A/N - I don't own these characters. Hey y'all, sorry for the delay on this one, my friends. This one took a bit longer for me to write and not just because of my schedule. I hope you enjoy this long-awaited chapter!

Chapter 17

They were delayed in getting to the study, but neither regretted the extra time they spent comforting each other. After what Yumi had gone through for their family, Sachiko had no qualms about making them wait. It took a lot of restraint for Sachiko to even let their encounter in the shower end, let alone refrain from drawing Yumi to the bed instead of the door.

She knew Yumi felt the same, but since the last thing they wanted was to be interrupted or discovered in a compromising situation they reluctantly left the room and made their way to the study hand in hand. As they approached the door, Yumi moved to release her hand, but Sachiko only tightened her hold on her. Questioning brown eyes searched her blue eyes. "I'm not ready to let go."

After a moment longer, Yumi's eyes sparkled ever so slightly with gratefulness. "Thank you."

With a gentle squeeze, Sachiko pushed forward, opening the door to the study. Stepping inside, all the voices stopped and all eyes turned to them. Her father sat behind his desk while her mother and Candace sat on the couch across the room. Rei and Yoshino were in the chairs across from the older women.

Sayako was the first to her feet. At a quick pace uncommon for the graceful older woman, she approached and without hesitation wrapped her arms around Yumi. The look on her mother's face as she held Yumi was one of relief and love as if Yumi truly were her daughter rescued and brought home at last. "Yumi-chan, my dear!" After a prolonged embrace, she leaned back and cradled Yumi's face in her soft, gentle hands. Tears were on Sayako's cheeks and a smile on her lips. "Thank you."

Yumi smiled and nodded, "I - I had to." She whispered so that only Sachiko and her mother could hear. "She means too much to me for me to have done anything less."

With a quiet, relieved giggle she leaned forward and kissed Yumi's forehead. Whispering against her brow, she said, "Keep remembering your promise to me."

With an almost imperceptible nod, Yumi replied, "I will."

Sachiko couldn't help watching them curiously. What were they talking about? What promise? She would have to ask when she was alone with Yumi again.

"Yumi-chan," Toru smiled from behind his desk, obviously relieved as well to see the small girl. "It is good to have you back and in one piece!"

Sachiko glared at her father and took Yumi by the hand once more. Motioning toward Yumi's cast, she commented, "One piece? Sure, but not unharmed thanks to you and grandfather."

Toru's smile faltered and he had the good sense to look somewhat ashamed, though Sachiko knew she would never hear such a confession from him. "Our options were limited, Sachiko-chan. It's not as if I wished harm to Yumi-chan. You know how much we admire her as your petite soeur." Looking at Yumi, who was looking uncomfortable being at the center of the conversation, Toru bowed his head briefly. "I will always be indebted to you for what you've done. You accomplished far more than we ever imagined."

In return, Yumi bowed at the waist but remained quiet.

Her curiosity spiked, Sachiko narrowed her gaze toward Candace and then her father once more. "What do you mean? Wasn't she intended as a distraction while you kidnapped some guy in France?"

It was Candace who chose to respond. "Indeed, that was the plan. Yumi-chan though, ever the overachiever, managed to strike a deal with the daughter of the syndicate boss. She and her husband will testify to the Caribbean authorities, even going as far as to point the way to their bases of operation on the islands. In return, we simply need to provide them with a new life away from her family's taint."

"So we just have to pay them and they will bury the syndicate with their testimony?" Sachiko asked, completely taken aback by Yumi's accomplishment.

Candace shook her head. "No, actually they are refusing payment in money. They are requesting jobs be arranged and a modest home, along with new identification papers to become permanent residents of Japan."

Finally looking up, Yumi's eyes were wide. "Honestly? That's all they want?"

With a smile on her angular face, Candace nodded her head. "Yes, Novia said they wanted to live and work hard in freedom. They don't have an interest in handouts. They even said they were willing to pay for their own home."

It was Sayako who spoke next, shaking her head vehemently. "They will do no such thing, right, dear?" She turned to Toru. "With the risk they are taking, the least we could do is provide them with a decent home."

There was only a moment of hesitation on Toru's part before he too nodded. "Yes, of course. Candace-san, see to all their needs, big or small. We wouldn't want to tread on their pride, so don't force anything on them. Just provide what they will allow."

Bowing her head in understanding, Candace responded with a grin. "It would be a pleasure."

"As for Yumi-chan," Toru turned a smile in her direction. "On behalf of the entire family, I thank you for your service in protecting my daughter. If you are open to it, we will reach out and ask you to return should anything like this occur again."

"Wait," Sachiko stepped forward, placing herself between her father and Yumi. "Are you sending her away? Isn't there still danger?"

"No, actually, we believe the danger has passed." It was Candace who supplied the answer. "My sources tell me that the syndicate is in shambles. My team cleared out their supporters at the dock. With Novia and her husband having defected, her gambling brother in our pocket, and her other brother Ajay dead…"

Beside her, Sachiko noticed Yumi flinch at the mention of this man's death. Candace's eyes seemed to soften slightly as she faced Yumi, but nothing else in her demeanor indicated a connection between this Ajay and Yumi. It was enough though for Sachiko to get a knot in her gut.

However, Candace chose to continue without further comment on the syndicate siblings. "Their father is in a panic. Apparently, he's left many of his men in a lurch in order to get himself and those closest to him to a safe house. However, by betraying so many of his subordinates, the authorities out there have no shortage of people willing to testify against them. My sources say they even know where the syndicate leaders are retreating to, thanks to info provided by Miss Novia." Turning back to Sachiko, she concluded, "Basically, they are too busy running at the moment to cause us any more harm. You're finally safe, Sachiko-sama."

"Thanks to you, Yumi?" Sachiko asked, turning with wide eyes to the small girl at her side.

Yumi's smile didn't reach her eyes. Her shoulders seemed to angle in on themselves, almost like she was hunkering in… fear?

"I couldn't have done any of this without Candace-sama, Novia-san, or Pirro-kun. Candace-sama's team did most of the heavy lifting, after all." Yumi tried to shrug off her contribution, but Sachiko wasn't going to allow that.

Catching her hand mid-wave, Sachiko pulled her closer until their faces were mere inches apart. "But no one took the risks that you did, Yumi. Thank you."

Visibly swallowing her nerves back, Yumi smiled again, this time a light flickering behind her eyes. "Anything for you." She said simply, squeezing the hand that still held her own.

"Yes, indeed." Toru interjected, drawing both of the girls' attention back to him. His eyes seemed to show alarm as he rapidly looked between their clasped hands and their faces. "For that reason, I believe we should escort Yumi-chan home as soon as possible so that she can get the rest she deserves."

She felt Yumi's hand slacken in her own and knew she had seen the look in Toru's eyes. He had picked up on the fact that this was no normal sisterly showing of affection and it was obvious by the look in his eyes that he didn't like it. Or more like, he was uncomfortable with it.

Squaring her shoulders and straightening her back, Sachiko released Yumi's hand only to wrap her arm around the smaller girl's shoulders and pull her close. Irritation mixed with confusion flared in Toru's eyes. "Yumi is going to stay with me for now." Sachiko declared boldly, banking on the fact that this was what Yumi wanted as well. The answering arm going around her own waist was telling enough.

Toru tried to mask his true feelings with a forced smile. "Sachiko-chan, let's think of Yumi-chan's wellbeing. She hasn't gotten much time with her family and I'm certain she misses them. Don't you, Yumi-chan?"

Sachiko's fingers dug into Yumi's shoulder possessively until her answer calmed her raging anxiety. "Actually, I've managed to see my family a few times and talk to them often. If I'm to be honest, I would rather not leave Sachiko's side at this time."

As if seeing there was no way to skirt the situation, Toru let the smile fade and proceeded to lean back in his chair, rubbing his temples in frustration. "You know, I'm not blind. I see what is going on here."

"What's going on?" Sachiko taunted, her jaw tightening as she fought back a slew of disrespectful words.

"Yes," He waved his hand between the two of them. "This thing between the two of you." As if just realizing Rei and Yoshino were still in the room, he flashed them an apologetic smile. "Girls, it might be best if you went home. We have a few private matters to discuss."

Rei and Yoshino exchanged looks and then nodded in agreement. They stood, but instead of leaving the room as they had been instructed, they came to stand by Yumi and Sachiko, Rei by Sachiko with her hand on her shoulder in support, and Yoshino by Yumi with her arms wrapped around Yumi's arm, hugging her close.

Candace chuckled at the sight and leaned against the desk in satisfaction, "It appears they are going to stay."

Growling his frustration this time, Toru stood abruptly from his chair and slammed his hands to the desk. "Have it your way! Listen here, Sachiko!" He pointed a slim finger at his daughter and waved it. "Your future is already laid out for you. It's very simple. You will graduate high school and then you will marry Suguru. Understood? This-" He motioned once more to Yumi and Sachiko. "This will only serve to anger your grandfather."

"Is that really your only argument?" Sachiko scoffed. "So you would have me throw my happiness away to appease a selfish old man who most likely won't even be alive for another decade?"

"Sachiko!" Anger flared in Toru's eyes now. "Where is this rebelliousness coming from? It's your job as my daughter to do as you're told. You will obey! Let go of Yumi right this instant!"

"I will not!" Sachiko's scream filled the room and everyone flinched, including Yumi, though the smaller girl was looking at her with wide, awe-filled eyes.

"This is an old-fashioned family you are part of, Sachiko." Toru was not going to relent it seemed. " To be part of it, you must accept it. If it were just me and not my father, I would-" He stopped, a glimmer of affection shone in his eyes as he looked at Yumi before he visibly forced himself to turn away. "I think it's about time you say goodbye to Yumi-chan."

There was silence in the room for a few moments before Sachiko, in a quiet voice, finally spoke. "No, I think it's time I say goodbye to this family." Toru turned to face her, a look of shock etched on his face.

"What?!"

Even as the words came from her mouth, Sachiko realized this was what she had wanted all along. She wanted to be free of the burden and restrictions that accompanied her family name. She wanted to live a simple happy life at Yumi's side. "I'm leaving, father."

"I don't think so!" Turning to Candace, he motioned to Sachiko. "Take her to her room and make sure she stays there."

Candace, however, merely laughed and stood from her place by the desk. Walking to stand behind the young couple, she crossed her arms and cocked an amused eyebrow at Toru. "I was hired as a bodyguard for the Chairman. The extent of my duties to your household has been fulfilled with the return of Yumi-chan. That being said, I am not in the practice of locking young people up for having different opinions about who they can or can't be with."

With a growl of frustration, he turned back to Sachiko. "You won't have a place to live! If you leave this house you won't get any money from me. Not anymore!" Toru threatened as he beat his fist down into the desk.

"I don't care about money," Sachiko answered simply.

"She can live with me," Yumi added, tucking herself closer to Sachiko's side.

Turning to Sachiko once more, Toru nearly looked frantic as he asked, "Why, Sachiko? Why are you doing this?"

At this question, Sachiko smiled. Turning to look down into Yumi's eyes she leaned in until their foreheads were touching. Then, in a voice loud enough for everyone in the room to hear, she answered, "Because, I am in love with Yumi."

The air grew thick and time stood still. Whether or not anyone spoke, Yumi didn't know. All that she could see was Sachiko's smiling face. All she could feel were Sachiko's hands holding her, secure in her arms. All she could hear were those few words, echoing over and over again in her heart. I am in love with Yumi. I am in love with Yumi. I am in love… Did she really just say it? Did she admit it? Right here?! In front of everyone?!

The moisture glistening in Sachiko's eyes was clarification enough; she really had said the words. Feeling tears form in her own eyes, she pulled herself closer until their bodies were flush and rested her head on Sachiko's shoulder. She felt Sachiko's arms tighten around her shoulders and heard the older girl's muffled sob as she too buried her face into Yumi's shoulder.

"I love you, Yumi. I love you so much." The words were muffled as well, but Yumi could still hear those treasured words. Each one made her heart swell with happiness despite the situation with Toru. Nothing could dim the light of this moment in Yumi's life. Nothing could steal this joy; she wouldn't let it.

It wasn't until hands were there pulling Sachiko away that Yumi finally became aware of their surroundings once more.

"Step away from her and act with some sense!" Toru had his hands gripping Sachiko roughly by the shoulders, pulling her away from Yumi.

Out of pure instinct, Yumi reached out, used her good hand to grip his hand, and twisted. With a cry of pain and shock, Toru released Sachiko and turned into the twist. When he was facing away from them, Yumi shoved him and let him go, sending him tumbling into his desk.

Sachiko's eyes grew wide with shock even as Rei reached out to pull her behind Yumi. Yoshino moved to stand between Toru and Sachiko as well, looking determined but worried all the same. Meanwhile, Yumi faced Toru, a look of surprise on her own face. "Toru-sama, I'm sorry. Are you okay?"

Toru, though he appeared startled, nodded while shaking life back into his hand. "I'm fine, Yumi-chan. Jeez, you have quite the grip there don't you?" To her shock, he smiled at her as he sighed out his frustration. "Listen, Yumi-chan, I've seen you as a second daughter since I first saw you together with Sachiko-chan. In all honesty," He laughed, "I don't have a problem with this personally, but my opinion doesn't matter right now. My father is the head of this family right now and…" He grimaced, turning his head downward. "I can't go against him. If I do, who knows what that would mean for the future of this company, this family." He looked up, eyes pleading with both the girls to understand. "If I oppose him, if I even do anything to help you in this, he will take his pound of flesh out of your mother, myself, and this entire household. You as well, both of you."

Pulling from Rei's hold, Sachiko stepped past Yumi and to her father's side. Resting a hand against his cheek, she drew his gaze up to meet her own. Tears were in her eyes as she said, "Then I really do need to leave home. Under my own power with no assistance from you." She brushed a tear from his cheek and smiled. "The last thing I want is for my happiness to come at the cost of yours or my mother's. I wouldn't want to see my friends working here lose their livelihood either. Still, I can't continue to sacrifice my desires and dreams, my hopes and wishes for the future, because of plans others have made for me." She shook her head. "No, father, please understand. I don't hate you. But I need to live my life and follow my heart."

"But how will you survive out there without us?" True concern was in his eyes.

"I think I have a solution to that." All eyes turned to Sayako, who had remained silent through the whole exchange. Not a hint of sadness was on her face, only pride as she stared at her daughter. "Or rather, my mother prepared a solution."

"What? Grandmother?" Confused, Sachiko stepped back from her father to Yumi's side.

Yumi stepped to meet her, smoothly taking her hand again. When Sachiko had lost her grandmother she had been devastated. Yumi had been shocked that it was her presence that had brought her out of it. They had sat for a time after that while Sachiko told her stories of her grandmother, a feisty, strong-willed woman.

Ignoring the look of shock on Toru's face, Sayako stepped forward and took Sachiko's other hand. "You see, Sachiko-chan, your grandmother knew you better than you could ever imagine. You could say, she felt the kindred spirit inside of you and wanted to protect it."

"You… You mean, she liked-" Sachiko shook her head, having difficulty believing what she was hearing.

Sayako smiled. "Your grandmother didn't have the blessing of being born into a generation where her heart was widely accepted. We still live in a generation where many are closed-minded, but you do have an opportunity to live a life she always wished for." With her other hand, she caressed Sachiko's cheek. "She prepared a way for you, my dear."

"Sayako, what are you talking about?" Toru looked bewildered, obviously knowing nothing of what Sayako was saying.

"My mother worked for years using her own money for investments that garnered very large dividends. When my father passed on, she was able to get the legal standing to officially claim those funds as her own. With the help of a sympathetic attorney, she secured those funds." A fresh tear slid down her cheek as she finished. "For you, Sachiko, she did that for you."

"What?" Disbelief colored her eyes. "Grandmother… She did this for me?"

"Yes." Sayako giggled. "She always told me she was saving it for a rainy day, but when she heard you talking about your dear Yumi-chan…She changed her will so that those funds could only be accessed by you and me." Releasing Sachiko's hand, Sayako took the girls' joint hands in her own. "It's for your future, the future that was denied to your grandmother. It's enough that you won't have to worry about anything for quite some time. You and Yumi can get established out of university long before the funds run out if you are careful."

"You mean, you've known about this and you didn't think to tell me?" Toru accused.

Turning to Toru with a cold stare, the timid meek woman Yumi knew her to be disappeared. "If I had chosen to trust you with this information, I'm certain your father would have somehow gotten the information. Knowing that man's conniving ways, he would not have rested until he managed to take over that account. It was my access to that account that would have made that possible for him." It was telling that Toru didn't even attempt to deny the accusation. Instead, he looked away with a mixture of shame and guilt.

"That's no longer possible, though." Turning back to Sachiko, she clarified. "I removed my name from the account. It's solely yours now, Sachiko. This way there is little your grandfather can do to interfere." Bringing the girls' joint hands to her lips she kissed them, giving them her blessing in the most genuine way.

Turning back to Toru, she leveled a determined stare at him and issued an order for the first time in her marriage. "Toru, you can leave this house tonight. Go visit one of those bed-warming mistresses of yours if you're needing comfort. The point is, don't return until tomorrow night. When you get back, Sachiko will be gone and you will be able to honestly say to your father that you do not know where she is. Since you aren't bold enough to stand up to him in the first place."

Toru opened his mouth to speak but immediately closed it again. Yumi was utterly shocked by the transformation that happened before her. Ogasawara Toru, a business tycoon and one of the most powerful men in Tokyo, bowed his head in shame and turned into a broken-looking man. Pushing off the desk, he appeared to be out of energy. He couldn't deny the claims against him and he didn't have the courage to change any of it. In a way, Yumi felt sorry for him. Because he wasn't willing to fight for her, he was going to create a barrier between them. A barrier that Yumi could tell neither of them wanted.

Before he reached the door, he stopped and looked at Sachiko. "Despite what you may think, Sa-chan, I love you. You are my daughter and I am proud of you. I only wish I were a different man. A stronger father, for you."

Sachiko released Yumi's hand and moved to her father's side, wrapping her arms around him. "No matter how I choose to live my life, I will always love you, Daddy."

He gently kissed her on the forehead and returned the hug. "Keep your mother informed, okay?"

Sachiko nodded, "I promise I will."

They separated, Toru looking to Yumi one last time. "Take care of my little girl."

"With everything in me." Yumi answered honestly.

A smile pulled at the corner of his mouth and he nodded, "I believe you." With that, he left the room.

Sayako made to follow him but turned to smile at Sachiko before she left. "Find me in the morning, Sachiko. I'll explain more and we'll make preparations for you. For now," She glanced at Yumi and her friends. "Enjoy this."

It wasn't long after that that Rei and Yoshino excused themselves with wide grins on their faces. Though they left, they promised to return the next day to help get Sachiko's things together. Standing at the front door and watching the two disappear down the long driveway, Sachiko and Yumi stood side by side in silence for a time.

The sun had set and the moon shone brightly above them. As always in the city, the stars were few and far between, but the few that they could see were beautiful and mesmerizing. Finally, when their friends had long since disappeared from sight, Sachiko took the younger girl's hand and smiled at the questioning gaze she received in return. "Let's walk the maze one more time."

"The maze?" Yumi asked though she followed without resistance as Sachiko led the way.

"Yes. Who knows when I'll be able to see it again. I don't imagine coming home will be an option for some time." As she walked forward, she looked back with a smile. "Let's take advantage of the cool night while we can."

Many may have looked at Sachiko at that moment and seen only a smile and the happiness it represented. Yumi, however, knew Sachiko too well to miss the tinge of sadness in her eyes. She didn't doubt that Sachiko was following her heart in choosing to leave, but there was no denying that her family was also in her heart. To part from them this way had to be torture for the older girl. Despite her father's indiscretions, she loved him dearly. Her mother was the guardian of her heart. And even her grandfather held a special place in her heart. He was a misogynistic, controlling old man who cared more for money and power than the happiness of his family. Yet still, Sachiko loved him and wished no ill toward the man. Yumi's heart swelled with pride at the pureness of her lover's heart. She was being true to herself for the first time, but at the same time, she was trying to maintain the relationships she had spent her life investing in. She didn't wish to throw her family to the wayside. No; she wanted them to come alongside her. Yumi wished the same for her. She knew when the day came that she lost her grandfather Sachiko would be heartbroken. Yumi could only wish and hope that the old man opened his heart and mind before the end came.

They walked hand in hand, talking softly about trivial things. The day had been heavy and they both knew the other needed a bit of lightheartedness as a release from the stress of the day. They laughed and giggled, talking without a care as they went, finding simple joy in just being by each other's side.

A/N - If you've read this before and you're confused because this is not the ending you remember, sorry for the confusion! I wasn't happy with how the garden scene went, so I re-wrote it! It was so long, in fact, it warranted its own chapter. Hope it doesn't disappoint! ;) Enjoy!