Chapter 12

(Sophia's POV)

I'd stepped out of the tub, wrapping myself in a thin bathrobe before exiting. I was towel drying my hair when Kaoru comes in, also dressed in a thin robe and he sits on the bed, looking over a few papers.

"Why did you come?"

Knowing this wouldn't be a short conversation he puts down the papers, removing his glasses "Because I had to see you."

"Why?" He turns away and I feel my anger flare. I know it was petty but I had been trying to call Kaoru for the last two weeks and the male had seemed to vanish off the face of the planet. Every call went to voice mail and every text was left on open but never answered. When I tried to talk to Baki about it the man said sometimes Kaoru just got in these moods, but everything I'd come to learn about Kaoru told me otherwise. Kozue even went to his office, but after a few minutes of screaming, she was turned away at the door. "I know you care about me okay? Why do you keep avoiding me?!"

"Because I made a promise."

"What promise?" when he doesn't answer I push again "What are you not telling me?"

"Your father was there Sophia. Every time you've been hurt he's been there."

"What? No, he hasn't."

"You've been unconscious every time and he always has to leave before you wake but he's there." I stop, quietly thinking through his words "I went to the hospital after Dorian attacked you and I met him there. He got mad at me. He said that everything in your life had gone to hell when you met me and he's right." I pull my hand back like I'd been burned "Sophia having you in my world is more dangerous then you understand. You can't have a normal life with me. You'd constantly be in danger. He said I can't keep you safe and he's right."

"Of course he's right." He looks at me shocked "Kaoru, no one in this world can keep anyone safe. I could get hit by a car and die tomorrow or get mauled by a dog or fall off a cliff." I sit down and wince "My mom and brother died going to his university orientation. If I lived my life fearing the 'what if's' I'd never do anything. My grandparents didn't want my mother travelling to japan and had she listened she never would have met my dad." I take his hand in mine "I understand how much my dad has lost because I live that pain every day. I understand how scary this is for him, and you. You're right, I'm not from your world but that doesn't change how I feel. Life is risk but living life is finding something to take that risk on."

"You hardly know anything about my life."

I smile, thinking back to our day in the classroom "I know enough." I squeeze his hand "I know this seems sudden but I like you Kaoru, I really like you. You're kind, you care about others, you're hard working, funny. I know that your life is dangerous but I want to be with you." despite my bold claim I feel myself blush "... Do you want to be with me?"

Kaoru looks at me, his eyes were soft and his mouth opens once. When no words come out he shuts it, simply leaning forward. His long arm moves around my back, scooping me out of the bed and I feel my heartbeat. I see Saeri's swollen lips past through my mind and I feel my heart jump slightly... but then I feel them. Kaoru's soft lips against mine. His other hand comes up behind my head and I reach forward grabbing the front of his robes.

When he doesn't move, kissing me more gently then I ever thought possible I tilt my head up pressing against his lips with more force I feel him pull back slightly, tilting his head to the left. I wanted nothing more than to deepen the kiss but I couldn't stop the flash of pain in my stomach. I push back slightly and turn my head to the left.

Kaoru pulls back and I move a hand to my stomach "I'm sorry."

I feel my eyes widen when he leans down again, placing a gentle kiss on my forehead. I'm placed in his king-size bed and lean back on the pillows. My hands lift, gently brushing over his bruises and I frown.

"I'll heal. Don't worry I've had worse."

"Is that supposed to make me feel better?" I sigh "You got these because of me."

"You?"

"I was walking around alone and Sikorsky found me. Yes, you got them because of me."

"Sophia I have fought every day of my life and I will keep fighting to the day I die. I have been in hundreds of matches over the years but never in my life have I ever fought a battle I didn't want to fight. I fought Sikorsky because I wanted to. I fought Sikorsky because he thought it was okay to touch you and I don't want anyone touching you but me." I felt myself blush and I look away. He takes my hand and I feel my heart beat faster, the mood was so serious "Sophia, will you go out with me?"

I look at him, feeling a bit mischievous "That depends..."

I barely contain the smirk at his worried face "On what?"

"I can't date you unless it gets 1.5 times bigger when in action." I couldn't help but laugh at his shocked face, when that shock morphs into a smile I grab his face gently "Yes Kaoru, I'll go out with you."

I smirk as he leans down to kiss me again "You're not gonna let that go are you?"

"Not in a million years."

(Kizaki's POV)

My eyes rise as Sophia's high pitched squeal of laughter hits the air. I hear Kaoru's laughter as well and the bed groaning slightly with more weight.

"Let it go."

"Never!" she giggles and more struggling laughter "I won't ever surrender!"

I set my cup of tea on the counter. I had never seen the young master so happy before, this scene was evidence of that but despite the obvious joy, I couldn't ignore the worry turning in my stomach.

Something bad was going to happen, I'm sure of it.

..

..

(Sophia's POV)

We sat at a large table, big enough to hold twenty people and I stared at Kaoru from the other side. The man was eating with large utensils, two bottles of Whiskey and four plates of food. I quietly drink my smoothie, occasionally eyeing the five burly men standing by the door. They had yet to move, only standing there quietly watching and I had no doubt they were armed to the teeth.

Everything about this house was manly. The dark red and black curtains. The pictures of previous leaders. The thick metal chairs and grand table, the dark oak looked like it was sliced down by a giant. Even the sliding doors had pictures of wars and violence. The backyard was filled with green grass but barren and solid. A large oak tree stood off to the side, offering a bit of shade if needed.

There were no lighter colors, no pinks, oranges or purples. Everything feminine seemed to vanish from the house. An odd thing as Kaoru had a mother at one time in his life. But all evidence of her had been ripped from the house like a band-aid and that fact seemed to bug me more than it should. Nothing about this home felt remotely homey and it only seemed to bother me more as Kaoru eat peacefully, his men alert and ready for any problem.

I felt the bead of sweat rolling down my neck and when the door opens, the chef cringing in more food and three more men with him I felt myself snap

"Get out." Kaoru's hand stops in front of his mouth but I turn to look at the nine men "Out! Now! All of you!" When they pause I feel my anger flare and I toss my smoothie across the room. The glass cup hits the wall and shatters "Leave!"

They're eyes glance between us and I guess Kaoru nods because all of them bow and shuffle out of the room. I hadn't realized I was panting until the door closed, all sounds from outside went with it and I sigh deeply, sinking into my chair with my hands on my face.

While I had been happy to accept Kaoru's offer the weight of my decision pulled on my shoulders. I had walked into a hornets' nest with no protection or answers.

Kaoru sets down his fork "Sophia-"

"Not from there!" I snap and force my voice to relax, tears rimming my eyes "You're too far away..."

Kaoru stands, the large chair scraping against the floor. When it's far enough he turns, grabbing both sides and lifts the chair with ease. I hear his heavy footsteps as he walks over and sets it on my right. He wasn't directly beside me, about two feet apart. I pull my hands off the table and lower them to my lap as he sits. I squeeze the silk napkin on my legs. We sit for a minute, Kaoru just waits but when I don't speak he gently pushes.

"Do you want to tell me what's on your mind?" despite my earlier outburst his voice was gentle, not a hint of anger anywhere.

I felt my eyes water slightly, my voice barely a whisper "It's too much... This house. Your men. The fight. Sikorsky. You."

"... Are you breaking up with me?"

This time his voice was a whisper and I felt my hands shake. "We need to tone it down. It's too much." I feel a tear run down my cheek "It's too much..."

"What's just right?"

I feel the tight ball of phlegm in my throat so I shake my head. What was just right? Where did I want to go? I mean I made a scene so I should have a reason or a place to go right? "You're room. I want to go back to your room."

I feel Kaoru rise, slowly, carefully and he moves, lifting me out of my chair like a doll. I feel myself curl into his chest, not wanting to see anyone else. I feel his hand covering my upper back and head. "Place the food outside my bedroom door and clear out of the house."

"Boss?"

"Now."

His voice was deep. His voice was law and I feel my hands grip his robes. His steps rock me back and forth, his heat was comforting and I shut my eyes, the tears coming back. We arrive at his bedroom and I hear the door open, some steps and it shut once more. I feel him move, sitting on the bed and both of us lie down. Kaoru had laid on his side, my head now resting on his arm and I wipe a tear of frustration away but they kept coming. The more I tried to stop them the more they fell. It was like this damn of suppressed emotions pour out, emotions that before Kaoru only Takeda could bring out.

So we laid there, Kaoru only watching as I release all my fears. Sikorsky flashed through my mind. Kaoru flashed through my mind. Kizaki and his knife at my throat flashed through my mind. The brutal fight they had. Every punch. Every kick. Every noise. I let it all out. Going through tissue after tissue until my throat was raw and my nose burned.

I felt my chest shake, the aftershocks of crying too much. I take in a shuttering breath as I tried to calm down. Kaoru lifts his hand, gently brushing some hair out of my face with a scarred finger. I grab another tissue and wipe my face gently, I was sure I looked like a mess. Red blotchy skin and bloodshot eyes but I can't help but smile softly, leaning against the firm yet soft bicep.

Kozue had told me once that Baki had unusually soft skin and I'd always laughed at her, I mean the man had beaten down hundreds of men, shed so much blood on both sides, and trained till his bones broke. How could he have such soft skin? But lying here with Kaoru was like lying on a firm pillow, supportive yet insanely comfortable.

I move a hand through my mountain of tissues and touch his chest gently "If we're going to do this, I need you to promise me that you will always be honest with me. No secrets, ever. No matter who asks?" I feel the tears coming back and I hear my voice crack "I can handle my whole world on fire, as long as I have you on my side." I see him hesitate slightly "I want to know all of it. The good, the bad, the ugly. I want to know every side of you Kaoru. Every side of your world. I want to know what I'm stepping in too."

He lifts his warm hand and brushes a few tears from my eyes and like magic the pain seems to stop "Okay. I'll tell you everything."

I wasn't sure if this would work. If we were end game... but I knew at this moment I was happy.

I was safe.

(Kaoru's POV)

I had never been one to enjoy a woman crying. It was messy and emotional and I always thought of my mother. The way she threw herself at my father, tears streaming down her face as she tries to stop him from leaving. I still remember the way the slap sounded and her body hitting the floor. My mother had done nothing but love my father yet she got nothing but anger and disappointment from him. She often said I was the only love of her life and after losing both of them so young it made me wonder why I bothered with love.

I still remember the way Baki glared at me. I could picture the scene so clearly in my mind. The two of them, Kozue and Baki, skipping stones across the river. I remember the look of rage in his eyes when I suggested he leave her, the way his lips curled in a snarl when I questioned her beauty and his hesitance because she was there. At the time I believed every word I said. I honestly thought I was doing Baki a favor but his rage and Kozue's rage, the firm kicks to my leg and the rock she threw at my head shook me more then I wanted to admit.

Everyone who loved someone in my life received nothing but heartache yet the two of them were still willing to fight for it. I'd been with countless women over the last two years. Beautiful, powerful, famous women so I wondered why I was lying here with Sophia, listening to her sobs of fear and tears streaming down her blotchy face.

But something had changed two months ago. Something in me awoke when she stood before Imori, willing to risk her life for mine.

I tried to fight it, to ignore it but she kept being thrust into my life and soon I found myself enjoying her company. Then when I saw her teary face and her angered words my chest hurt. When I saw her being so carelessly grabbed my Sikorsky my anger flared and I finally understood what it was. Somewhere in the last two months, I had fallen for her.

She blows her nose once more, sits up and drops two handfuls of tissues in the garbage and stands, walking to the door across the room. She disappears into the bathroom and shuts the door, turning on the water to wash her face, or I assume she was and I lie back. My head turns to the hall and I stand, grabbing the food by the door. Most of it was mine, covered and kept warm under plastic lids. I had the food on the small table when she opens the door. Her eyes were still puffy but she seemed in better spirits than before.

When I hand her a new glass of smoothie she looks down ashamed "Sorry. I shouldn't have thrown the first one..."

I shrug once, placing a hand on her head "If you think you're the only person to break something in this house your wrong."

Her eyes snap up to me and a small smile dusts her lips "Thank you."

We settle into a comfortable silence, Sophia on my bed drinking her smoothie and I was sitting at the side table, a chair from the hallway was pulled into the room.

"What happened to your parents?"

Once again the fork pauses in my mouth and I glance at her, closing my lips around my fork. She glanced at me briefly then her cup, her fingers holding the cold glass. I knew Sophia was going to ask questions I just never assumed she would ask that one first. We sit in awkward silence as I chew then swallow. Sophia never took back her question but she didn't push either, simply letting me speak when I wanted.

I wipe my lips, settling the cloth beside me "My parents died eleven years ago and eight years ago. My father died during a turf war with another gang and my mother," I pause briefly, seeing a flashback of her lying in her bed, white-haired and frail "She died of terminal cancer. She was thirty-two but she looked like she was eighty towards the end."

"How old was your father?"

"Forty-one."

"How old were you?"

"Nine."

"Did she stay here?"

"For a time, but as the cancer progressed I moved her into a private home. Away from the noise and constant bustle of my men."

"Where is her stuff now?"

"Still at the other house."

She pauses, looking at me softly "Have you been back there since she passed?"

I glance down "No..."

"Do you have anything of hers here?"

I look around the room, at the door and take in the silence of the house. I stand, walking to the corner of the room and reach towards the ceiling. I move one of the square ceiling tiles and reach up through the hole. My hand grasps the small wooden box. I move the tile into place and hand her the box.

Sophia sets her cup on the floor by the bed, dries her hands on the napkin and carefully opens the box. Her eyes glance at me halfway and they go back to the box. It was a small jewelry box, filled with items she cherished the most. She wraps the sheet around her hand and gently picks up one of my mother's ruby necklaces. She takes in the fine gold designs and placed it on a pillow to her left. She goes through the rest of the box, her hand still wrapped and she stops on the last two items. Her hand picks up the medium-sized perfume bottle.

"Do you mind?"

When I nod she carefully opens the lid, bringing the straw to her nose. Even from here, I could smell the gentle scents of home. Of happiness.

"Roses?"

"My mother loved them."

After the bottle was closed and set between her legs to it wouldn't tip over she glances at the last item. The only picture I kept from my childhood. She lifts the black-framed photo closer to her face, gently going over each face. It was my grandmother, my mother, my father and me as a toddler.

"These were your parents?"

"And my grandmother."

Sliding her fingers over the glass she smiles softly "She's so beautiful..." her eyes tear up slightly "She reminds me of my mother."

"What happened to your mother?"

She sighs, setting down the picture with a shrug "honestly I'm not even sure at this point." She chuckles sadly "the official story was a drunk driver. I was eight, maybe nine at the time. She sent me over to our neighbors –Imori and his grandmother. She went with my brother to check out a college he was interested in going too. On the way home, they collided with a drunk driver on the wrong side of the road. My mother died on impact and my brother was thrown from the car and crushed under it. Or that's what we thought. The drunk driver was supposed to be alone so were not sure who was under the car." She moves a bit higher on the pillow "My parents separated when I was born and they officially divorced when I was five, my dad paid financial support but he left after the paperwork was done. When my mom died I moved in with Imori and his grandmother and took care of her when he left to come here for school. I stayed with her until she passed last year."

"Where's your father now?"

She snorts, tossing her hands up "hell if I know. He ran away to Japan to escape us and now that I'm here he's gone back to America. I mean I'm Canadian personally but-" she shrugs once more "He calls every day but he can't face me. I kinda gave up trying."

I nod once. It was sad to hear but it made sense. Sophia's father was angry, scared for his daughter's health but I remember the way his eye slid over to the bed. Most parents would be scared their children wouldn't wake up but he looked worried she might. Only after Kureha assured him she was medically sedated did he shuffle into the room. The chair was sitting beside the bed but his hands stayed on his lap, curled in nervous balls.

"Takeda says I should but I don't want to push him. I can't shut Pandora's box after I open it you know?" At the mention of Takeda's name, I felt my anger flare. I guess it flashed across my face because hers narrows "No! No!" her finger snaps in my direction "I am NOT doing this with you! Kaoru, girlfriend or not you do NOT get to tell me who I can or can't be friends with unless they are a threat to my life. Takeda has been there for me when I needed him and I am not tossing him aside because you're being possessive!"

If I said her outburst wasn't shocking that would be a lie. I knew Sophia was a powerful woman and I couldn't help but smile as her glare deepens.

"I don't tell you who you can be friends with so don't pull that shit with me."

For the first time in my life, I raise my hands in surrender "Alright. But if he touches you again I'm not making any promises."