Chapter 13

(Sophia's POV)

I had arrived home twenty minutes ago, Takeda was in the kitchen reheating dinner. The man had come across town on his motorbike demanding me back. Before blood could be shed I gracefully bowed out. I step up on a chair, kissing Kaoru on the lips before he could bend to kiss me. I smile, stepping down off the chair and into Takeda's arms. My unofficial guard/roommate turns me, both of us quickly leaving the large house.

I sigh, rubbing a towel on my neck to remove most of the water. I wrap the ends of my hair next, draining the liquids before they run down my chest. While I was still a bit worried about tonight I was happy, I was Kaoru's girlfriend.

Takeda taps his hand on the door and I turn, sparing him a glance "Dinner's ready."

His face doesn't change, an odd thing as I was in nothing but my underwear. The towel and my hair covered my breasts but my hair only covers half of my breast "Okay."

Takeda turns, walking downstairs without another word. A sure sign he was pissed. While I hadn't planned on meeting Sikorsky and being escorted to Kaoru's house I did feel a little bad that I never called Takeda. He was here to watch over me and every time something happened, even if it was my fault, he was the one that got shit from my dad.

I slip on a pair of red shorts and a tank top. Quietly making my way downstairs. Takeda was at the table, pouring green tea into two cups. I squeeze out my hair again, sitting in my chair with the towel over my neck. We quietly say thanks and I watch Takeda pick up a small bowl of rice.

"I'm sorry." Takeda doesn't stop eating, not even sparing me a second glance "Because of my stupid decisions you were told to watch me and I've done nothing but cause problems for you." At this, he does spare me a glance but only a glance "Takeda, about Kaoru... Let me tell my dad okay? I don't want him getting angry at you."

"He already knows." My fork hits the table "Well he knows that you were gone today with Kaoru and you have news to tell him. He's expecting your call."

"Shit..." I whisper, my mouth was suddenly dry and I grab a careful sip of tea.

"Sophia, I don't understand what you're thinking." I set down the cup slowly. I had been expecting this conversation on the way home and quietly wait for him to say what he has to say "I understand that things happen, the meeting with Sikorsky was terrifying and I'm glad Hanayama was there to help you but why are you doing this?"

"Yakuza , also known as gokudō , are members of transnational organized crime syndicates originating in Japan. As if that wasn't bad enough he is the Leader of the largest Yakuza group in Japan. They engage in extortion, blackmail, smuggling, prostitution, drug trafficking, gambling, loan sharking, day-labour contracting, and other rackets and control many restaurants, bars, trucking companies, talent agencies, taxi fleets, factories, and other businesses in major Japanese cities. They are also involved in criminal activities worldwide."

I hide my smile with a sip of tea. Clearly, Takeda had done his homework.

"He's been to jail for murder Sophia. Both his parents are dead, his father died in a turf war. I can give you multiple reports of gun violence and assault charges on half of his men alone." I take another sip of tea "The five escaped convicts, do you know why they came here? They have an agreement to fight! Retsu, Baki, Hanayama, Doppo and Shibukawa. It's some stupid battle between good and evil. They brought this fight to the streets of Japan."

"Even if you took out the convicts there are all the problems at home. Hanayama has a lot of people gunning for his head, which means you will be there next target and I will admit you are skilled Sophia but you're not bulletproof! Everywhere you go you will be in danger, everyone your with will be in danger. Your father, your brother! He's in the hospital in a coma! He's utterly defenseless! And what about Kozue or her mother?! I mean she already lost her father, are you prepared to face the consequences if something happens to them?!"

He slaps a hand on his face "Both of you think because you're with strong men that you will be safe from danger! You won't be safe! You'll be in more danger! This isn't a game Sophia! This is real life and when you die you don't come back!"

I pause, waiting for him to say anything else and I sigh, letting go of any lingering anger "First of all I'd like to thank you for your honesty. Everything you've said is true but there are a few misconceptions. First Kaoru doesn't allow prostitution on his turf."

"Like that makes it any better."

I lift a hand "Please don't interrupt me, I listened to you now it's my turn." At his silence, I continue "I agree, being with someone like Kaoru is terrifying but I can't ignore the fact that he makes me happy. I understand that Kaoru is from a different world than us but we have an agreement, to be honest with each other and so far he's been keeping it. Shh!" I snap a finger in his direction when his mouth opens "As for Kozue and her mother, I don't plan on lying to them. If they think that being with me is too dangerous then I will thank them for their part in my life and I'll let them go. My father is overseas and my brother, well we'll deal with that bridge when we cross it but this isn't their decision."

"This isn't their decision?"

"Like I told Kaoru, life is risk. Had my mother listened to her parents and not come to Japan I wouldn't be here. I refuse to live my life in fear of what if, especially after everything I've lost."

"Your father won't accept this."

"Again, it's not up to him. I'll be eighteen in a few months, legally I am allowed to make my own choices." I pick up my fork "I understand that you're scared, I am too, but I want to see where this goes... you don't have to like my choices but you do have to respect them, Takeda."

"And if I don't?"

"Then that's your choice but I've made mine."

"You're going to throw away four years of friendship and trust, just like that?!"

I wasn't sure why but I felt my anger flare, my hands slam on the table and my chair slides back to hit the wall "I HAVE DONE EVERYTHING EVERYONE ELSE HAS WANTED MY ENTIRE LIFE! I NEVER COMPLAINED WHEN MY DAD LEFT! I NEVER COMPLAINED WHEN HE SHIPPED ME OFF TO MY NEIGHBOURS! I NEVER COMPLAINED WHEN HE RAN AWAY TO AMERICA! I GET GOOD GRADES! I DON'T DRINK OR SMOKE! I DON'T SLEEP AROUND! I HAVE BEEN DEALT MORE SHIT IN MY LIFE THAN SEEMS HUMANLY POSSIBLE AND NOT ONCE HAVE I EVER COMPLAINED!" I force back my anger, the tears rimming my eyes "I am allowed to be selfish for once in my life!"

Takeda waits until I sigh and sit once more "Do you really want this? Are you really ready to risk everything for this?"

I take his serious eye and hold his gaze. Was I really ready for this? Was I willing to risk everything on this? The thought of losing my family or friends terrified me but I thought back to the anger when he agreed to date another and the relief I felt when they broke up. I remember the laughter we had in his bedroom and his need to protect me from everything. Kaoru had a lot of things against him, he was dangerous, his life was dangerous but no matter how hard I tried I couldn't forget the happiness I felt being around him.

"I don't know if Kaoru and I are end game, it's too soon to know but I want to try Takeda, and I will fight for this. No matter what anyone says. I will fight for this, I will fight for him."

He sighs, stabbing some of his food with his chopsticks "Alright... but you're going to have one hell of a time convincing your dad."

..

..

I tapped my fingers against the desk, trying to pay attention but it was no use. I had called my father on video chat, wanting this to be a face to face conversation. Dad took it about the same as Takeda had only he insisted that I break up with Kaoru. When I refused for the fifth time things got ugly.

"Sophia this is not a discussion! You will do as I say!"

"I am allowed to date however I want! You do not get to tell me who I can or can't date!" "Dad you should be happy I found someone I like!"

"I should be glad?" his eyes narrow

"Dad-"

"I should be glad?! Sophia, it is clear that you are too invested in this to think clearly, give me his number, I will take care of this."

"No!"

"I am your father!" when I snort loudly his eyes narrow "this is my family! This is not your family, this is my family. I am the one that holds this family together, I am the one that picks up the pieces. I want him out of your life, you get Kaoru Hanayama out of your life. I don't want him anywhere near you. I will fix this, I will make the decisions as your father!"

"My father?" I laugh again "Dad, you haven't been a father since you and mom got divorced. You have abdicated your role as father. You have raised no one! You have cared for no one! I am the one that spends my nights by Christopher's bedside! I was the one that was raised by strangers! I was the one that moved to a new country to be with you and had to figure out everything by myself when you ran away and I have never complained! But I will not, I will NOT PUT UP WITH WHATEVER SELF RIGHTEOUS HISTORY REWRITING MOMENT YOU HAVE GOING ON HERE! I love you more than life itself, but you do NOT get to tell me who I can and can't have in my life WHEN YOU CAN'T EVEN BOTHER TO BE A PART OF IT!"

My father looked at the desk, his lips in a firm line before the call ends. I stare at the screen, 11:34 and toss my pencil jar across the room in anger.

"Damn it..."

I had let out more than I wanted too and I had no doubt my father would avoid my calls for the next two weeks.

I sigh, running my hands down my face and I just knew without looking Kaoru was staring at me. Speaking of arguments...

If last night hadn't been hard enough this morning was worse. I washed my face in cold water until it was numb. I had spent a better part of last night crying in Baki's arms. I mean I had snuck out of the house to go see Kozue but Baki had met me in the backyard when I was trying to open the kitchen window. Kozue always left it unlocked for me and Baki was okay with it because he was strong enough to deal with any problem.

I poured my heart out to Baki, telling him the good the bad and the ugly. Over the last three years, I'd gotten extremely close with Baki, having an allusive and unloving parent of his own he understood my pain better than anyone. Pairing that with his close connection to Kaoru and the underground arena he was the only one I could trust to give me an honest answer about my choices. Baki held Takeda's hesitation but he also trusted his friend or older brother as he considered him with my safety, he would do everything he could to keep me safe. He was also happy that Kaoru seemed to care about me, I already knew about the incident at the bridge three years ago from Kozue's angry rant and Baki's tense mood.

*A.N. I know the scene happened during the third season but I'm moving it back three years and saying they've been dating for that long but are only recently intimate.*

We talk into the early morning hours and had fallen asleep in his bed. Well, I'm sure I fell asleep and Baki just pulled up the covers around us and went to bed. So Takeda's angry look and annoyed attitude when I slipped in the front door this morning was expected. What wasn't expected was the morning line up outside my door.

Takeda had walked to the door, slipping on his shoes as he was now walking me to school "Sophia?" his confused voice calls down the hall. I stick my head into the hall, slipping more books into my bag.

"What?"

"Is there something else you're not telling me?"

I pause, thinking quietly and grab my bag "No..." I slip on my shoes "What are you- OH MY GOD!" I had glanced out the window and stopped dead in my tracks, my voice dropping to a panicked whisper "you have got to be fucking kidding me..."

Takeda had grabbed his retractable baton and I raise a hand to stop him. I pull open the door slowly and look out at the thirty men standing along my walkway and down the street. I took in a few faces and pale slightly when I realize it was all the delinquents from our school. They were large, rough, had piercings, dyed hair and angry looks but they all bowed at the waist.

"My lady!" they all shout together and I feel Takeda grab my hand.

A slightly smaller man, I'd say five foot seven walks up to me. I recognized him, his slicked-back hair, and black jacket hanging open around his chest. He was Kenichi Haga, the top delinquent at our school. He smiles as I take in the group with a confused expression, the other men were still bowing, not moving an inch.

"Sophia Jones, I'm Kenichi Haga a friend of Kaoru Hanayama, I'm here to escort you to school."

"I know who you are Kenichi and I already have an escort."

To prove my point Takeda shuts the door harshly, locking the deadbolt with a loud click before turning to stare him down.

"Well, we'll accompany you."

"It's not that far. And I have Kozue and Baki."

"I have to insist, any girlfriend of Kaoru's is under our strict protection." He lifts a hand and we slowly walk through the long line of men.

"How do you know that?! We just got together yesterday!"

He smiles "I have my sources."

When we get to the end of the line a taxi is waiting for us

"Oh my god!" I groan, smacking my face in annoyance "its seven blocks Kenichi! Seven blocks! Why is there a taxi?!"

"Because your protection is of great importance!" he insists "Come, it's already paid for."

I go to fight him but I feel a hand on my back, Takeda nods once and I glare at him. In the end, I shuffle into the taxi seeing as everyone was waiting for us and the other two climb in beside me.

"Take us to Kurawashi high school." Kenichi shuts the door and all the men outside bow once again, loudly shouting 'OOSSUUU!" behind us. I glance back in shock and turn, slowly leaning back in my seat as the men slowly disperse back to their daily lives.

Takeda just smirks "Are you sure you still want to fight for this?"

I glare at him lightly, looking out the window "Shut up... I am so talking to Kaoru about this!"

..

..

When we got to school it was no better. Ten guys were waiting by the gate as one opened the door. We all climbed out and I bid Takeda farewell

"I'll be right here when schools over but we'll have to stop at the dojo before we go home."

"Okay," I give him a light squeeze, mindful of my injuries and watch him head down the block.

When we enter into the school grounds the ten of them surrounds me in a tight circle, pushing and shoving other students out of the way.

"Move!"

"Clear out!"

"Kaoru's girlfriend is coming through!"

The blush is bright red on my face and I fight the very prominent urge to kill someone.

"Move it girl!" another states, shoving two girls away from the locker to grab my shoes.

"Hey!" I snap, moving out of the circle to pick her up "That is enough Kenichi!"

"Is there a problem here?" I turn to see Kaoru standing calmly in the doorway, hands tucked into his pants pockets.

"Kaoru, Kenichi a word, in private, NOW." As if this scene was completely normal for them the two men stare at me and calmly shuffle out the door and around the side of the school. When we get there I start pacing, grumbling 'stupid boys' under my breath about twenty times.

I turn, placing both hands in front of my mouth like I was praying and sigh deeply when I lower my hands my voice is calm but layered with ice "Boys... I am not doing this with you, either of you!" I snap a finger in both their faces "Kaoru, I agreed to be your girlfriend I did not agree to thirty terrifying men standing outside my house! And I am not okay with ten men surrounding me at school!" My eyes snap over to Kenichi for that one "Physical violence is not okay with me! EVER!"

"Dating me comes with certain precautions, you know this."

"What are you saving me from at school?! A surprise pop quiz?" I sigh, rubbing my temples "You told me you wanted to live as a normal student during school, this" I motion to both of them "Is not that. My school life is difficult enough without both of you doing shit like this!" They stare at me quietly "You want to have bodyguards at your house and welcome home line ups fine, but that shit stays out of school. And I want a heads up before you pull shit like this morning again." I groan "you two have no idea how close Takeda was to killing all of them..."

Kaoru sighs "Alright, that's fair enough but I still want five guys with you on the way to school."

"One."

"Five."

"One."

"Four."

"Two and that's my final number. I already have Takeda and I often walk with Baki and Kozue anyway. A small army only draws attention. -And for the love of god make them look normal, black suits and shades or scars and chains is not going to happen got it?"

Kaoru smiles smugly "I can work with that."

"Sophia!" we all turn to see Baki and Kozue, the female runs towards us, grabbing both of my hands "what happened to you? Why were you in a taxi?"

I send a pointed look at Kaoru "Because we hadn't worked out all the details yet."