A/N:

Whew. Chapter 36. Not what I originally intended to be written because my computer crashed a few weeks ago. I managed to retrieve most of it from my Dropbox account, but the changes I made were not I had originally wrote. So I tried the best I could to rewrite parts, which I think would best fit into this chapter.

A little more information before you start reading this rather longish chapter. Chapter 36 is the end of Underage Love part 2. Next future chapters we will be entering Part 3 of this unexpectedly long series. Good news for you, more chapters to go. Bad news, I will need to go back and check and try to tidy up the loose threads and clues I have sprinkled all over the past chapters for future updates. What are they? Well for starters, if you remember a few chapters back, Anri has a lover. He would be playing a significant role in the future chapters. Another is the letter that August Casimir received. Aren't you guys intrigued on the contents? It would be revealed. Not to mention whether Ren will still be able to be reconciled properly with his family.

Thank you for your continued support. I will try to finish this story as soon as I can to the best of my time and abilities.

A bit of lime inserted on this chapter. If you are reading in FFdotnet, of course this chapter will be edited. Full, unedited version will be posted at Archives of Our Own. And for added security measures, my mature stories are locked for member's viewership only. Readers following this story, I highly recommend to please register at AO3 and follow me there.

For any grammar mistakes and inconsistencies, do post a review or pm me. I will try to amend them as best as I could.

Chapter 36- The End Where I Begin

How are you doing Ren?

I'm doing well. In fact, I'm feeling totally positive these past few months. I feel like every day is a new beginning.

Is it because you are excited about the release of your album?

Definitely! But I have a lot to be thankful for. There are so many blessings that came to me and I am very grateful. I can't afford to be gloomy right now.

Well, it shows in your face. Your excitement is infectious.

(Laughs) Maria, don't I look handsome always?

Oh, I agree! I do agree! It's just that your brooding nature is one of your selling factors. Women just love rebellious men like you! It makes us want to try and attempt to change your ways.

Oh believe me. A lot of women tried. But I don't understand why you would go for troublesome men like me.

I do believe it's because women tend to believe that underneath that dangerous aura is a sensitive man just waiting for the right woman to come along. And that even if you are such a rebel, you would do anything for that woman.

Hahaha. Oh I see now. You lot all think I'm just a softhearted boy underneath this exterior! Interesting concept.

Isn't it?

Now that you mentioned it. You are probably right. We like to make trouble most of the time to challenge our surroundings as we feel we have the right to dream more- do more, but we would fight heaven and earth for one woman who will conquer our hearts. Because it means she is really worth it.

Speaking of conquering our hearts, I received a complimentary advance copy of your album and it is pretty fantastic!

Thank you! I worked hard on it. Although we are still finalizing the final list of songs to be included on it. That's why it was decided to delay it for a few more months.

I can't wait to hear the entire album once it's finished. It's absolutely fantastic. If I might say so, it's really, really promising.

Thank you. I'm glad to hear that.

It's really intense. The lyrics are passionate and deep. It made me laugh and cry with each song. I feel like the depths of your soul are speaking out to me…I'm sorry! I guess your album really is something to look forward to.

It's my most personal album to date, Maria. And yes, I agree about your sentiments. I consider this album as confession of my most inner thoughts: my regrets, my hardships in life and my hopes and dreams for a better future. It's about losing something precious, undergoing a journey to retrieve it, and hoping for the best.

It sounds like something happened in your personal life that made you think of these things. Come to think of it, almost three years ago, you are at the heart of every event in town and although your exposure in various works made you such a busy guy, I noticed you suddenly stopped going to clubs.

You made me sound like I'm such a hopeless playboy. (Laughs again. Hesitating) There's this girl that changed my mind. She was the catalyst for all the changes happening around me. It made me rethink my goals in life. The things I needed to prioritize. It sounds a bit cliché now that I hear myself saying it loud. I mean for a guy like me who almost has everything, suddenly talking about life's simple pleasures is probably shocking. But believe me, those simple pleasures we mostly take for granted for are the things that money really can't buy.

Oh? What is this? Is the cold-hearted Prince of Rock finally making a love confession?

No, no, no! Don't get me wrong. I will never reveal her name or where she came from. But I am grateful for her influence. I have learned a lot from her. Things I have taken for granted, or never really placed any value.

Haruka leaned closer to the car window, silently watching the car whiz by in a quiet purr. The glow of the yellow streetlights enhanced the shadows thrown into the closed shops and boutiques lining the sidewalk. An occasional bar with bright lights punctured the seemingly unending line of darkened buildings. A few tourists are still up, taking advantage of the empty streets which are normally choked with people during the day, while locals staggered about the sidewalk, a bit too intoxicated with the amount of wine they have consumed or perhaps drowning their sorrows with more than a few glasses of alcohol.

But as these images blurred past her eyes, it leaves not an impression to her. Indeed, if one where to scrutinize Haruka, it looks like she is lost in her own world.

There's this girl that changed my mind.

That one sentence alone was enough to trigger a response from her. She absentmindedly touched her cheek, feeling the warmth blooming on them. Her heart starts to pound erratically again. It has not pounded that way for a long, long time.

The glossy magazine could not satiate her desire to touch his face. His face that she tried to bury in her memories. Now all those seemed to come back to haunt her, determined to remind her of every minute detail they can impose on her.

How long has it been since? Almost three years? And yet, she can smell the fine oceany men's cologne he always favors. It seemed to permeate her sense of smell now, recalling how he held her close against his broad chest.

My heart aches with a hunger
And the want that you were mine
No I cannot deny

Clasping her hands together to distract herself, she can't help but recall his slender fingers. How gently he use them to teasingly run up and down her body when she finally succumbed to his demands in bed. Or the way his hot breath tickled all the secret crevices in her body, making her break out in goose bumps.

Hot liquid fire filled her belly, and Haruka shifted uncomfortably on her seat, frowning at the way her body reacted at the mere thought of Ren's fingers doing delicious things to her. Like a long forgotten memory now fighting its way to the surface, she can almost smell his perfume under her nose despite the inside of the car giving off Masato's signature scent.

Her sudden movement, after sitting still for quite some time, did not escape August's notice however, and he spoke, interrupting her runaway thoughts.

"We'll be arriving soon, Haruka."

She looked up, as if suddenly caught doing something wrong and felt her face blush more. She swallowed guiltily before nodding to acknowledge his comment.

She schooled her features, her mind turning to more serious thoughts. Why does she feel so unsettled after reading the magazine article? She should not be so concerned. Ren's present life has nothing to do with her anymore. Whatever he does is of no concern with her. Such thoughts of him should not be entertained.

But she can't stop her mind creating various scenarios of how he would react when he sees her again. Will he be shock? Or angry? Will he chose to ignore her or confront her about the past in his typical Ren attitude of prying into things to satisfy his own curiosity.

What the hell is she thinking? She can't just waltz into his life casually like nothing happened. Surely he has forgotten her by now?

There was an unexpectedly tiny stab of pain in her chest at the last trail of her thoughts. She should just forget about this whole thing and leave everything behind. After all she has a booming career here. Her album will be released soon, and her face has become quite familiar with more than a few people now. What does she suddenly felt the need to go back to Japan? That insistent desire to see him face to face? Now that the idea has taken root in her mind, it wouldn't just disappear. It will continue to haunt her.

Haruka snuggled deeply into the seats, her eyes automatically trained to the condominium where she is headed home, looming before her. She could perfectly see the large windows at the top floor of the penthouse apartment she has been calling home for the last 14 months. A little closer and she just might see Masato's shadowy outline behind one of the windows, waiting for her to come home like he used to whenever he is free in the evenings.

Home. She tore her gaze away from the building, her eyes misting slightly.

So for one night
Is it all right?

No! She shook her head furiously. She caught a glimpse of August eyeing her with concern from the front seat, as he maneuvered the car expertly on the main road.

Damned it! She swore to herself. This won't do. She shouldn't be thinking about him again. Not after what he has done to her. In the end, he played her along, taking advantage of her naivety and her inexperience. He, being an expert in all manners of seduction had played his part well; so well that she never really suspected a thing. Until it was too late. Until she has hopelessly fallen in love with him and she surrendered to his seductions.

That I give you
My heart
My love
My heart

She clenched her fist in anger. No, of course this time she should have forgotten about him. Delegate him into the back of her mind again, a place where his memories has stayed hidden. It was the only thing she can do to help numb her heart against the pain and hurt she felt. Those photographs are still with her. She ought to have burned them. But they still lay hidden in her closet, buried under piles of clothes she seldom used. Occasionally, her eyes will look at their hidden place, a faint, yet constant reminder of what she had lost and the things she endured in order to be in the place where she is right now.

The only evidence she has of Ren's true nature.

Pushing all thoughts of Ren Jinguuji out of her mind required more energy than she expected. But the small amount of peace only lasted for a few minutes. As soon August turned into the driveway and stopped the car to open the door for her, the memories of her time in Japan came rushing back to her again.

"Welcome home, Haruka." August gave her solemn nod, gesturing with his hand as he lead the way to the private lift lobby of the penthouse. His light hair gleamed against the overhead spotlights illuminating the darkly polished marble covering the walls and floors. The tiny ding emitted by the signal of the lift car did not even punctured the bubble of thoughts occupying her mind as she stepped into the open car, ready to carry her up to the penthouse she shares with Masato.

Home. Haruka echoed, nodding slowly. For the first time since she can remember, Paris suddenly doesn't feel like home tonight.

oOoOoOoOoOoOo

It was not before they were halfway through their dinner course when she noticed Masato stopped talking.

Carefully placing his own cutlery down, he suddenly reached out and extended a hand to run a finger across her cheek down to her jaw. A light form of goose bumps erupted on her upper arms. She stilled, trying not to shiver from his unexpected touch.

"You look a bit distracted. Are you feeling well?"

She looked up at him, eyes wide with surprise. She did not realize she has been toying with her peas and grilled fish until he called her attention.

Haruka lowered her eyelashes in embarrassment. How rude of her to space out like that! They are supposed to talk about certain issues that he has hoped to bring up which he mentioned earlier. Normally, she would be chatting with him, relaying all the news he has missed out while he was away on business trips, or relegating him with stories about her work, or even sharing some of her thoughts on her music and getting his opinion. But today of all days, she was not her usual self.

A lot of things have happened these few weeks: the kiss from Natsuki, Satsuki's jealous confessions, and her own sexual re-awakening with Masato. Apart from those, now, she's been thinking about Ren too, after reading that piece of article. Not reading, she amended; devouring the article is more like it.

Indeed, she hungrily read and re-reads the piece over and over again until August came knocking on the door of her dressing room to come and pick her up. Forgetting about him made her panic, and she hastily stuffed the magazine inside her bag and rushed out. The magazine seemed to burn a hole in her bag all throughout the ride as she pondered and contemplated in silence about Ren Jinguuji.

Even now, as she sat there supposedly enjoying a meal prepared by the chef for the two of them, her mind kept drifting back to Ren's article, and the snippets of interview that comes back over and over again. Not to mention how her mind seems to be conjuring a lot of vivid memories of them making love. Her cheeks warmed, and she blinked, uncomfortable aware of the increasing moisture between her legs.

Ugh, now I'm acting like a cat in heat.

Clink.

The tiny sound of crystal hitting crystal called her attention again and she focused on Masato's amethyst eyes, now darkly colored with concern. His large, warm, slender hands now placed on her forehead, gauging her temperature.

"Your temperature is a bit higher than usual, are you sure you are not sick or something? Should I call for a doctor?"

"N-no. I'm a bit tired though." She said, avoiding looking into his eyes and trying her best to not look suspicious. Not that she has anything to hide. Her thoughts are her own, and Masato doesn't have the right to pry.

But it feels a bit strange hiding something from him when she should not feel a tiny bit of guilt in the first place. It doesn't concern him anyway, but knowing him she knew he would eventually realize something's bothering her. And although he might not pursue on finding out what's wrong with her for now, he would definitely try his best to find out.

Haruka leaned back on the chair, grabbing the glass of water and downing it in one gulp. Out of the corner of her eyes, she tried to appear carefree and nonchalant, but in his typical Masato fashion, he sits there watching her like a hawk.

She supposed he was only concern for her safety and well being, tonight, it was weighing on her a bit more than usual.

"Should we talk another time then?"

She pursed her lips, trying to make a decision. Whatever was hounding her thoughts tonight can wait. It seems like he has more pressing issues to discuss with her.

"No." She shook her head, taking a sip of water. "I'm all good. We should talk. There's something bothering you. Your face has anxiousness written all over it." she gave him another half smile, noting that he looked even more handsome than usual with his polished look despite wearing casual clothing of cashmere and pants. He lost weight though. And his features are even more pronounced, especially his cheekbones, which look sharper than usual.

He hesitated, his hand still hovering over her face, before he cupped them gently, fingers playing with the shell of her ears, sending small shivers shooting down her spine.

She swallowed, her eyes fluttering into thin slits, as if hypnotized. The way he caressed her face made her thoughts scatter like startled butterflies.

"Haruka", he started, and she opened her eyes, focusing them on his own.

"I was wondering whether you are still interested in looking for the rest of your family?"

What?

Her brow furrowed. The question was totally unexpected that she was forced to sit up straight. "I don't understand what you mean."

Masato let out a long exhale. "I didn't mean to meddle or anything, but since your files are with me, background checks are normal protocol for anyone we do business with. You are aware of this right?"

She shrugged her shoulders, looking away. "Yes, I am aware of that. We have discussed it before when.. You found me while I was having a fever."

"Ah." He nodded, smiled at her. She noticed him still hesitating. What is he trying to tell her?

"I was wondering whether you managed to obtain any news about your relatives? I know your parents died in a car crash before, and you were shuffled from one foster care home to another because no relatives came forward."

She nodded. "It seemed like a lifetime ago, but yes. No one came around. I was also hoping I can find some clues of my relatives," she paused her eyes focusing on the glass of water she was still holding. "Back then in Japan. I guess I never really managed to get anything done, what with my job as a personal assistant and the music video." Her voice trailed off, and she clutched the glass. Don't think about Ren, don't think about Ren.

"I found your father's birth certificate in the city hall registry."

"Oh."

"If you are willing, I would like to help you fulfill your original goal. I just need to ask your permission."

She pursed her lips, nodding slowly, trying to digest what he had just said. Why is Masato suddenly taking an interest on helping her find her father's family?

True. She wanted to find out more about her father's side of the family. After her parents died, no one came forward. For a time, she kept on hoping that a miracle would happen. For a few months, she kept expecting some mysterious uncle, a grandfather or an older cousin to come forward to claim her and take her away. But as the days turned to weeks and the weeks turned to months, she grew less hopeful. Until finally the time came when she decided to run away and live by herself for good.

Of course, now that she thinks about it, no one on her father's side probably knows she existed. Her father, Seiichi Nanami never talked about his family when she was growing up. He did mention for a time that he has an older brother, and that his parents are still alive when he married her mother, Isabella Duchesne, when he was a foreign exchange student. Her own mother was an orphan herself; her own parents and sister died from a boating accident.

"Haruka."

Masato took the glass of water she was holding and carefully placed it back on the table and drew closer. He moved his chair so that he can sit nearer to her, studying her face.

"Do you need more time to think?"

She stared back at him, no words coming out from her mouth.

If she say yes, Masato would launch a full investigation into her father's family. And no doubt with the power and influence he has in his disposal, he would unearth something. It would only take him a matter of months on what she thought previously might take her years.

And that would mean she needed to be in Japan to personally see where his investigation would take them.

And going back to Japan would affect her career. Not that she has something to brag about. Her works are modest, nothing grand like other artists her age. But she is fledgling; she is poised to take off any month now. Would her decision affect her career?

But surely Masato knows that. He wouldn't broach the subject of the investigation to her if he has not weighed in the pros and cons if she decided to accept his offer.

There is something strange going on here. She mused to herself. His offer is quite sudden and out of the blue.

Japan. She silently thought about the country that became her temporary refuge when she escaped the nightmare she was in a few years ago. It was not so bad, all her experiences. There are plenty of good stuff to remember about Tokyo. It was only during the last few weeks that things began to turn sour for her.

Ren Jinguuji. And what about him? Going back to Japan would mean she might see him. The chances of suddenly bumping into him will increase tenfold.

Her mind strayed back to the magazine article she had just read earlier.

There's this girl that changed my mind. She was the catalyst for all the changes happening around me.

She swallowed. How would she act when she sees him? Does she want to see him after what happened?

You will never know if you are being a coward, the voice inside her head said. You will spend the rest of your life wondering whether your life would change if you confronted your doubts and seek out the answers.

"You know," Masato interrupted her, cupping her face again gently. There was that unmistakable purple fire in his eyes again. "You can always think about what I said first before making a decision. You still have time."

He stood up, preparing to leave the room. "Come, the shadows underneath your eyes are becoming more prominent. It would be rude for me to keep you from getting your much needed rest."

She nodded, not answering. Perhaps he is right. Maybe she needed more time to think this through?

Haruka stood up, smoothed the wrinkles from her blouse before turning to find Masato extending a hand out to her. She slowly extended her right hand to him, and he clasped it tightly with his, tilting his head to study her intently, before turning away to pull her out of the room.

oOoOoOoOoOoOo

Masato Hirijikawa held on to her hand tightly, as they slowly made their way from the dining area, out into the sitting room, past the library and up on the marble staircase. He wanted their walk to last for a few minutes longer, wanted to savor the feel of her small hand engulfed on his. The cloud of her scent enveloped him like a warm blanket, reminding him of those carefree summers back in the orphanage where he grew up; where life is simple, laughter is abundant, and no adult problems to deal with. It made him long to touch her more. But all too soon, their walk ended, and he stood next to the door of her bedroom, a few steps right to where his bedroom's door is.

He turned, peering down at her face. She wore no slippers or shoes during dinner, having had enough of the high heels she was wearing all throughout the day that her feet must have been aching for a break. Her height barely reached his chin, and he always liked it when he leans towards her upturn face.

Unable to resist the picture of adorability she presented, he found his right hand snaking behind her neck, his fingers locking through the silky strands of her reddish gold hair, massaging her scalp gently.

She gave a low purr of contentment.

And he felt his body harden in response.

He could barely restraint himself all evening, watching her eat and drink. He was not even hungry for food; rather, his hunger stems from his craving for the feel of her skin against his.

Freshly scrubbed, face devoid of make-up and unguents, she looks breathtakingly beautiful as she sat across him, one ankle tucked beneath her, as she settled herself more comfortably in her seat, for once not caring about etiquette and table manners.

Even watching her face display its array of emotions was enough to whet his appetite for her. It has been weeks since she lay shuddering between his fingers, playing her like a finely tuned instrument. He longed to taste her again. He longed to explore her secret crevices again. And he longed to finally see her surrender under his ministrations.

Instead, he became the epitome of a considerate gentleman, broaching the subject of her family in order to persuade her to transfer to Japan and be near him.

As usual, the great Masato Hirijikawa had put her welfare and needs first before his own.

If she were like any other woman he is seeing, Haruka would have long lost her clothes and he would be enjoying a different sensual feast on the table.

The thought of a naked Haruka spread on the table ready and waiting for him jerked Masato back to reality, and he glanced down, saw Haruka leaning against him, almost asleep on her feet while he continued his scalp massage on her.

He gave out a long, patient sigh.

"Come." He murmured, "let's get you to bed."

He was painfully aware of the tightening of his pants, as he caught her in his arms, placing his hands under her knees and her back, lifting her easily like she weighs nothing. He pulled her close against his chest, took him a full half minute before he can get the door of her bedroom opened. The motion sensing lights flickered to life, and he hummed softly, signaling the sophisticated smart lights installed to dim significantly to a comfortable level.

Crossing the room, his feet sank into the lush carpet.

He had just barely laid her on her bed, when he felt her arms encircle his neck, pulling him down.

"Haruka.." he whispered, propping one arm to avoid crashing his weight against her.

Her gold eyes have a glazed look about them, the deep color of someone already on its way to dreamland. Unable to resist her insistent pulling, he found himself lowering his face to meet her lips.

She sighed a low sigh as soon as his lips landed on hers. He had intended the kiss to be as chaste as possible. But as he moved his lips gently across her slightly open mouth, his desire for her bubbled to the surface, before finally spilling the contents. Her soft mouth invitingly yielded against his assault, and he could not help but deepen his contact with her. And he opened his mouth more, his tongue easily gaining access.

Her own tongue met his, and he gave a groan of pure pleasure.

"You're going to regret this in the morning." I warned against her mouth.

"Maybe." Her reply is low, melodious to my ears. A reply from someone who is on the brink of sleep nonetheless.

"If I'm going to take you, I want your full attention." He supposes whining like a brat whose favorite toy was all within reach but still like to selfishly lord it over is out of his character. But he wanted to savor her taste, make the victory sweeter; wanted to watch her eyes gleam, and her expression turn to surrender and her mouth melt. Having his way with her when she is half asleep seems like the victory is not complete. All throughout the evening meal they shared, she seemed distracted, silent and deep in thought. If there is one thing he has learned after years of courting and bedding different kinds of sophisticated women, they all share one thing in common: a woman silent and deep in thought means she is hiding some important secrets she is unwilling to share with anybody.

But what the heck? Why should he complain? The weeks and months of thinking about her, desiring her, stifling the urge to put her completely under his power and here she is almost ready for him, though he is hesitating?

You lost your touch, Masato. A voice inside his head observed wryly. Is this what years of being a celibate can do to him? Make him rusty in the art of lovemaking?

I guess my victory dance can wait, he thought to himself.

He claimed her lips again, burying himself into her scent deeply. His hands grabbed handfuls of her silky hair, crushing them between his fingers.

She gasped softly, pressing her body closer to him in response to the ferocity of his kiss.

oOoOoOoOoOoOolimeoOoOoOoOoOoOo

"Masa..to.." she gasped.

"Hmm? You like it then?" he murmured in her ear, making sure that his hot breath stimulated the soft skin.

She surprised him by taking one of his hands and placing it on her hip, nudging him to explore down. He obliged. Skimming the length of her hip, he found her skirt riding high up on her thighs. His hand resting briefly on bare skin, marking her flesh. He doesn't care of he bruised her a little. Haruka's porcelain skin is too delicate for rough handling, but she didn't give a care. And he liked that she is not fussy like the other women he used to bed. He is sure to treat her as gently as possible, but by the Gods! She is slowly waking up like a tigress, coaxing him, and demanding him to meet her expectations.

Unhooking her skirt at the waist, he easily yanked the material down. The material slid past her thighs, down to her knees and ankles. He lifted one of her legs, his excitement mounting. Just beyond him, within his reach, a triangle of cotton panties covered her mound.

He was about to commence kissing her neck when he felt something vibrate on his jeans pocket.

At first, he thought it was him generating the vibrating motions. But the vibration sounds that registered on his brain made him frown.

"What is it?" Haruka asked, peering down at him, cheeks flushed, hair tousled deliciously.

Damned it, damned it, damned it! He swore to himself. Gritting his teeth in annoyance, he pulled something out from his pocket.

The slim smart phone illuminated his face as he held it out in front of him. It took all his worth not to rub his temple in irritation and annoyance. Just when things are going on the right path.

"I think you'd better answer it."

August knew better than to disturb him. After the last incident in Rome, he would have expected him to remember it. But, he also knew that August would not dare call him if a situation is serious.

The calling stopped. The vibrations died down. He saw that the screen registered two missed calls.

He leaned back on his heels, his movements causing the bed to sag a bit. Looking back at Haruka, he opened his mouth to tell her he won't be long and he needed to take the call.

Their eyes met.

Her melting gold eyes seemed to call out to him. And he wanted so very badly to continue what they were doing. But as usual, duty calls. He's going to pay dearly for procrastinating a bit on returning the missed call.

She nodded at him.

He gave her a half smile of reassurance. He moved, changed his position and sat beside her. He ran a finger across her lower lip, his belly ached with raw hunger and the need to touch her again urgently.

"I'll be quick." He promised, standing up in a more regretful motion than he intended to show her. Gripping the phone on his other hand, he strode out of the room without a backwards glance, closing the door gently behind him.

oOoOoOoOoOoOo

Haruka slammed her curled fists beside her, cursing herself. Too confused to think, she let her tiredness and distraction rule her emotions tonight.

She was thinking about Ren the whole evening, letting all the memories of him come up to the surface. Unsurprisingly, since he was the only one she became really intimate with, of course the night they were together would feature prominently. And it resulted to her being aroused all evening. It was bad enough that she felt all hot and bothered just by remembering everything. It was a wonder that Masato did not noticed her flushing cheeks; she felt wet and sticky all over her body despite taking that long hot shower before leaving the set. She was like a cat stepping on a hot tin roof.

But when Masato started massaging her nape and her scalp, she could only purr in satisfaction. The tension that was building at the pit of her stomach was making her lower her inhibitions. She crossed some boundaries tonight that she was not supposed to without even setting the score with her growing relationship to Masato.

She supposed she should be thinking of other things. But the sight of Masato trying his best to be considerate to her makes her want to scream in frustration even more.

She doesn't deserve him. She knows that all too well. She kissed Natsuki after sharing heavy intimacy with him before he left Rome. How does that make her feel? Almost making love to one man and kissing another.

If her bestfriend were here, she would just shrug her shoulders and say that finally she is getting some hot and heavy action.

Why the hell does she see Ren even when it is Masato standing before her? His intense expression is almost the same with the photos of Ren Jinguuji that she had browsed through over and over again. The images continue to burn in her mind.

Sometimes your first
Scars wont ever fade, away

Was the combination on her shock at seeing Ren's face again, albeit, even if it was from a glossy mag, plus her anger towards Natsuki has driven her over the brink?

Did she missed Ren so much, missed the way he caressed and kissed her that she intentionally let Masato think she wanted him so badly? Her heart and mind is focusing more towards Ren, but Masato's kisses make her think twice.

Ugh. Things are going to get even more complicated if she doesn't get a grip on things.

Does she really want Masato?But based from the situation tonight, it looks like she is entirely not over Ren yet, with the way her body responded at the mere thought of him.

Sometimes we don't learn
From our mistakes

Masato's kisses are intense, full of passion. Very much like Ren Jinguuji. And his intentions are clear, despite a few secrets he kept, she could not begrudge him on his decisions when it comes to her.

But one thing's for sure, if she continues to let Masato get under her skin, she must be sure that it is him she really is pinning for and not some poor substitute for someone in her past that she, most oviously, have not completely gotten over with. It would be unfair to him, and to her if she is not honest about it herself. They would both get hurt in the process.

But the only way to really check things out is to go back to Japan, and somehow see him. See Ren. And then, maybe then, she can finally close down this unfortunate chapter of her life with him.

The window of opportunity Masato has presented would seem like a perfect excuse. Not only can she find and answer the questions she has about her parents, the chances of running into Ren are higher without Masato getting suspicious. She can even bet that continuing to work with the Shinomiya twins would increase her chances even more.

Haruka closed her eyes briefly, gathering her thoughts, trying to weigh the pros and cons of her decisions. If she said yes to Masato that she is willing to go back to Japan, there would be no turning around.

A few minutes passed, and before she knew it, her tiredness returned and sleep finally claimed her.

oOoOoOoOoOoOo

Masato glanced down at the sleeping woman in front of him, feeling a sense of déjà vu. Was it barely three years ago when he was doing the same thing when he finally found her?

Haruka lay in a deep sleep, snoring gently, tousled hair spread on the pillows, the sheets tangled around her body like snakes. Her half-undressed state notwithstanding, she managed to remove her blouse and bra in the middle of her sleep. The discarded clothing lay pooled down at his feet. Somewhere in between her skirts became tangled with the sheets too.

And instead of him lying in her arms, a large pillow was her substitute. Her legs and arms hugging it tightly in her sleep.

Sigh.

Seriously. She must be dead tired on her feet to suddenly fall asleep despite the hot kisses and heavy caresses they had just shared not more than hour ago..

Her breathing is even and he watched her chest rise up and down. Her breasts lay bare and open before him, soft and inviting. But he made no move to touch her. He was still in an aroused state and his belly is sporting a slight ache due to his thwarted promise of satisfaction. He supposed he could take a cold shower to reduce the heat emanating from his body. It would be so very easy to force his way with Haruka's state now, vulnerable and soft. She would very well yield to him with well-placed caresses and touches.

He leaned closer, saw the violet shadows still present under her closed eyes, barely hidden by her long, thick lashes.

Masato strode out of her bedroom, carefully pressing he lock on her doorknob to prevent anyone from entering and seeing her half-naked state. The door closed behind him with a somewhat mocking click. Quickly closing the space in between towards his own bedroom, he closed the door as soon as he entered. Once he locked it securely behind him, he discarded his clothing one by one and crossed the vast expanse of space towards the bathroom where he clambered inside the large porcelain bathtub.

Turning the sleek chrome knobs of the shower mixer, he let the warm water flow out into a steady stream.

oOoOoOoOoOoOolimeoOoOoOoOoOoOo

The ferocity of his passion left him drained of strength. He leaned back, suddenly feeling like he wanted to cry and break a few things. When it comes to the well-being, and state of the only woman he loves, he could not impose too much of his will. Why does he need to resort to underhand blackmail and manipulation to get her?

She is almost within his reach, is he afraid that she might reject him even if her body reacts in a different way to his kisses and caresses?

Tonight seemed to prove something disturbing to him. Haruka is way more distracted than he wanted. His senses were alerted. Haruka's state of mind made him slightly uneasy.

Was she really thinking about my proposal to change her career locations? If he could only read her mind, he wanted to find out more. The unmistakable tensions in the studio tonight were another factor he should consider. Perhaps he can get August to check a few things for him. But that would mean he is prying too much into her activities.

When it comes to Haruka, all his carefully laid out plans seemed to spiral way out of control than he would have wanted. And it greatly displeases him when things do not go according to his plannings.

I will have you yet, Haruka. In the end, it would be me whom you will need most. Masato Hirijikawa promised to himself with steeled determination.

oOoOoOoOoOoOo

A/N:

Lyrics courtesy of The Corrs and The Script. Two Irish bands I adore.

Anime Festival 2013 was a blast. I was there from 3pm to 8pm on the second day (Saturday) but sadly could not make it on the last day. I bought a lot of Natsume Yuujinchou stuff, an Inu x Boku figure of Ririchiyo (awesome!), and some very nice Shingeki no Kyojin glass mug.

I hope some of you caught a glimpse of me wearing the Nyanko sensei white hat. I was milling around with my friend Harunekonya wearing her Miko shrine maiden costume.

Anyway, I wanted to share that I recently purchased some nice artworks made by the awesome Ms. Leilani Joy. Please check out her Etsy store, tons of nice stuff. Maybe I might post some of her works, which I purchased, in the future.

Reviews would be nice. Ren will be making an appearance in the next chapter.

Thanks for reading.