room, and the ceiling went up for miles which amazed him. This place never failed to leave him speechless with how this Castle was designed. He wondered how long it took to build this master piece. He wanted to explore more, get lost and enjoy trying to find his way again because he knew that even lost he would be too amazed and distracted with the work of art and history this place emitted.

"Who is this?"

Ritsu turned to the voice and widened his eyes.

Takano!? Ritsu sputtered, what was he doing here!?

Takano smiled and made his way toward him. It couldn't be him, more of the madness maybe? Ritsu stepped back.

No wait. Ritsu studied the man more. He looked older, his chest wider, and had an air about him that was dangerous, not that Takano didn't emit that himself but every time he was with him he was gentle and kind. The man stood in front of him and Ritsu realized he was a bit taller than Takano.

"It's a pleasure to meet you…?" The man was asking for his name. It wasn't Takano after all.

"Ah, Onodera Ritsu," Ritsu bowed, was this Takano's brother? They looked so alike!

"Ryuu Haitani." He bowed.

"Um, are you related to Takano-san by any chance?"

"Hmm? You mean Masamune? He's my son."

Ritsu gawked. This was his father!? "Oh! I'm sorry! I really thought.-"

Ryuu waved it away. "I understand. I look a lot like my son don't I?"

Ritsu nodded. "It's uncanny." Wait then why was his last name Haitani and not Takano? Wait, so that makes Haitani Takano's brother!? Then why were the last names different!? Ritsu was completely confused.

"So what are you doing here Ritsu? Aren't you supposed to be with my son?"

"Ah, Misaki brought me here." Ritsu was completely nervous now; this was Takano's father so he had to make a good impression! Not that he was going out with Takano or anything, he just, well…

"I see." Ryuu circled Ritsu examining him making Ritsu tense even more. "Interesting, I see why my son could be obsessed with you." Ryuu pinched his cheeks playfully. "You are cute."

Ritsu blushed. "Ha!?" Why did everyone keep saying that!? 'No wonder Takano likes you' was it that difficult to get Takano's attention or something?

Ryuu laughed as he let go of the scarlet cheeks. He was instructed not to be mean to Ritsu since he was still a new-born and his emotions were pretty high. I'll play with him later then. For now…

"Would you like to join me for chess while we wait for the others? They take forever especially when their mates are with them."

"Um, sure, ah, it would be my pleasure." Mates?

Ryuu led him on the terrace, at a table centered in the puddle of sunshine.

Ritsu took the seat opposite him and glanced about with delight. A brilliant yellow butterfly swooped down on the board, lingering a moment before fluttering off again. Ryuu smiled. "Well now, the god of spring has blessed our match." Ritsu looked at him with confusion. Ryuu smiled. "That butterfly told me much about you already. Pure of heart. Interesting."

Ritsu still didn't get it and Ryuu wasn't explaining more as he set up the pieces. As soon as he was done Ritsu turned the heavy board around, reversing it.

Ryuu glanced at him in question.

"I have to be black. I don't like to go first," he explained. Ritsu studied the pieces; they were fashioned of ebony wood and irony tusk. The rooks were solemn little men; the bishops had long beards and wise little faces. The knights were kilt-clad warriors on prancing horses, the royalty wore flowing robes. He loved the style that they were made. He never seen one so fashioned with such beautiful detail.

"How long have you been playing?" Ryuu asked in amusement.

"All my life. How about you?"

"All my life, which has been considerably longer than yours," He grinned, Ritsu smiled. He felt like Ryuu was more comfortable with him and it did surprise Ritsu that he was relaxed with him as well. He thought he would be stepping on glass with him considering it was Takano's dad.

Ryuu made the first move.

Two games later, one win to Ryuu and one to Ritsu, they decided to change the game to progressive chess since normal chess was too much of a draw between them.

Ritsu laughed as Ryuu beat him cunningly.

"I have to say I never enjoyed a match more than I did with you. It was a pleasure playing with you, Ritsu."

Ritsu smiled. "I enjoyed it as well. I hope to play with you again."

Ryuu grinned. "Oh, we shall don't worry about that."

"Is it finally over?" Ryuu and Ritsu looked up to the dining room to see that the others were watching them. Usami, Misaki, Shinobu, Miyagi, An-Chan, Hatori, Nowaki, and Hiroki were there.

Ritsu eyes widened when he saw Hiroki. He was fighting with Nowaki trying to get out of his arms over and over again. "Baka, stop hugging me," If he was here then maybe Takano…?

Ritsu yelped as he was suddenly hugged from behind. Ritsu looked back to see Haitani.

"Ritsu…" Haitani squeezed him harder. "I missed you!"

"Haitani!" Haitani grinned as he led him to the table. Everyone sat down as the servants served the food. Usagi-san was head of the table with Miyagi and Ryuu beside him, and then it was Misaki and Shinobu, then An-Chan, Hatori, himself, and Haitani sitting next to him, Nowaki and Hiroki took the end.

"I have to say I enjoyed watching you and Ryuu play." Usagi-san said. "Not many could rival him."

Everyone nodded in agreement making Ritsu blush. Ryuu grinned. "Well now Ritsu, you have completely won my heart." Ritsu beamed in pleasure at that. Misaki gave him and Hatori blood to drink since they were thirsty by now.

Everyone started eating then, Stories were passed around and laughter filled the dining room. Even Hatori laughed as he enjoyed Miyagi's stories.

Ritsu blinked as watched everyone talking happily, it looked like a family. Misaki and Shinobu were making fun of Hiroki who was blushing madly as Nowaki suddenly kissed him. Haitani told him tales that seemed like fairy tales and interested him, Usagi-san kept trying to reach out to Misaki who blushed madly and would scoot away.

"Ritsu, how do you like Ireland?" Haitani asked.

Ritsu smiled at him. "I love it, it's beautiful. This is my first time traveling out of Tokyo."

"Really!?" Misaki spoke up. "Then we will take you everywhere! There is so much to see!"

"We will go visit the Pingxi Lantern Festival in Taiwan." Usagi-san spoke up.

"And the Carnival of Rio de Janeiro in Brazil!" Shinobu said.

"You should see the San Fermin Festiva in Pamplona," Ryuu suggested.

Ritsu watched as they named festival after festival around the world and he was excited. He had always wanted to travel and now here it was being offered to him.

Would…would Takano join him?

Haitani leaned close to him. "Would you like to visit around the world Ritsu?" Ritsu smiled and nodded ignoring his earlier thought.

An-Chan came up to him. "I hope to see you again Ritsu, sadly I have to leave now."

Ritsu got up. "It was a pleasure to meet you An-Chan and I cant wait to see you again." Ritsu grabbed her outstretched hand and kissed it.

An-Chan blushed. "And to you too." An-Chan squeezed his hand and left out the room.

Ritsu hadn't realized how much the time flew by until he looked outside and realized it was dark. He was so emerged in the conversations that he lost track of time. Everyone seemed to notice as well as they stood up and excused themselves.

Haitani kissed Ritsu on the lips. "I'll see you tomorrow Ritsu, sadly I have work to do but I'll finish as quickly as I can so we can enjoy tomorrow." Ritsu nodded shyly. He was still a bit uncomfortable to be kissed by Haitani.

"Come on Ritsu, I'll show you your room. Hatori follow Shinobu." Hatori nodded. Misaki went through a long hallway passing multiple doors. How was he going to know where he was in the morning?

Misaki noticed and grinned. "Don't worry, I'll come and pick you up in the morning so just relax alright?" Ritsu nodded gratefully.

They entered the last room. The floor was planked of honey-blond wood, polished to a high sheen, with rugs scattered about. A lovely chest sat near the foot of the bed, topped with a pile of folded blankets. Cushioned chairs were arranged before the fire. The fireplace was fashioned of smooth stone. The window on his far right held all of Ireland's beauty for his greedy eyes to feast upon.

The elegantly carved cherry bed was draped in a purple silk to shield him from the outside world. He has seen these designs only in museums.

"This one is yours; you can call me if you need anything."

"Thank you Misaki, for everything. I had so much fun."

Misaki smiled. "I'm glad! Get ready for tomorrow though! It's going to be better! Good night."

"Good night." Misaki left Ritsu alone to change into his sleep cloths and got into bed. He never felt such warm blankets in his life.

Ritsu closed his eyes as exhaustion over took him.

"Don't forget."

Ritsu's eyes shot open to see the man above him, choking him in the next instant. He tried to scream and clawed at the man above him but nothing happened. It was as if his whole body was numbed.

"Remember me. Remember this face and voice. Be afraid when we finally meet."

Ritsu soon blanked out.

Mwhahahaha! Cliffhangers! Lol I wanted to say thank you for the Reviews! You guys inspire me to do better! Love you guys! And I wanted to welcome those who just joined with us! I hope you enjoyed! Again Happy New year's! Much love from you good friend April! :3