Chapter 37

"Please, everyone, come and sit. All is ready for our lunch," Lord Kasanoda insisted as he led the the way to the grand dinging room with the big lunch table. He took his place at the head of tge table with Ritus taking the seat at his right hand, and Namiko right next to him. Her two fathers and mother filled in the seats next to her followed by the host club.

"Please, sit and enjoy," Lord Kasanoda insisted, "everything about this meal has been planned out and put into affect courtesy of Namiko Fujioka. No doubt a glimps into the future good work she'll do as the future Lady Kasanoda."

"So in other words, if everything today sucks, it's her fault," a random man from the table joked.

"You got a personal problem with anything, come up and see me about it!" Namiko called down to him.

"And me," Ritsu added shooting his ice glare.

"I think it looks splended personally," said Lady Niko.

"No offense or anything ma'am, but no one likes a kissass," said Namiko.

That got a few chuckles from some others at the table.

"Look, I didn't do this as a way to make you all like me. I plan this out because Kasanoda and Ritsu wanted my help and I love both them so much that I wanted to help out and do good by them. Please, don't feel yoy have to suck up to me, but also don't try nitpicking everything singal thing that makes you miserable. Just enjoy this party for what it is as best you can. If something is obviously wrong, don't hesitate to point it out. It's only way I'll learn to do better and know who I won't have to ask Limber to keep an extra sharp eye on you."

"Well said," said a man close to Lord Kasanoda's age.

"Thank you," said Namiko, "now, let's eat!"

Everyone mumbled words of agreement as they started to consume their food.

"Why is she wearing aunty's kimono?" a few could hear Chiyo whispered, rather loudly, mad. "I've been begging and begging for that for years! And all of a sudden that girl over there smooths talks her way into making Ritsu think she'll marry him and she gets it?!"

"My mother's kimono was not something to just hand over to someone just because they thought it was stylish," said Ritsu, "it's supposed to go to someone I and my father deemed worthy of it and that person only."

"And I didn't smooth talk my way into making Ritsu think I'll marry him. I am going to marry him, when the time is right," Namiko added taking his hand, "so don't let me hear you whinging about me wearing my fiance's mother's kimono."

Chiho slumped in her seat, pouting.

"Daddy, you better buy me a brand new, nicer one before dinner!" she whined to her dad.

"I'll try sweetheart, I'll try," her dad promised half-heartedly, focusing more on his food.

"Do it!" Chiho insisted.

"Alright, alright," her dad agreed, still more interested in his food than what his daughter was ordering.

Kyoya listen to the woman's complaints about wanting a new outfit right away for a meal that would happen later that day. He looked to Hanako, thinking how much he actually wished he could do a thing like that for her, if only to make the woman in question understand his girlfriend was with the even superior man.

The more Kyoya looked at Hanako's outfit she had worn to the lunch, the more he couldn't help but notice how plain, simple and even a little tattered it was compared to everyone else at the table. Even Tomomi and Haruhi, who Kyoya had heard had just worn something out of their own closets looked more beautiful and sophisticated thank Hanako.

Was it because Hanako was pregnant that it was she didn't look so grand as others? No, that couldn't be it since there were a few other woman at the table also pregnant and they looked good as well, including Sachi.

'Maybe I should see if there anything in the budget will allow me to splurge a little and buy Hanako a new outfit later. Even if it's from a thrift store, she deserves something new,' he thought.

"Otori-Senpai are you alright? You're not eating," Ritsu asked.

"Yes, sorry, I was just admiring Namiko's hard work. No doubt she'll make quite the hostess and lady of the house when the time comes."

"Agreed," said the man from before, "even Mother would approve of her I think."

"Yes thank you, Hideo," said Lord Kasanoda.

Hideo leaned in closer to Kasanoda and whispered, "I bet if mother was still here, she'd even allow the girl to wear her wedding kimono."

"You think?" Kasanoda said with a smile of pride. "No no, I couldn't do that. Mother gave it to your wife and only your wife to pass to your daughters. Mother prefered Mahime over any other wife any of us brought home and that's why she gave her wedding kimono to her and her alone to pass on to future generations."

"Yes but, if Mahime is in charge of the kimono, if she decides to give it to Namiko, it'd be her right to," said Hideo.

"Well don't make Mahime feel like she has to," said Kasanoda, "it's her to give as she sees fit."

"What kind of kimono is this exactly?" Kyo asked, overhearing some of the conversation.

"Our mother's kimono she wore for her wedding. It was given to her by our grandmother and it's sort of becoming a tradition that only one new wife from the new generation should be allowed to wear it. And out of all our brothers, our mom picked my closest brother, Hideo's wife, to have it."

"And I was thinking, Namiko should have the honor of having it next," said Hideo.

"Oh!" Kyo cooed excited.

"Who is that guy?" Hideo asked his brother.

"Oh, one of Namiko's fathers. They're gay," said Kasanoda.

"Really?" Hideo said looking at Kyo, "how times have changed. Father wouldn't have allowed any gays at the table." He actually looked to his brother and laughed. "Next time we have ourselves a big family function you should place them closer to the head of the table, just to stick it to the old man in hell!"

"I may just do that. They're actually really nice men and are in the process of having another child," said Kasanoda.

"The other woman?" Hideo asked, "looks to me like your son will have a great family when he takes Namiko for his wife."

"The means a lot coming from you," said Kasanoda, "you're the only brother who's opinion I value."

"Hey, I heard that!" another man shouted.

"Next time don't try stabbing me in the back while I'm in the shower, Masaji!" Kasanoda called down.

"I told you it was an accident!" the man shouted back.

"Yeah right," Kasanoda and Hideo said together.

"And here I thought you and Ranka had bitter fights," Nobu said to Kyo.

"At least I knew, I'd never stab him in the back!" said Kyo, "you don't think it's a possibility that with Namiko marrying into this family, that she and her sister will have "those" kinds of fights?!"

"No, no, we won't let that happen!" Nobu insisted as he gave Kyo a small kiss.

"Ewe, who let the fags in?" a young man, probably a little older than Mori or Hunny sputtered.

"Who said that?! Namiko shouted as she jumped up mad, "no one calls my fathers that and gets away with it!"

"Your fathers?" a middle aged woman asked, "Satoshi, did you know the demon son is marrying a girl produced by fags?"

"Shut it!" Namiko warned, glaring at the man angrily.

"I am well aware Namiko had two fathers, yes, but I'm not bother with it," Lord Kasanoda started to say.

"And I have no problem with it!" Ritsu added as he stood up and looked around the table menacingly. A few people's expressions changed at the table, to one of fear.

"And if anyone here has a problem, guess what, no one cares what you think. So I better not hear that word uttered at this table again, especially in front of my lady or my future father-in-laws and their daughters' birth mother, Koga!"

Namiko smiled sweetly at her boyfriend, "thank you dear," she said sweetly, "now let's continue our meal in peace, shall we?"

"Let's hope you made your point, Ritsu," Hideo said.

"Thank you Uncle Hideo," said Ritsu.

"If not, we'll have make it the old fashioned way," said Kasanoda.

"They're still going to harass you about the girl and her having two fathers," Hideo mentioned to his brother.

"Oh I have no doubt. But luckily I don't see most of them too often," said Kasanoda with a smirk.

The lunch soon ended, Lord Kasanoda gesturing towards Namiko to announce the end of the early gathering.

Nodding, Namiko gently tapped a fork against a glass, the ringing catching everyone's attention.

"This concludes the lunch gathering. As of now, apologizes to the additional guests, the dinner is only allowed for the Kasanoda family. We kindly ask that if you still have food, please do finish shortly to allow preparation for the dinner. Thank you." She said, bowing to the guests and then to Lord Kasanoda before sitting back down.

"Please do escort our additional guests to the door dear." Lord Kasanoda reminded, smiling kindly.

She nodded, standing and moving towards her family and friends, her kimono billowing behind her.

She smiled, taking a seat next to them for a moment. "I hope you guys enjoyed the food."

"It is absolutely delicious." Haruhi smiled.

"You are doing a great job as the Head Mistress for this event." Tamaki complimented.

"Thank you very much Tamaki-senpai." She bowed, looking at the clock. "I am sorry guys, I hate to..."

"Oh no no dear, it is alright. Don't want to make the Kasanoda family angry." Nobu said, walking over towards the french doors, Kyo following behind him. As did Tamaki, Haruhi, Honey, Mori, and Tomomi. Namiko walked towards Hanako, extending a hand to her very pregnant friend.

Hanako, after standing, flinched for a moment, a sharp kick hitting her in the rib.

"Oh dear! Are you alright Hanako?" Namiko asked, catching Kyoya's attention.

Hanako nodded, "Yes. Our son has an extremely good kick." She let go of a deep breath, looking back up to see Lord Kasanoda making his way towards the group.

"Are you alright dear?"

"Oh! Yes sir. I'm sorry for the disturbance."

He chuckled and patted the young girls head. "No need to apologize child. I am glad you are alright." He moved his gaze. "I actually had something I wanted to give you Ms. Sachi."

Reaching into his pocket, he grabbed an envelope, handing it to the woman. "Don't open it until your child is born. I'm sure it will provide some sufficient... well you'll see when you open it."

Sachi smiled thankfully, bowing. "Thank you sir. We shall be on our way. I'll be sure to thank you when the time comes."

He shook his head. "Me meeting the child will suffice."

"Yes sir." She said, politely waving as she exited.

Namiko walked with everyone to the hall, receiving a loving hug from her family before she hugged Hanako. "Please Hanako, if you need anything at all, you too Kyoya, please let me know. I'll be right over."

"Thank you Namiko. I'll see you later."

"Promise to take it easy, okay?"

"I promise." She winked, walking out with Kyoya's assistance.

Closing the doors, Namiko sighed, turning around to see Lord Kasanoda smiling at her.

He was silent as he gestured an arm back to the meeting room, to sit in on the family conference. "Come, child."

She nodded, following and sitting next to Ritsu again, Ritsu's arm lovingly caressing her side.

"Now that the lunch is over. I know you all have questions about the engagement and plans for their future and the future of the syndicate. Please, one at a time."

Looking around the room, they waited for the onslaught of questions when one female spoke up, Mahime. "When is the wedding to be set?"

Ritsu took this chance to speak. "Due to the mandatory year of training in hokkaido and my fiance still being in school this coming year, it will not have a set date until after that time."

"I don't mean any disrespect, but do you worry with your fiance's parents being both males, if that could cause some... issues with other enemy syndicates?" Koga asked.

"It could, but it easily could cause an issue if she had a straight couple for parents. If they think we are weak at all, we will be sure to rid that thought."

Namiko sat, appreciating the Lord's words.

"Was it true that the young lord's fiance was kidnapped?"

Namiko sighed. "Yes. It was true that I was kidnapped. It was planned by a rival classmate who hired men from another syndicate. Though, upon being returned home I took back my honor by confronting the woman. Though that was a scary time, I am sure that I can endure anything for this family. I am loyal, true, and devoted to those I love. The young lord, my fiance, is very important to me and I would do anything to protect him, Lord Kasanoda, the Kasanoda family, and mine as well." Namiko paused, looking at Lord Kasanoda for approval to continue speaking.

With a nod from him, Namiko continued.

"I know I am young and for all of you, My Lord's belated mother was a symbol to the whole syndicate, as what I am being told. I could never replace the woman she was. But I do hope that you all will accept me and allow peace for us," She said, gesturing to Ritsu," to not only lead this syndicate, but be happy."

Lord Kasanoda smiled, raising a glass, "Here Here!"

"That was a fine speech Milady." Lord Kasanoda's brother stated. "You'll do fine as the new Headmistress of the Syndicate."

(I can't think of many questions at the moment, but I feel this is something important that should be in the chapter)

(Please do add what you wish :) )

After the dinner and everyone left the estate, Lord Kasanoda bid everyone a good night as Namiko and Ritsu migrated to Ritsu's bedroom.

"I'm glad you are able to spend the night." Ritsu stated to Namiko as she changed to sleepwear behind a shoji panel screen.

"Me too, I am glad I can spend time with you before you..." Namiko could feel some sadness sweeping over her, but she shook her head, washing it away as she stepped out from behind the shoji screen.

Ritsu blushed as he looked at her in her periwinkle v-neck chemise sleep dress.

She blushed, playing along. "So, like what you see?" She winked, leaning against the wall in a sexy pose.

He chuckled. "Always."

Extending his arm, he pulled her into his bed with him, laying next to her. He didn't want to tell her, but he could sense her sadness. Rolling over so he was hovering over her, he looked into her eyes, gently holding her gaze.

"What is it?" Namiko asked, confused.

"I know you are sad."

Namiko sighed, looking to the side for a moment before she nodded, admitting defeat. "I mean, I am, but I am also so very proud of you. I know that this is very important for your future... for our future. While it saddens me, I know that in the end, you'll be coming back to me and that is what keeps me from falling apart." She chuckled to herself. "God, I make it sound like you're going off to war."

Ritsu smirked, gently caressing her cheek in his hand, rubbing her cheekbone with the pad of his thumb.

The warmth of his touch made her smile as Ritsu laid back down next to her, holding her closely to him.

She could feel him peppering her neck gently with kisses, causing her to giggle. "Things are going to be just fine." She said, turning towards him.

"Yes they will be." He murmured.

She placed a loving kiss on his adam's apple before looking into his eyes. "I can't wait to marry you Ritsu."

As those words resonated within him, he couldn't help but give her a passionate kiss before wrapping them both up in their covers.

Just as the two got comfortable, Namiko's phone began to ring.

She sighed, groaning before she grabbed it. Seeing it was Dad-K, she answered. "H-Hello?" She asked, yawning.

"Namiko! Oh thank god you're awake. I'm sorry to disturb you sweetheart, but you need to come to the hospital as soon as possible. Dad-N is on his way to get you."

She sat up. "Is everything okay?"

"You won't believe it! But you're little sister is on the way!"

To Be Continued...