Navy and Azure
by Apple-chan

Disclaimer: I am riff-raff, I am poor. Needless to say, I don't own anything. Not even gum.;_;

Warnings: PG-13 for adult situations and mild swearing.

Chapter 11 - The Colors of Happiness


The sun was just beginning to set over the horizon, visible even beneath all the fog and the looming mountains as the old-fashioned carriage halted directly in front of the grand garden entrance of the Tao Estate.

Ren stepped off the carriage carefully, then he quickly turned around to assist Pilica. He held out his hand and smiled up at her.

She smiled back brightly, then gazed around her with awe. "I've missed this place..."

He chuckled, clasping her hands against his. "It's missed you too," he commented. "Just take a look at all the flowers. They became all droopy because their queen left them abruptly." A fond smile. "But now that she's back, they'll be singing with happiness again." As if on cue, a soft breeze blew, making all the plants sway to and fro in the wind, like a joyful, polite greeting.

As she willingly allowed him to pull her into his arms, she gave a long, contented sigh. "...It's wonderful to be back."

"Back where?" He murmured teasingly, weaving his arms tightly around her waist. "Here, or in my arms?"

She laughed softly. "Both." She brushed her lips to his in a gentle kiss. "I think this is better, though." Her eyes widened when he suddenly kissed her long and hard and thoroughly, like he wanted to savor every single inch of her for the rest of his life.

When they had finally paused to take a breath, she was practically all over him, clinging to his arms for full support. "...Yup," she managed decisively. "Definitely better."

A cocky grin tugged at the corners of his mouth. "Good." He traced her lower lip with his forefinger. "I'm gonna be doing that a lot in the next couple of days," he whispered in a slightly husky tone. "...Think you can handle it?"

An indrawn breath. "I think I can manage." Her eyes slowly drifted close as his mouth traveled downwards from her chin to her neck, then back again to claim her lips once more.

Somewhere at the corner of the entrance pathway, a small distance from them, Tao Ran watched this whole scene take place with a soft, fond smile gracing her face. Something about this made her feel strangely nostalgic, and wistful. She had been young once, too--young and happy, and full of hopes and dreams for the future. Dreams that were for naught, because ultimately, her future was decided, not by her, but by the laws and customs of the family. Love, or care, or any other honest-to-goodness feeling were never the main criteria that were used to decide on marriages--convenience, responsibility, and practicality were--and hers and En's own was no exception.

Still though, love was...something that can be learned through time, and in spite of all his faults and idiosyncrasies, in spite of all the imperfections he certainly had, it inevitably happened: her feelings for her husband had transformed from tasteless respect and indifference...to love. In spite of everything...or maybe because of everything, she had grown to love him even more than she had ever dreamed possible...and now, she knew that she would never be able to love anyone else--not even in death.

Before that love came along, though, life with him hadn't been easy. Being the Clan Mistress wasn't so bad, but being married not for happiness but for the mere necessity of it was never her idea of a good life. However, that feeling had changed over the years, and now--she didn't feel any shred of regret for being forced into what used to be an unwanted marriage, because it ultimately became her happiness...especially when their two children were born.

Nevertheless...being forced into something they didn't want--especially a marriage--was not something she envisioned for Ren and Jun, not in a million years. It was quite enough that she and En had been through it; their children should be freed of such oppressive rigidity. They have a right to make their own decisions, particularly about something of this magnitude. And, if they wanted to be with someone they loved, no one is allowed to go against that--not her, not En, not anyone. Their children deserved that much.

Looking over at her son now, a feeling of extreme happiness just wells up inside her...for him. She was glad that he had found what she had so wanted him to have all on his own...and now that it was here, she would do everything in her power to help him keep it...make sure that he keeps it. After all, at the end of the day, Ren's happiness was her happiness as well.

"Ren-kun," Pilica breathed against his lips. "...I think we're being watched."

"I don't care," he whispered with passion. "I'm never going to let you go. Ever."

"But...Ren-kun..." She shivered slightly as his lips traveled to her ear. "It's...Ran-Hahaue," she managed in a gasp.

And at once, Ren's face turned an interesting shade of red, and he shifted his head ever-so-slightly. "...Hahaue," he smiled sheepishly. "I didn't realize you were there."

Ran laughed. "I'm sure you didn't," she remarked dryly. Glancing at Pilica, she gave a warm smile. "Welcome back."

"...Arigatou, Ran-Hahaue," Pilica bowed gratefully at the mother of the man she loved. "For everything."

*~*~*~*~*~*

"Anata," Ran stalked rudely inside her husband's study that evening without even bothering to knock. "You and I need to talk."

With a frown, En looked up from the papers he was examining and raised an eyebrow. "What do you want, wife?"

The navy blue-haired woman forcefully slapped her fan on the table and gave her husband a withering glare. "You know what I want."

"Humor me." He stated absently.

She rolled her eyes to the ceiling and exhaled with impatience. "...Ren just arrived."

"And...?"

"I think you would care enough to know that your PLANS haven't succeeded. SHE'S here with him, and he has every intention of marrying her."

"...Yes." He answered tonelessly. "He told me as much. BUT," he interjected, "that is NEVER going to happen. Not if I have anything to say about it."

"You DON'T!" Ran stated firmly. "Next time you interfere with OUR son or OUR daughter's life, you will answer to ME." She paused, gazing at her husband straight in the eye without any shred of fear. "I'm not going to be merciful, Anata. Mark my words."

A dry laugh. "What can YOU do?" He mocked. "You're just my WIFE."

"TRY ME." Ran pivoted and started to walk away, but she paused abruptly. "This might be none of your concern, but I thought you should know...Pilica-chan was hurt quite severely when she was at the ranch. She almost DIED," she spat out fiercely. "I know you don't CARE a damn whit, but just this ONCE, remember that because of your actions, because of your insistence to force your decisions upon Ren, it had almost caused the LIFE of the woman he LOVES."

Silence.

"I'll see you at dinner, Anata." Ran added finally as she walked towards the doorknob...but En's voice stopped her.

"...I didn't think it would go that far." His tone was firm, quiet. " I never wanted her dead. I just...wanted her out of Ren's life."

"Then you should be thankful that she is, in fact, ALIVE." She replied curtly.

"Yes. I am." The expression on his face was quite unreadable. "She does not deserve death as a punishment for loving my son."

A sigh. "...Ren will never forgive you. I'm sure you know that."

"Yes. And...maybe rightfully so," he added reluctantly. "But...will you?" He asked her in a mild tone. "Will YOU ever forgive me?"

Ran surveyed her husband critically, her face softening as she caught a flicker of what seemed to be remorse and repentance in his eyes. "...I don't know," she managed helplessly. "Anata, I love you, but...most of the time, you do things without even heeding their consequences." She shook her head. "In the process, you end up hurting a lot of people...sometimes, even killing them."

"I've stopped killing a long time ago." He said quietly. "...And I don't intend to do it. Not anymore."

"I KNOW." She sighed again. "Yet...Anata, you've hurt our children before...Ren, most especially. I don't understand why you're doing that exact same thing again."

"...It was not my intention."

"Then what WERE you trying to do?" She exclaimed helplessly. "Do me ONE favor, onegai? Next time, could you PLEASE think about the consequences of your actions before you do them? That's the only thing I'm asking." And with that, she left the room, leaving her husband to contemplate about his thoughts and actions.

*~*~*~*~*~*

"Ren-kun..."

"Hmm?"

"Do you think we did the right thing? I mean...Ran-Hahaue's been so wonderful to me, and it makes me feel guilty that she doesn't know the whole truth about--" Pilica's eyes widened when he captured her mouth with his suddenly, but she surrendered herself fully to the kiss. She clutched the front of his shirt as he held her down, leaning her against the bench rest, making sure that they didn't fall down on the grassy patch of the garden beneath them.

Moments later, they broke apart. "I know you don't want to talk about it..." she murmured quietly.

"No," Ren stated simply, laying his chin on top of her head. "I don't."

"But I need an answer," she turned around in his arms and gazed up at him pleadingly. "We weren't completely honest with your mother, and I feel dreadful about it. I owe her a lot."

He studied her face carefully, before he finally sighed with resignation. "You're right. We weren't," he muttered. "But I think it would be best if only you and I, and Jing-jisan and my three cousins know about the whole thing." A thoughtful pause. "Whether Pan is really sincerely sorry for what he did or not...I respect Jing-jisan, and I agree with him that there has been enough trouble, as it is." An exhale. "You can just imagine how my mother would react to something like that. She'd be furious at Pan...and at Jisan. And I don't want that. My uncle's already been through a lot. Don't get me wrong," he added quickly. "I still want to beat the crap out of that bastard. I want him to suffer for what he did to you, yet...at the same time, I don't want any more trouble for Jisan. None of this is his fault."

"Jing-san talked to you?"

"...Hai," he nodded. "But he didn't ask me to do any of this. I decided everything on my own. No more trouble, for your sake...and theirs." He concluded.

"Hm." She smiled fondly at him. "Since when did you become such a nice guy?"

"I'm not," he said defensively. "I still want to kill Pan," he spat out with conviction. "It's you who's stopping me. But if you ever change your mind..."

A laugh. "I won't." She shook her head. Knowing that you would do something like that for me...is more than enough. "Still...I wish there was something we can do for them," she said wistfully, referring to Jing and his family. "About, you know...their situation. The ranch, the mountains, and everything..."

Ren chuckled. "Maybe there is." He smiled mysteriously.

"You're not going to tell me?" Pilica asked hopefully.

"It's a secret." He gave her a grin. And you're included, he thought to himself.

She narrowed her eyes and frowned with suspicion. "You're planning something, aren't you? You've been constantly whispering behind my back with Ran-Hahaue, Ching-jiichan, Kang-san, Fei-san...and everyone else for the last couple of days." A pout. "Does everyone know about it except for ME?"

"What are you talking about?" He asked innocently. "Pilica, how in the WORLD can I whisper behind your back when I haven't left your side for the past seven days?"

"SEVEN DAYS?" A look of utter horrification crossed her beautiful face. "Has it been that LONG already?"

"Seven days since we left the ranch, and seven days since we arrived here. Yup, it's been THAT long," he confirmed, grinning slightly.

She stood up from the bench and paced around the garden with disbelief. "I CAN'T believe it's been THAT LONG," she muttered helplessly. "Seven DAYS. Ren-kun, I've been here for more than a MONTH, and a week passed BY without my knowing...I mean, WHAT in the WORLD have I been DOING that I didn't even NOTICE?"

"Well, gee...I don't know," he replied lazily, watching her with amusement as she continued to walk around in front of him like a jittery puppy. "But I can think of a few things." He smiled sweetly as he caught her attention. "If I recall correctly, every day, you've been..." he looked up thoughtfully as he ticked off his fingers, "walking around the estate with me in the morning, lying in my arms here in the garden during the afternoon, and lying in my arms in YOUR BEDROOM during the evening until early dawn." His smile widened as a furious blush crept up to her cheeks. He pulled her down on his lap, holding her tightly and securely at the waist. "I think I also remember a whole lot of this--" he kissed her lips softly, "--happening."

"Oh," she managed, her breath catching at the back of her throat, her blushes intensifying. "Right." She melted weakly in his embrace. "I remember now."

"Why is it so important, anyway?" His smile disappeared, and a hurt expression crossed his face. "You don't like being with me?"

"Of COURSE I like being with you," she protested. "It's just...well...Oniichan." She sighed. "I just realized that, apart from that time when I first got here, I haven't even called him once to...let him know how I was...doing..." her last words came out in a whisper as he began to kiss her again, driving her to the most pleasurable of distractions. "Ren-kun," she breathed against his lips. "Are you listening to me?"

"Yeah." He reluctantly paused, and smiled faintly at her. "Do you want to call him?"

"Can we?" Her eyes became as eager as that of a puppy dog's.

He sighed. "...Yeah," he answered grudgingly. "I guess we can." He wasn't too thrilled about getting interrupted right in the middle of a heated moment with her, and with a thought about her brother, of all the things. But he wasn't about to complain. This would make her happy, and that was what was important. He hastily gestured to a passing maid. "Could you hand me the cordless phone over there, please?" He smiled gratefully as the maid did as he asked and immediately rushed towards him with his request. "Thank you." He handed the phone to Pilica. "Go ahead."

This time, it was her turn to give him a nice, thorough kiss. "I love you," she whispered fiercely as she gave him one last kiss. Then, she turned to the phone, eagerly dialing the number at their cottage. She settled herself comfortably in her boyfriend's lap and smiled at him as she waited for her brother to pick up.

He held her tightly at the waist, watching her face silently as Horo-horo finally answered on the other line. "Konnichiwa, Oniichan! It's me!" A bright smile broke out of her face. "...How are you? I'm sorry I haven't called for so long. A lot of things have happened here, and I...just couldn't..." She sighed. "I'm sorry! I was REALLY meaning to, I swear, but it's just that...well...it's a long story. I'll tell you when I get home." A soft fond smile grazed her lips as she listened to what Horo-horo was saying. "...I really miss you too, Oniichan. I can't wait to see you again. You and Tamao...neesan." A wicked grin. "Speaking of which..." She paused to listen, and her face turned sad. "Oh. How long has it been...? What? Oh...oh." She frowned with concern. "Wait a minute, did you do something to offend her? Because I know she wouldn't do a thing like that unless...maybe you teased her too much again, or...OH MY GOD!" Her eyes widened with worry. "Oniichan, why didn't you tell ME?!?!? How are you? Are you all right...?" And then, she sighed with relief. "...That's good to know. Thank the great spirits. And thank the Korropokkuru, too," she added with a laugh.

Then, she frowned again. "But Tamao-neesan...Oniichan, why don't you try to figure out what you did?" She exhaled with exasperation. "Well, try harder! And then...go and talk to her. Explain everything. She'll understand, I'm sure. And besides...she loves you, doesn't she?" She smiled confidently. "Come ON, Oniichan...if there's anyone who can do it, you can. All you need is a little bit of g..." A blush crept up her cheeks. "...That's different. Oniichan, you're NOT gonna take six years. And besides, the only reason he took six years is because..." The blush on her face deepened. "...Shut up. He's got courage in EVERYTHING, Oniichan. He's just got problems expressing his feelings...the way YOU do." A triumphant grin. "When I get back home, I want to see you and Tamao-neesan at peace with each other, alright? You can do it," she added with encouragement. "...I'll call again. I'll see you in another month or so." She rolled her eyes at whatever Horo-horo was saying. "Yes, Ren-kun's here, and he's been taking care of me very well," she added dryly. "I'm in the garden right now, on top of him. I mean," she added quickly, "not in the way you're thinking. I'm...we're...I mean...no, of course not!" She retorted hotly. The blush that was just starting to disappear on her face was now back in full force. "We're just...uhm..." she glanced at Ren, obviously asking him for a believable getaway that would not make her brother scream bloody murder. "We're..."

Ren pushed the speaker button on. "Okay, that's enough." He said firmly, loud enough for his friend on the other line to hear.

"ENOUGH? What THE-? Ren, what the HELL have you been doing to my SISTER?" Horo-horo demanded.

He exhaled with exasperation. Leave it to Horo-horo to overreact on everything. "I've been screwing her senseless, and she's enjoying it quite immensely." He answered matter-of-factly, recalling what he had told the Ainu man before. "...You got a problem with that?"

"YOU LITTLE RUNT!" He could practically see the smoke coming out of the Ainu man's ears. "WHEN I GET MY HANDS ON YOU, YOU'LL BE SORRY--"

"I'm kidding," he quickly interrupted in a dry tone. "If it would make you feel relieved, my mother has put me under surveillance twenty-four hours a day. She intends to make sure I don't desecrate her future dau--I mean, Pilica's honor," he added quickly. "So you can rest peacefully. Or in peace, if you want."

"Say that AGAIN and I MIGHT just make YOU rest in PEACE." Horo threatened in a dark tone.

A snort. "Yeah, right. Like you can ever beat me."

"Well, why don't we TRY?" He challenged.

"Hm, let me think...no." Ren answered simply.

"Why the hell NOT?"

"Your sister hates bloodshed," he replied matter-of-factly. "And for the love of her, I wouldn't want to be spilling your blood all over Japan and China just because of a little dispute. But," he added emphatically, "...if someday, she ends up hating you bad enough to want you dead, then by all means, I will."

"Heh. I'd love to see you TRY."

"Ren-kun!" Pilica's face looked quite horrified. "Oniichan!"

"Just kidding." He smiled sweetly. "Don't be angry," he added.

"Yeah, Pilica," Horo called out from the speaker. "Don't get scandalized. It's not like you've never seen us in a fight before."

She exhaled with exasperation. "Honestly, you two and your...jokes." She shook her head. "You can do serious damage to my mind...both of you."

Horo laughed, even though it sounded a little strained. "Glad to know," he commented mildly. "At least I can get back at you for those hard training exercises." He paused. "Ren."

"What?"

"Keep my sister safe, alright?"

A smile. "You don't have to tell me."

"Good." A pause. "And one last thing..."

"Yeah?"

"If I EVER find out that you've SLEPT with her, on her BED or God knows WHERE, I will hunt you down and cut your throat. Got that?"

Ren rolled his eyes. "Very clearly," he answered dryly.

"Good. Pilica, I'll see you in a month. Take care of yourself," Horo called out.

"You too, Oniichan," Pilica told her brother. "Make peace with Tamao-neesan, alright?"

A sigh. "I'll try...IF she still wants me." Then, he hung up.

The two of them looked at each other.

"What's his problem?" Ren asked.

Pilica shrugged. "He didn't tell me all the details," she paused thoughtfully. "But I think they had a misunderstanding about something. I wish him good luck on it."

"Do you...want to go back? To help him, I mean?"

She shook her head. "...No. This is between him and Tamao-neesan. I can't interfere. Besides," she added with a big smile, "I'm supposed to stay here for another month...I should make the most of it," she added decisively.

"Yeah," he nodded with agreement. "So...are you going to tell him about the bed?"

"No." She grinned impishly. "I like being screwed senseless..." she brought her lips closer to his and wrapped her arms around his neck. "Or have you forgotten?"

*~*~*~*~*~*

Ren glanced out the window and sighed contentedly, listening to the even breathing of the young woman in his arms as he watched the sky's transition from purple to azure blue, signaling that it was almost daybreak...almost morning. A new day was approaching once again.

Another day, another opportunity. No, not another opportunity...the final opportunity. This is my last chance.

I have to ask her now, because later tonight...he swallowed. Tonight is the formal announcement. Tonight, everything will happen.
Everything.

He was startled as Pilica shifted slightly in his arms, causing the crown of her hair to brush softly against his chin. He smiled fondly as he watched her sleep. Her eyes were tightly closed, with her long lashes casting shadows over her cheeks. Her lips were curved into a happy, contented smile, clearly indicating that she felt incredibly safe in his arms...and he wouldn't have it any other way. He caressed her cheeks reverently, savoring the feel of her soft, soft skin against his.

So beautiful.

He wished he could just hold her, and stay with her forever like this...life would be so perfect if that can happen. So incredibly perfect.

He knew that it can happen, of course. He knew that he could make her his for a lifetime--all he had to do was ask her one simple question. A question he had been rehearsing in his mind for God knows how long. A question he was so SURE he wanted to ask her, and yet, for some reason, he just couldn't work up the nerve to. He'd already been given plenty of chances to ask her during the past seven days, but unfortunately...he never got to take any of them. The fact of the matter is, every time he tried to, it was either someone would interrupt them...or he would suddenly lose his guts.

He gave a resigned sigh. Guts. He briefly recalled what Hao had told him, more than a week ago.

If you're ever in need of MORE guts and MORE courage, don't hesitate to give me a call, ne? I can provide you with lots.
He shook his head vigorously. No. He was not going to ask Asakura Hao for help, not in a million years. He was going to do this on his own.

It was quite easy, really. Only a matter of letting the words slide out of his mouth, and making sure that she hears them clearly. Anyone can do it.

So go ahead, a voice inside his head urged. You're the only ones in this room...you, and her. Nothing and no one can stop you now. Right?

Ren gave another swallow; and then, he took a long, deep breath. The voice inside his head was right. The only obstacle remaining right now, the only thing keeping him from his goal...was him. His very own self. His courage, and guts.

For once in your life, Tao Ren, STOP worrying about that. Courage is for battlefields. Guts are...the bones inside your body. You need them to be able to move, but not for this. For this...all you need is love.
You do love her, don't you? Ren found himself nodding at his own mind's question. "Yes. I love her." He murmured quietly.

Then there's no problem anymore, is there? He could feel the voice smiling at him with encouragement.

And he understood.

I almost lost you once, he thought to himself as he gazed at her sleeping face. I'm never going to let that happen again. I'm never going to let you go again, he vowed silently. Never. He closed his eyes, leaned over, and kissed her softly on the forehead. Never ever. His lips brushed gently over her eyes.

As his lips traveled downwards to her cheeks, her eyes slowly fluttered open. She gave him a sleepy smile, sighing with pleasure as his mouth moved to claim her lips. He pulled her close against him and kissed her long and reverently. "I love you," he murmured against her mouth.

She chuckled softly, weaving her arms tightly around his neck as she kissed him back and wholeheartedly accepted each and every single piece of himself that he offered in every touch, every kiss. "Ren-kun, I love you too..." More than I ever thought possible, she thought silently, closing her eyes. She never wanted the moment to end.

"Pilica," she was startled when his lips grazed her eyes again, coaxing them to open. "I need to ask you something..." She watched as he fumbled underneath the bed for something, and before she could figure out what it was, he captured her mouth again in a long, blazing kiss. She melted blissfully in his arms, reveling in the obvious distraction his touches and kisses were creating on her already passion-hazed mind.

She didn't even notice that he had slipped something on her left ring finger...until she felt the touch of the cool metal band against her skin. She held up her hand against the light, gasping with awe at the shining, glittering white-gold band encrusted with diamonds encircling her finger. "Ren-kun...what...?"

"Will you marry me?" His face was quite serious as he asked this question. He stared at her intently and held his breath, awaiting her answer.

She glanced at him, then, at the ring, then back and forth twice more, surprise and amazement in her eyes. And then, finally, she settled her gaze solely on him, her eyes staring back into his deep golden ones with an expression of something he couldn't quite comprehend. So much emotion was reflected in her gaze, and he could feel them just as easily as he could feel her whole self against him--the beating of her heart against his, the flutter of her hair against his face...and the warmth of her breath against his skin.

He felt everything...and much, much more.

And suddenly, she wrapped her arms tighter around his neck and kissed him long and hard, with everything she felt deep inside her heart pouring into him in great waves, seeking to fill him...complete him in the way only she can. All her hope, all her love...all of her.

As far as he was concerned, she'd already given him her answer.

Yes.

He tightened his hold around her even more and kissed her back with everything that he had, everything that he was, everything that he is, and everything that he will be. Each and every kiss he gave was full of love, and full of promise.

This time, it was going to be forever.

Forever...and always.

*~*~*~*~*~*

"I still can't believe it," Pilica murmured as she gazed all around the grand hall in awe that night. "How did you manage all this?" She asked her fiancé with disbelief as the two of them continued to dance at the center of the floor. The festivities had long been in full swing for the past two hours, and although the center of the grand hall was filled with quite a number of people dancing, a couple of members of the Tao family still preferred to sit beside the long dining table, mainly, Ren's parents, his grandfather, his sister, and Jing and his daughter. Pan and Ken were around somewhere, too, not visible from Ren and Pilica's location on the floor.

Ren gave an arrogant shrug. "What can I say? I'm good." He grinned. He raked his eyes over her cheongsam-clad form for the millionth time that evening, wondering if anyone else can ever come close to her beauty. Red is definitely a great color for her, he thought.

"But...what if I had said no?"

"Yet you didn't," he pointed out cheekily. "You accepted my proposal...and just in time, too," he added dryly. "I didn't think it would take me that long. If I had asked you a little later, it would have prolonged all the preparations, and all of Hahaue's hard work."

She gave him an incredulous look. "So you were actually expecting that I was going to say yes?"

"Yup." He nodded matter-of-factly. "I was."

She rolled her eyes to the ceiling. "I can't believe it. I'm engaged to one of the most arrogant men in the whole world," she muttered.

"...And you're related to another one of them," he threw back with a grin. "Speaking of your brother...I asked Neesan to drop by your cottage before she goes home to let him know about all this...and to invite him to the party," he added. "But she told me he didn't look like he was up to any traveling. She couldn't even speak to him, much less, tell him."

A forlorn sigh. "I guess he still hadn't made peace with Tamao-neesan."

"...I'm sorry."

"It's alright," she said brightly. "We can just tell him ourselves when I go back home. I think that would be better." She smiled up at him. "Don't you?"

He smiled back. "If you say so." He rested his chin on top of her head, marveling in the wonderful, incredible feeling of her in his arms. He could never ever get tired of holding her like this. She made him feel like he had never felt in his entire life...and it was the best feeling in the entire universe.

Happiness.

"I'm glad Jing-san and his family are here," Pilica murmured, settling herself more snugly in his arms. "Or...Jing-jisan, rather," she corrected herself, her face turning slightly pink.

A chuckle. "I told you I would do something for them." He kissed her softly on the forehead. "And that's just one of the changes I'm planning to make with this family."

"As the Clan Head?" She supplied with a grin.

"Hai," he nodded, smiling faintly. "As the Clan Head." Then, he gave her a meaningful look. "And as the Clan Mistress, you're going to help me."

"Of course I will," she promised. "As the Clan Mistress, and as your wife."

"My wife." He murmured, bringing his lips closer to hers. "I like the way that sounds."

"I'm not my father, and I'm not my great-grandfather, either," Ren announced to all of his relatives. "I am my own person. And from all my travels, I learned a lot of things. Based on experience, I have realized that not everything that exists within our family is fair and just as we have deemed them to be. I know not all of you will agree with me," he added quickly, "most especially those who are older than I am. You're probably thinking that I'm too young, that I don't know how the world really works...but I don't think anyone really knows how the world works.

"However, what I do know is that...there is oppression within this family. There is rigidity, and there is a lack of justice. A lack of freedom. A lot of us don't notice it because...it's a part of our lives," he explained. "We've become so used to it that we don't even notice that it's there. But the fact of the matter is, it is there...even though it shouldn't be." He paused. "We have rights...all of us. And some of these things, they trample on those rights, and we don't even know. But I intend to change that.

"As of this moment," he continued, "every single member of this family, right down to our most distant cousin, is free to visit this Estate anytime he or she pleases--no appointments necessary, as it used to be. No matter how little or how much Tao blood flows in your veins, you are still a member of this family, and will remain to be, regardless of who you choose to marry, what you choose to do in your life, and where you choose to do them. Which reminds me," he smiled. "Marriage. I understand the traditional family laws of keeping the blood untarnished very well, which explains the intermarriages within the clan, but," he interjected, "...I believe marriage is not merely for convenience. Yes, it is a means of siring heirs, of extending the family line, but...there are more important things than that. I'm sure you know what I mean," he added meaningfully.

"What I'm trying to say is, marrying for love outside of the clan should not be considered a sin. It shall not be a cause for disinheritance, banishment...or exile." Upon this statement, he turned to his Uncle Jing. "Which is why, from this day forward, Jing-jisan and his family...they are no longer in exile. They will be allowed to go wherever they please, and to do whatever they may wish to do. That goes for everyone else, as well." He glanced at all of his relatives, and exchanged a smile with his mother. "As I've said earlier, I am not my father, nor am I my great-grandfather. I shall not be imposing rules upon anyone. As the Clan Head, there's only one thing I'm asking from all of you: remain good and true and loyal to the family honor. And the only way to do that is to treat everything and everyone in this earth the way you want to be treated--with respect, kindness, and honesty.

"And one more thing," Ren added quickly, grinning brilliantly as he pulled on Pilica's hand and presented her to his whole family. "Another reason why I called everyone here tonight is...uhm...her. My fiancée," he uttered, mentally kicking himself for stumbling on his lines. "Her name is Pilica, and I just proposed to her early this morning...luckily, she said yes," he added with a slightly cocky grin. "Everyone will be invited to our wedding, of course. I intend to have it as soon as possible, like maybe in a month or so--"

"Eight months," Ran piped up.

Everyone turned to look at her.

"Hahaue," Ren had a look of utter disbelief on his face. "...Are you serious? You want me to wait EIGHT freaking MONTHS?"

"Yes, Son. I do," she answered dryly. "...It's tradition. Not in the way you're thinking," she added quickly when he started to protest. "I would need half of that time to make all the wedding preparations. The traditional Chinese preparations," she said with emphasis. "...Furthermore, Pilica-chan would be the next Clan Mistress, and I need the other four months to prepare her for the all the responsibilities her title would entail." She gave her son a big smile. "I want to make your wedding the best it can possibly be. I hope you will let me."

Ren frowned suspiciously at his mother, before he reluctantly nodded. "...In eight months, then," he answered grudgingly.

"Thank you, Ren." His mother gave a beatific smile. "...And thank you, Pilica-chan."

"Y...you're welcome, Ran-Hahaue," Pilica smiled faintly at her future mother-in-law, then gave her fiancé an amused look. She didn't care how long she had to wait...it would all be worth it in the end.

"Everyone," Ren announced as soon as he had finally recovered, "Since she will be the future Clan Mistress, I implore you all to treat Pilica, my fiancée, with the same respect that you have been giving my mother...and me."

"Why does Ran-Hahaue want to wait eight months?" Pilica murmured questioningly as he finally lifted his mouth from hers.

Ren sighed. "Tradition calls for it," he replied. "It has nothing to do with family laws. Just with religious practices and everything. Lots of rituals involved." He shrugged. "Originally, it was supposed to be a whole year, I believe. Hahaue might have decided to make an exception in our case," he added dryly. "Anyhow, I think it's supposed to ensure that we will have a long and happy and healthy and prosperous marriage. I personally think we can manage that on our own, even without the eight-month tenure, but..." he gave a helpless sigh.

"Ran-Hahaue has our best interests at heart, I think," Pilica told him consolingly.

"Or so she says," Ren said wryly, with an eye-roll. "...I think she just wants to make me suffer through the waiting."

Pilica chuckled. "You'll survive." She wove her arms around his neck and kissed him.

"I guess if it's you, then...it's worth the wait," he breathed decisively against her mouth as he deepened the kiss.

The couple broke apart abruptly moments later, upon hearing a commotion. They glanced at each other curiously, then turned to the source of the noise.

Ren exhaled with annoyance when he realized who was causing the commotion. "I should have known," he muttered under his breath. "I think I should have made an exception in his case. He deserves to be put on exile..."

"Pan-san..." she shook her head as she observed Pan going after a beautiful raven-haired young woman of around twenty-one across the grand hall. Strangely enough, the young woman was chasing after Ken, who was trying very hard not get caught by her. "Ren-kun...who is she?"

"Her name's Lu Yin," Ren whispered to her. "Her mother's a distant cousin of Hahaue, if I'm correct. Very distant." He rolled his eyes. "My father tried to introduce her to me before I came to the ranch. Apparently, he had planned for me to marry her." He shuddered.

"Well...it doesn't seem like she has any feelings for you, though," Pilica commented as she continued to observe the young woman out of the corner of her eye. "Strange...she's chasing after Ken-san, and Pan-san's chasing after her..." She paused as Pan's loud voice reached her ears.

"Yin-chan..." Pan whined. He continued to follow the young woman. "Just ONE dance, please? After that, I'll stay out of your way, I promise."

Lu Yin grabbed the collar of Ken's shirt and turned around, one hand on her hip. "No," she said firmly. "I DON'T like you, Pan-niisan. Go AWAY. Ken-kun, STOP struggling..."

"Let go of ME," Ken muttered, trying very hard to free himself from her grasp. "I don't like dancing...I like horses and birds and chickens. And besides..." He gave her a pleading look. "I have two left feet. Dance with Pan-niisan instead, onegai? He can do so much better..."

"No. I wanna dance with YOU." She stated stubbornly. She grabbed his hands, placed them around her waist and wrapped her arms around his neck. "I don't care if you have two left feet. I can teach you."

"I don't wanna learn..."

She smiled sweetly. "You'll change your mind eventually."

"Hmph." Pan frowned, crossed his arms over his chest and stomped away as Yin gave him a triumphant look. "How come NOBODY ever wants me?" He muttered under his breath. "What does my BROTHER and REN-SAMA have that I DON'T?"

"Decency," Ren whispered to Pilica. "He doesn't have any shred of it whatsoever. Or respect, for that matter."

"Ren-kun...you're eavesdropping," she gave him a chastising look. "I don't think we were supposed to hear that."

A shrug. "He was saying it loudly enough." Then, he gave her an eager look. "My offer to kill him for you still stands, you know..."

"Ren-kun!"

"Just kidding." He smiled at her cheekily, then twirled her around. "I wish him good luck in all his endeavors," he muttered grudgingly. "As for the rest of his family...I wish them all the success and happiness in the world."

"Me too." Pilica smiled fondly as she caught sight of Chii, who was sitting at the sidelines near the immense dining table, and talking to Ran and Jun. "I wish them all the love, as well...especially Chii-san."

Ren saw where she was looking, and he couldn't help but agree. "Yeah." A wicked grin formed on his lips as a handsome young man with long, chestnut-brown hair in traditional red Chinese clothing approached Chii and held out his hand for a dance. "...And here he comes now."

"Who is he?" Pilica wanted to know.

"Tao Zhou," he replied with a smile. "He's the younger brother of Diao," he explained, referring to the doctor who treated Pilica's injuries. "Their family moved to the mountains sometime after my great-grandfather died, so he and Chii sort of grew up together." He gave her a meaningful look. "He left ten years ago to study in London, but from the looks of it, I think he's going to be staying here for quite some time..."

"That's good," Pilica decided, watching with fascinated eyes as a blushing Chii shyly took the offered hand and stood up. She and Zhou stepped onto the dance floor, just a short distance away from where Yin was steering her brother Ken around in tune to the beat of the music. For about half a second, Pilica caught Chii's eye, and the younger woman gave her a bright, beautiful smile. She smiled in return. Looks like you've already found him, Chii-san.

Or rather...he found you.

"Ren-kun..."

"Hai?" He smiled at her tenderly.

She rose up on tiptoes and kissed him softly. "Thank you...for everything that you've done for them."

He kissed her back briefly before he spoke. "You're welcome. But I didn't really do anything. I just figured that there was really no point in holding them all to a punishment they didn't deserve," he stated matter-of-factly. "I got rid of something that wasn't supposed to be there, that's all."

"And I love you for it." She declared. "Among other things," she added meaningfully.

He gave a cocky grin. "I know." He spun her around once more, and then, he caught her in his arms and held her tightly. "You know what I want right now?"

She gave an indrawn breath as he moved his face closer towards hers. "I think I can probably guess..." she managed in a whisper as his mouth finally came down on hers.

At the sidelines right across from the women, Ching and Jing were together with En, silently watching the couple as they danced, laughed, talked, and kissed. So much love was written in both of their eyes that it was very hard to miss it all...and both Ching and Jing couldn't help but feel nostalgic and wistful as they remembered their own wives--both long gone, yet never forgotten.

Meanwhile, En was frowning as he watched his son dancing with the young woman he had tried so hard to keep away from Ren...but all his plans had been to no avail. Now, there was nothing he could do about it anymore. The formal clan announcement signified that she was already a part of their family, even without the formal blessing of marriage as of yet. By introducing her as the future Clan Mistress, Ren had made sure of that.

Maybe it really is love, he thought to himself. It was probably the only thing that could defy even the strongest obstacles in the world...he should know. Once in his life, love did for him what he could not do for himself. Once in his life, love had saved him.

The greatest obstacle in his life was him. And love...love was Ran.

She had saved him once, a long time ago...from himself.

Maybe that's what...this young woman is doing for Ren. Saving him.
Not everyone needs saving, a voice inside his head countered. Especially not if they've already been saved.
Then what is she doing for him? He asked.

Take a look and see for yourself, the voice ordered. Have you ever seen him smile like that with anyone else? No, you haven't. She makes him happy, and happiness...real, genuine happiness is almost as good as being saved, only better.
Happiness, huh? He gave a small sigh.

...Maybe you're right.
"I'd better start getting used to this." He said finally, in a quiet tone of resignation. "ALL of this," he gestured meaningfully all around the grand hall. Ching and Jing glanced at him, and then, all around the hall.

Pan was now sulking at a corner, while Ken was still held hostage in Yin's arms. He had an incredibly resigned look on his face...but it was obvious that he was enjoying holding her, if that small smile on his face was any indication. The smile gradually grew into a full-fledged grin as he caught a glimpse of his sulking brother at the edge of the hall...and a beautiful woman who was so very familiar to him.

"Pan-kun," Jun tapped her younger cousin's shoulder lightly.

"J...Jun-sama?!?" Pan looked around him nervously, then stole a glance at Ren. He sighed with relief as he realized that their Clan Head was too busy dancing and making out with his newly-acquired fiancée to notice what anyone else was doing. "Any...anything I can do you for? I mean," he added quickly, his cheeks pink with embarrassment, "anything I can do for you?"

Jun laughed heartily. "Nothing," she shook her head, still laughing. "I noticed that you were looking quite...forlorn at your post here," she explained. "So I wondered...maybe you'd like to dance?"

"Dance?" Pan repeated, his eyes wide. "With...you?"

"Uh-huh." She smiled brightly.

"B...but..."

"Don't worry about my brother," she told him reassuringly. "He'll be distracted for the rest of the evening, I'm sure." She grinned wickedly as she glanced at her brother in the middle of the dance floor. "...So how about it?"

"O...okay." Pan's whole body was stiff as his older cousin pulled him in the middle of the grand hall, right beside her brother and her brother's fiancée. Jun smiled brightly as she glanced at Pilica and Ren, who were both still too preoccupied with each other, quite oblivious to the rest of the world.

Jing turned to his cousin, patting his back as he exchanged a look with his uncle. "The first thing you need to do," he began, "is to learn to accept your daughter-in-law. Completely."

En sighed with resignation. "She's not right for him. At least, I used to think that way." he sighed again, helplessly this time. "Maybe I was wrong," he admitted. "...Regardless of that fact, it seems like everything's out of my hands now..."

Ching exhaled, patting his son in an effort to console him. "En, it was NEVER up to you. The decision had always been Ren's to make. You were there to guide, NOT to impose."

"I thought I was doing the right thing."

"And yet, you weren't." Ching smiled. "She's a wonderful young woman. Son, I think you would be very proud to have her as a daughter-in-law."

"...I'll try to remember that, Father." En forced a smile on his face as he continued to watch the couple, along with his father and his cousin.

I guess...if she makes him happy, then...it's alright.

*~*~*~*~*~*

"Ren-kun..." She murmured against his lips.

"Hmm?"

"...Do you think your father will ever learn to accept me?"

Ren sighed as he pulled her closer against him. He had long ago given up the effort of convincing his father to accept her. He was going to leave that up to his mother...and if he still refuses to, that was his problem. "I honestly don't know," he admitted. "But if he really wants MY happiness, then...he has to try."

"I think he is," Pilica decided as she furtively glanced at the man. "He's trying..."

"You're such an optimist." He commented with amazement. "You're never going to stop hoping...are you?"

"...Hope has granted me a lot of miracles." Pilica responded with a bright smile. "And you're one of them." She kissed him soundly. "The best possible miracle I could ever have."

"Thank you," He breathed against her lips as they kissed again. "...For your hope, your love, and...for being everything that you are."

TSUZUKU.

End notes:

Pop Quiz: Did Ren really "screw Pilica senseless" or not?
Answer: *innocent smile* I'm not telling. I'm leaving the guessing up to everyone.^_^

A great big thanks to Konami, Koei and W-Omega Force for the names of some of Ren's relatives. Could never have done this without their genius on Suikoden III and Dynasty Warriors IV.^^

And uh...yeah. As some of you may have noticed, I've recently opened up my little SK smut fics archive thingy. The link is up in my profile, so go check it out! Also, a great big thanks to both unmei and gatita for informing me that two of the links don't work. Um, the reason why they don't is because...I haven't posted up those two fics yet, and I kinda forgot.^^;;; Anyway, the RenXPilica fic and the LysergXJeanne/LucXSarah fic will not be available until probably sometime next week, around the posting of the Epilogue of this fic (if I get them finished...and I will try!^^). So yeah. Thank you for reading, and again, my sincerest, deepest apologies.^_^

UP NEXT: Final Chapter: The fruit of their love...