The Next Phase

by MollyMuffinHead

Sequel to 'The Learning Curve'. Through a series of events, each host undergoes a major life change. Some bad, some good. Everyone's participation in the world is expanded through business, charity, tragedy, love, friendship, and luck (good and bad). Rated for Language and Smooching. Sequel up: 'The Way Forward'

33. Chapter 33 - Excitement in Frankfurt

Author's Note: Thanks for all the reviews. They help me feel more connected since I'm stuck in my house. Enjoy your Saturday fix.

Disclaimer: Don't own it, never will.

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xXx

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Date Posted: 4/11/2020

Trigger Warnings: Language

The Next Phase - Chapter 33: Excitement in Frankfurt

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Friday, March 25:

Brussels, Five-Star Hotel, President's Suite:

"Yummy! Cake!"

"I'm sorry we ran out on the plane, Mitsukuni."

"Hey, Alien. How can you eat any more? There were six in the limo for the ride here from Frankfurt."

"It was only one and a half per hour, Chika-chan. That's not enough."

"We stopped at two bakeries."

"That helped."

"AAAhhhh. You're crazy. I'm going to bed."

"Good night, Chika-chan."

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xXx

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Frankfurt, Kendo Competition Venue:

Father, Taka, and I settled into our seats in the stands to watch the preliminaries. Taka and I both had a buy into tomorrow's brackets, so we're not competing.

"I haven't been to a world cup this season. It will be good to see the other competitors before you start tomorrow."

I nodded but wasn't really paying attention. I must have over a hundred tweets wishing me good luck. I'm planning on tweeting my weekend. I already sent some from the plane.

"Father, we left before Mother and Haruhi were ready. Are they joining us?" Taka asked.

"Not today. Your mother wanted to take Haruhi-chan clothes shopping."

Taka and I stared at each other. Does Mother know what she's getting herself into?

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xXx

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Frankfurt, Many Stores:

"But Umeko-san, I don't need this much."

"Don't be silly, Haruhi-chan. Every girl needs a new wardrobe for spring and summer."

The Morinozuka Public Relations head mentioned that Kaoru-kun wanted Haruhi-chan in commoner clothes unless she's wearing his line or her school uniform. He hopes it will help with the backlash she's been getting. So, Aoi, Honami, and I brought her shopping in a commoner district.

"Besides, these prices are so low, it's hard not to buy everything in the store."

"I think you did," I heard her mumble under her breath. Clearly, I wasn't meant to hear that.

Kaoru-kun better be right. I've seen a couple girls taking pictures of Haruhi-chan. I'm sure they'll be posted to social medial somewhere.

"What about this dress?" It's beautiful. Light blue sun dress flaring at the bottom and wide straps over the shoulder. The back's covered too. I know she likes that.

"It's nice."

I handed it to Honami. "Let's find the dressing rooms."

On our way over, I grabbed another two shirts and a pair of shorts. These prices!

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I can't believe she's serious. All this stuff will never fit on the plane.

"Come on out and give us a peek."

It's hard to be mad though. She's having so much fun buying all this stuff for me. She's said she's always wanted a daughter.

"You're so cute in that! It's perfect for tomorrow's competition."

I took off the dark red pants and black shirt, hanging them back on their hangers, and passing them through to Honami. This is so much more pleasant than playing dress-up with the twins. I'm not being manhandled or asked to spin around constantly.

"This is the last one," I said. I came out in that blue sundress, and Umeko smiled.

"I knew it would look good on you."

"Thanks. I'm surprised, but I like it too."

"Wonderful. Change back into your own clothes and go with the girls to the checkout. I'm going to wander around before we move on to the next stop."

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While Honami-san ran the bags out to the limo, Haruhi-sama and I went to the shoe store next door.

"Shouldn't we wait for Umeko-san?"

"She wanted us to move on to shoes. She'll be here soon."

She's at the jewelry store across the street buying Haruhi-sama some surprises. She hardly has any jewelry, and Umeko-sama hopes she'll accept some from a commoner store. The stones and metal are real. She'll get costume jewelry through Hitachiin-sama's line.

"Let's see. You'll need casual, sandals, heels…anything else?"

"I'll need some running shoes and other sneakers, but I'd rather get those in Japan."

"Alright. We'll start with sandals."

We were on our third pair when Umeko-sama and Honami-san joined us. Umeko-sama gave me a slight nod. She'd been successful at the jewelry store.

"Those sandals are so sweet, Haruhi-chan. You have such nice feet, but you need a pedicure. Your toenails aren't painted."

"I don't paint them. It's such a bother."

"Not at a spa. We'll go when we get back."

She turned away from Umeko-sama and rolled her eyes. Her cheeks heated up when she noticed that I saw her. I smiled and shook my head to indicate I wouldn't tell.

Eight pairs of shoes later, Honami-san ran those back to the limo, and we moved on to the next store.

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The next store they dragged me into was lingerie. I did need more of this. I'd stretched out a couple bras trying to get them on with that cast. They were front closures, but I still practically did gymnastics to get them on.

"Do you know your size?"

"Yes. I'll take a look. I'm picky about my underwear."

"Most women are," Umeko-san said as I dove into the racks. After all the dressing up I'd done with the twins and pressure from Dad, this was one area where I was girly and liked it.

"These designs are different than in Japan. I'll probably have to try some of them on."

"Take you time, Dear. After this we'll have a late lunch and see what other stores are around."

After I'd figured my size here, I picked up three bras and matching underwear.

"You need more than that, don't you?"

I blushed and told her about the stretched bras.

"Then you definitely need more. What about sports bras now that you're working out with the boys?"

We walked back over to the racks, and she picked up several of the bras I'd already chosen, just in different colors.

"Plus, you need at least three different pairs of panties to match each bra."

We left with twelve bras and almost thirty pairs of panties. I'm used to about ten. I did laundry every week.

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After we finished shopping, I had our driver give us a tour of Frankfurt. Haruhi-chan took dozens of pictures with her phone. I wasn't surprised. It's her first trip out of Japan.

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xXx

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Saturday, March 26:

Kendo Competition Venue, Frankfurt:

"I don't see them," Haruhi-sama said as we made our way to our reserved seats. "Wait, there's Akira-san," she pointed.

He looked up, almost like he heard his name, and waved at Umeko-sama and Haruhi-sama.

I have security stationed around the building, but I'm the only one sitting with the family. I decided Haruhi-sama would be most comfortable with me.

The competition started and Umeko-sama and I explained the process to her as we watched.

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I'm excited to see both my sons compete together. I almost always stay home unless it's the world championships. This dual competition is the perfect excuse. I should go to more as the qualifying season picks up.

"Mori-senpai just won!" Haruhi-chan said. She's bouncing in her chair beside me. It's not her first tournament, but she's still new. She's picking up the rules quickly.

We all cheered for Takashi as he bowed to the judge. It's the first round, and his win was expected.

He must have found us in the crowd already, because he looked up straight at us and smiled. Yes, I'm his mother, but that smile was for Haruhi.

"Satoshi won too," she clapped, just as excited for Takashi.

We watched our boys advance through the brackets and cheered them on.

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xXx

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Hitachiin Studios:

"Good morning, Kaoru-sama. All the mannequins are dressed, and the accessories are laid out on the table."

"Coffee?" I croaked.

Mao pointed to a table where coffee, tea, and snacks had been arranged. I'd told her long ago to not get me coffee unless she's getting some herself. That's not what I'm paying her for.

After two cups (plus the two I'd had driving over here), I was finally functional. Naoko and I'd stayed up way too late last night, but it was worth it.

"Mao, these accessories are more or less in your price range, right?"

She nodded, "Yes, I'd be able to afford almost all of them, but only one or two at a time."

I walked through and around fifty mannequins all dressed in my new suits. "The best thing would be to concentrate on well-made, universal pieces. They'd be versatile enough to be worn with almost all the suits."

"I agree. After buying the suit, the ladies might not be able to afford more than one piece."

I started to sketch and realized I'm not a very good jewelry designer. There must be a commoner out there that's good enough.

"Well, it seems I suck as jewelry design. Can you draft a job description? I'll have to hire it out, but I want them exclusive to the label."

"Right away, Kaoru-sama. I'll have something for you to look at in thirty minutes."

"Thanks."

While she did that, I arranged all the mannequins in a row, first by color, then by style. What accessories could work with almost all of them? Gold, silver, copper, maybe mixed gems. Gotta find a factory to produce them. How much can be real before I hit the top price?

I've been holding it off too long, and I have to do it during break between school years. I've got to go tour some factories for the clothes and add some for the jewelry. Can't use the ones Mom does. They can't do the volume I need.

Shit. I'm seventeen and doing all of this around school. Mom does this full time. How am I going to maintain the quality? I feel terrible, but it's a good thing the club is closing down.

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xXx

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Karate Competition Venue, Brussels:

The second day of competition is about to begin, and Mother and I are sitting in the stands, flanked by security. They're a buffer. If anyone was to attack, Usa-chan and I could handle them with no problem.

"Mitsukuni, how is Haruhi-chan doing?" Mother said. She was playing with her cell phone, probably checking the competition hashtag. "I hardly ever see her and didn't get much of a chance to talk to her on the plane. Every time I tried, she was studying or working, and I didn't want to disturb her."

"She's tired all the time. She carries too much responsibility. She has too much stress weighing her down." I blew out my cheeks and sighed, "The four of us are doing what we can, but we can't make her sleep or eat."

These chairs are not very comfortable, even for my small size. I'm trying not to squirm around, but it's difficult. I should have brought a pillow. I'd be able to see better too.

"Perhaps this trip will help. Getting away can realign your priorities."

"Haru-chan's doing too many things that she shouldn't be responsible for. Auntie arranged for a personal assistant to take those off her plate."

"Is that the woman they were talking with?"

"Yes."

When Takashi told us what Auntie proposed, Chika-chan, Satoshi, and I all approved. Haru-chan should not be shopping for socks. The only time I've ever shopped for my own clothes was during the commoner challenge. That's when I found my light-up shoes. I'd never know they existed if Haru-chan hadn't made us go shopping at the commoner mall.

"There's Yasuchika preparing for his first match."

I jumped up and waved, but someone started yelling at me.

"Haninozuka Mitsukuni-sama! You're here! You never come to competitions. Can I have your autograph?"

A group of boys stood at the end of our row. Only the one security guard was between them and me. The leader was doing the talking.

"No. I'm here to watch my brother compete. Today is about him."

"Just a quick signature?"

"I'm sorry, but no."

Security escorted the boys away while one said some bad things about me. He wasn't the first this morning or yesterday. I'd hoped they'd understand. A couple did, but the rest were upset.

Doesn't matter. They can say what they want about me. It's not important. Chika-chan is today's focus. His win must not be overshadowed by anything.

"I'm proud of you Mitsukuni, for granting your brother all the attention. You and Satoshi are doing so well together."

"We're trying, Mother." I shook my head in frustration. "I don't even compete anymore. Why do they care about me?"

She crossed her legs and watched Chika-chan while she answered, "You have a reputation that won't go away anytime soon. You're handling it well and giving Yasuchika the spotlight."

Her hand landed on my knee and gave it a quick squeeze, "I'm proud of you. I don't say it often enough."

"Thank you, Mother."

We both stood and cheered when Chika-chan won his first match.

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xXx

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Watanabe Spa:

Naoko and I are in the steam room, and she's going on and on about Kaoru and how much time they've been spending together.

"So where did the two of you disappear to last Thursday at Neon? We haven't had a minute this week to catch up."

She blushed a deep red and adjusted her towel. "We went back to his limo and steamed up the windows."

"So," I said as I shook out my hair and put the ponytail back in, "you made out? The whole time?"

When she looked around to make sure we were alone, I knew something big was coming. She lowered her voice and practically whispered, "Better. We made love."

Sex? They had sex in the back of a limo? On the street? EEeewww.

"Yuki? You OK?"

I shook my head and wiped the sweat off my forehead. "Yes, just surprised. Don't you want to wait until your married? Or at least engaged?

"Obviously not, or we would have."

"Did he propose?"

"No," she huffed. "We've never even talked about marriage. We're both way too young."

"If you're too young for marriage, doesn't that mean you're too young for sex."

"No."

It means that for me, or at least it means that to my father. Still, now's my chance. "What was it like?"

"Fantastic! Amazing. I felt so loved and cared for." Naoko went on to describe certain things in detail. The things you probably won't know until after your wedding night. I didn't realize it would feel as good as she's describing. She gave me tips that had my whole body blushing and my heart race.

Father would disown me if I slept with someone before I was married, even if it was the fiancé he arranged for me. I'm a tool for the family business. Would Kyoya-senpai be upset? Would he punish me like Father does?

I can't even tell Naoko that it's Kyoya-senpai my father is talking to. If Father found out, he'd be so angry. I can't let him get angry again.

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xXx

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Kendo Competition Venue, Frankfurt:

The semifinals were over and both Mori-senpai and Satoshi won. Umeko-san and I were on our feet cheering loudly and waving our hands. I'd forgotten how exciting it is to be here live.

They announced an hour break before the finals, and the competitors went back to the locker room.

"Will they come out here?"

"Satoshi might, but Takashi will most likely meditate for most of the hour then warmup again."

"Oh," I said, trying to hide the disappointment in my voice. I wanted to congratulate him on his wins so far. I guess that might be premature. I don't want to distract him.

Umeko-san stood up and extended her hand to me. "Let's stretch our legs and get something to eat."

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I've never seen Haruhi-chan eat so much. Is it because the food is more to her taste? In Germany? It's not gourmet, maybe that makes the difference. We had bratwurst, sauerkraut, and several pastries.

"I'm going to try those pretzels on the way out. They look so different from anything I've seen in Japan."

I see why they call her 'glutton'.

While we were finishing, Satoshi walked up. "Hey! Did you see the matches? They've been a lot of fun."

"Yes, we did. You both look good out there. The extra practice is paying off."

"Thanks, Mother." He gave me a quick kiss on the cheek, a hug to Haruhi, and took off running. "Gotta get something quick to eat before the finals."

"How does he eat before he competes?" Haruhi-chan asked.

"I have no idea. Besides Mitsukuni and his cake, Satoshi is the only competitor I know that does that."

After taking a look at some of the vendors, and Haruhi-chan buying a competition t-shirt, we decided to go back and sit.

"I have to us the restroom. I'll meet you back at the seats."

I nodded and Eiji said, "Don't worry. I'll go with her."

They turned and walked away, and my security came up from the background to escort me.

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I called one of our female guards, and she met us at the restroom. When they came back out, the guard nodded to me, indicating there were no issues.

"I'm fine, Eiji. Nothing happened," Haruhi-sama said. Her hand touched my forearm. "Please relax. Let's go watch the finals."

We made our way back to the competition along with everyone else. I offered her my arm so I wouldn't lose her in the crowd.

Halfway there, I feel her pulling and hear someone yelling in a language I don't recognize. I whirled around and tried pulling her back when I saw a girl tugging on Haruhi-sama's arm and waiving her phone around.

I grabbed her wrist and squeezed. She instantly dropped her grip and pulled away, the whole time yelling. I only caught 'Fujioka' and 'Hitachiin'. Another fan.

By this time, Haruhi-sama was behind me, grasping my jacket, the other security coming in fast. They escorted the girl away. They're going to find someone who can translate and find out what her intentions are.

I put my arm around Haruhi-sama and led her to the side of the crowd. Her eyes were huge, and she was breathing hard. I need her calm. I cannot let her hyperventilate.

"Haruhi-sama. You're safe. It's alright. She's gone."

After a few deep breaths, she mumbled, "I'm fine. She didn't hurt me. Just scared me. What was she saying? What language was that?"

"I'm not sure. The other officers are escorting her away from the venue and locating a translator. We need to know her intentions."

Just then, we heard the warning bell.

"Oh no. We need to get back. I have to see Mori-senpai and Satoshi compete."

"Are you sure you can go back into the crowd?"

"Positive."

I kept my arm around her and escorted her back.

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"What took you so long?" Then I saw Haruhi-chan shaking, her eyes wide, and a forced smile. "What happened?"

Eiji answered me. "Just a small problem with a probable fan. The other officers are investigating."

Once she sat down, I put my arm around her, and she reached out and took Eiji's hand. It's inappropriate, but I'll let it slide for now.

"I'm fine. I just want to concentrate on the match."

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Satoshi and I are doing our final warmups, and I see Eiji escorting Haruhi to her chair. She's scared! His arm's around her shoulders. Now Mother's arm is around her shoulders. She's holding Eiji's hand.

What happened? I need to get up there.

"Taka? You ready?"

My attention jerked back to Satoshi, and I saw Father glaring at me. I took a deep breath, closed my eyes, and focused. Haruhi's fine. Mother and two security guards are there. I must focus on my match.

My eyes opened, and I nodded to Satoshi.

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As soon as the referee started the match, I sprung at Taka and got a hit. Right on his head. It was beautiful.

We circled and clashed several times before he landed a hit on my wrist.

One-one.

I lunged again, before he expected it, and got the hit on his left side.

I WON! I BEAT TAKA!

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I lost. I couldn't concentrate and I lost. Satoshi was tremendous. His attack style was different than before. It's like he completely changed how he fights.

The room erupted in shouts and cheers. We bowed and I hugged him. "Congratulations, Satoshi. Well done."

"Thanks, Bro. I worked hard for it."

"Hn."

I looked up as I heard our names being called and saw Mother and Haruhi running onto the floor.

"Haruhi-senpai! Did you see that?!" Satoshi yelled.

I watched, unable to move, as he scooped her up and spun her around, high on the adrenaline. What no one expected was the kiss he gave her. Not a brotherly kiss on the cheek, but a full kiss on the lips. A big smack on the lips.

Satoshi kissed Haruhi. My younger brother kissed Haruhi.

He spun her around one more time and put her down. I think he just realized what he did.

"Oh no. Haruhi-senpai, I'm so sorry. I'm so excited. I can't believe I did that."

I didn't hear what she replied, but she'd blushed red.

Satoshi turned to Mother, and Haruhi ran over to me.

"Congratulations, Mori-senpai. It was a good match," she said, giving me a hug, but not a kiss.

What just happened?

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xXx

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Fancy-Pants Women's Jewelry Store, Tokyo:

"Would you get with it. We're only here to get my mother a couple of birthday presents. It's not like I'm taking you shoe shopping again."

"You better never take me shoe shopping again, Bu, if you know what's good for you."

Ritsu's coming over for dinner tonight and didn't know what to get my mother for a birthday present. I refuse to buy it for him. That's stupid. That's why we're here.

"I have no idea what Arisa-san likes. Can't you just buy it for me."

"No way. After we get married, you'll have to do this every year, so you're starting now."

"You could just buy it every year, you know."

I stopped and stood in front of him. "No. I will be your wife, but not a yakuza wife. I'll be running my own syndicate, just like you. There are some things we'll both have to be responsible for."

"But…"

I grabbed his hand and pulled him into a store. "No buts. I won't let you buy something stupid, but you are going to pick it out. Stop complaining. It's not that hard."

What an asshole my Asshole can be. "I'll show you some things she likes, and you can pick from that. No one's expecting you to know her well at this point."

"I hate shopping."

"No, you don't. You just don't like to be made to go shopping."

He huffed and started looking at the jewelry.

"Mom said something about wanting some new pearl earrings. Find a pair you'll think she'll like."

"Fine."

"Hey, if you lose the attitude, I'll let you buy me something pretty."

"You're pretty enough without anything."

"Gee, Asshole, that's one of the nicest things you've ever said to me."

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xXx

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Karate Competition Venue, Brussels:

"And our gold medal winner, Haninozuka Yasuchika!"

Mother, Father, and I watched the medal ceremony with great pride. My brother won another world cup and is one step closer to the Olympic Games. He's number one in the world, and there's no doubt he'll bring the gold back to Japan.

When the final match ended, Usa-chan wanted to run down to the floor and congratulate him, but I said no. I didn't want any attention on me. Chika-chan earned every bit of the spotlight today.

What surprised both Mother and me, was Chika-chan running into the stands to hug us. He'd never done anything like that before in his life. Did someone overdose him with sugar? Is he the alien?

"Thanks, Alien. I know what you've been doing," he said in my ear before returning to the floor for the ceremony.

I was so shocked and happy. I have no idea how I managed to not offer him cake.

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xXx

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Kendo Competition Venue, Frankfurt:

As the Japanese National Anthem was played during the Medal ceremony, thoughts were all over the place:

Mori: I lost the final match to Satoshi. It's my first loss at a competition in many years. Where did he come up with his new attack style? Who's he been training with? It's like he broke down and rebuilt his entire style. That's nearly impossible. He was fighting the same as always at the last world cup. He's managed an incredible accomplishment and deserves every bit of attention for it.

I, on the other hand, fought like I always do, but was distracted. I can't remember the last time I was unable to focus in a match. Today shows me I'm not training hard enough. My goal is a gold at the Olympic Games. With my current training regimen, I will not meet that goal. I will be handing the win to Satoshi and he will deserve it. My focus must be narrowed. My life must be simplified. I will win that gold.

But I was distracted by Haruhi. She was so happy when she came down to the floor. I couldn't ask what happened. I couldn't be the reason that smile left her face.

And she kissed Satoshi. No, Satoshi kissed her. Why? Does he have feelings for her? If so, why is he always at Neon dancing with a dozen other girls? I spoke to him about that, and he brushed me off. Said he wasn't doing anything wrong, hadn't dated any of them or been seen alone with any one of them. Hadn't kissed any of them. Good, clean fun he called it. I asked Mother if she approved. She told me she didn't not approve as long as he was respectful and didn't cause a scandal.

I looked out over the crowd and saw lots of camera's flashing and phones being held in the air. This is huge news in the kendo world, and I'm proud of my brother.

But he kissed Haruhi. Why?

Satoshi: I won. I beat Taka. Not just at our dojo, but at a world cup. It was on a live stream and everyone saw it. I won.

I'm standing on the top spot with a gold medal around my neck, listening to my national anthem, knowing it's playing because of me and not Taka. My heart's racing and I'm still slightly out of breath. Not because I'm out of shape, because this body is rock hard, but because of the adrenaline, the excitement, the accomplishment.

The crowd was screaming as I made that second hit. I think I shocked the world, but no one was more shocked than Taka. The look on his face was priceless.

My new training worked! When that girl I was dancing with first suggested I come to her brother's dojo and train there, I thought she was nuts. It's just a regular dojo. It hadn't produced any champions or world level competitors, but it was what I needed. Got to see all kinds of new attack styles that weren't refined to standard. Yeah, I beat the crap out of everyone there, and they thanked me for it, but I learned too. I'll give them a shoutout on Twitter when we're done here.

There's my parents and Haruhi-senpai with huge smiles. I smiled back and she nodded. I can't believe I kissed her. What the hell was I thinking. Oh, wait, I wasn't thinking. Duh. I was crazy excited and just did it. No tongue or anything. It wasn't like I made out with her, I just laid one on her in celebration. I didn't know what to do with my energy, so I did that.

Oh well, she forgave me. Brushed it off like it was no big deal. Good thing too. If it was serious or she was upset, Taka'd beat me into the ground later. I glanced over at him through the corner of my eyes. He still might.

Haruhi: Satoshi won! He's been working and training so hard for that for years. And he did it at a competition with a live audience and it was streaming too. I hope his friends from Neon saw him. They must be so thrilled.

Mori-senpai looked so surprised. It was like he was stuck. Like time had stopped. He couldn't expect to win every time forever, did he? He did congratulate Satoshi and look proud of him.

And Satoshi kissed me. That was weird. He was so excited, it just happened. No big deal.

I'm so happy he won.

Umeko: My youngest won his first world cup today. That silver medal at the Olympics is definitely within his reach. I'm so proud of both of them.

Not sure what he was thinking, kissing Haruhi-chan like that. Both their hashtags blew up, and not entirely in a good way. I've already gotten a text from Hiroe-san, our PR head. Once this ceremony is over, the press will descend. I'll warn Satoshi to downplay it. The fact that he kissed my cheek and spun me around too should help.

Haruhi-chan's going to hate the increased attention. Eiji will keep her from the press.

Akira: My sons have made me proud today. Satoshi won his first world cup, and Takashi competed well. He has nothing to reprimand himself with. With Satoshi behind him, Takashi can't expect to remain undefeated forever.

They both will make the Olympic team and represent Japan to the world. I couldn't ask for better sons.

Eiji: One of my officers found an interpreter. She was a fan wanting an autograph. Nothing more. Apparently, she was so surprised to see Haruhi-sama at the competition, she couldn't help herself. Her brother's on the Vietnamese team competing here. That's why we couldn't place the language right away.

Haruhi-sama will be relieved to know the girl didn't wish her any harm.

Umeko-sama showed me some tweets with pictures of Satoshi-sama's celebration. I'd also been told by my officer who's monitoring social media. Haruhi-sama and I will leave the venue right away for the hotel. After the press conference with the young masters, they'll join us there.

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xXx

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Dining Room, Himura Syndicate Compound:

Crazy chick. They served me soup in that pink dog bowl with my name on it from the first time I came over for dinner. Joke's on her. I winked, waggled my eyebrows, and dove in. She blushed a fiery red.

"Ritsu-kun, your father and I have discussed yours and Shinobu's proposal at length."

I watched him hesitate on the next sentence. Shit. She really doesn't want to be a yakuza wife, and we still haven't come up with a plan B. Well, nothing that isn't incredibly fucked up like a forced takeover of her syndicate. That would be a huge shit show.

"He said I could tell you two tonight that we've agreed to it and want to start the planning with you."

"Fucking 'A," I said under my breath.

Bu exhaled loudly and said, "It's about time, Dad. What the hell took so long?"

Not my choice of response, but she knows him way better.

"Took us time to get used to the idea and come around to the fact that our kids are so smart."

"I've always been smart, Dad."

He smirked at her, "Except in geometry."

"Back off. I'm trying."

"I know. I'm teasing."

I'd been watching Arisa-san while Bu and her dad were talking. By the way her lips were set in a thin line, and her eyes squinted, I knew she's upset by the decision. It's what's best for Bu. Maybe that's why she's going along with it.

"We'll start next weekend. I know the next week is finals, but it will only take a couple hours to create an attack plan. Once that's done, we'll start meeting with different branches of both the syndicates and hammer out details."

"That works."

He turned to me. "Ritsu, I've been told you're quitting that Host Club after this year."

"Yes, I am."

"Hey," Bu said, smacking me on the shoulder, "you didn't tell me that."

I shrugged my shoulders and said, "Surprise?"

"You Asshole. What were you waiting for?"

"The right moment, you crazy chick!"

She smacked me again, this time on the back of the head. "That's what waiting gets you." Her arms crossed in front of her chest and she huffed, "About time. If I can't go anymore, you shouldn't be able to either."

"It's done. They know. Calm down, Bu."

"Fine."

Junto-san looked at his daughter. "Bu?"

"Yeah, he calls me Bu. I call him Asshole. So?"

"Nothing," he quickly said, holding his hands up in surrender. Then he winked at me. Is everyone's family fucking nuts?

.

"I told you Mom would like the earrings."

"Yeah, well, you basically picked them out."

"Duh. The ones you picked were ugly. How'd you ever decide on that ruby? It's gorgeous."

"I could picture it on you. Right there on top of those delicious breasts. Just knew it would work." I pulled tighter against her back and rubbed one.

"Mmmmmm" she moaned. Almost didn't hear it over the motorcycle engine. "Be careful, Asshole. Don't make me crash."

I nibbled on her neck the best I could with the helmets on.

Bu wanted to give me a ride home on her bike. How could I say no? I've been fighting really hard not to put my hands in interesting places.

"Let's celebrate tomorrow. Dirt bike track?"

"You're on."

.

xXx

.

Twins' Bedroom, Hitachiin Estate:

"Kaoru! Where the hell have you been?"

"Studio."

"All fucking day? We're you even looking at Twitter?"

"Twitter? No. Mao and I were working on the line. There's so much to do, I'm going to go nuts."

"Yeah, well, don't do that. The accommodations are crap."

I flopped down on the bed next to him and pulled him close. "Sorry about that." I'm surprised he reacted like that. He hasn't been this touchy since that panic attack at Neon. "I didn't mean it."

"I know," he pouted. "Sorry. Just hit me wrong."

I hugged him tight and felt a little guilty. He's not dating Yuki, I'm with Naoko or working all the time, or he's at his internship. He needs more time with me. It's not good to have a touch starved Hikaru around.

"So, what's up with Twitter?"

"Holy Shit!" he yelled and sat up, digging in his pocket for his phone. "Satoshi beat Mori-senpai. He fucking won the world cup. He won the gold."

"No shit? That's fantastic!" I pulled my phone out and went to his hashtag. "What the fuck?"

"I know, right? He kissed Haruhi. It's everywhere. EVERYWHERE!"

"Are they saying anything about her being our model? About my line?"

"Not a lot. Mostly about how much of a player Satoshi is and how jealous all the girls are."

Not good. Not good at all.

"Anything else?"

"One or two mentions of incest, but that was stomped on quick by PR and others. She's not adopted. Besides, it's not like he tongued her right there. It was a simple kiss."

"Did we say anything on her account?"

"Just that she's happy for him and they're friends."

We laid back down and held each other for a while, enjoying the contact. It wasn't that long ago we did absolutely everything together.

"How are you doing?" I asked, worried that he might be thinking about Haruhi again.

"I'm fine."

He was quiet for so long, I thought he'd fallen asleep, but then he mumbled, "I know I can't have her. I know she's like my sister. It wasn't like it was a stab to the heart. More like stepping on a thumbtack. Surprised, hurt, and pissed I let it happen. Let it get to me. I called the doc. I'm already better."

"Good." I kissed the top of his head. "She doesn't feel that way about Satoshi, and he doesn't feel that way about her. It was the adrenaline, the excitement."

"Yeah. I know."

"Good."

"It's just…I feel kinda alone lately. You've got Naoko. Kasanoda's got Shinobu. The Boss has Renge. Honey-senpai has Cho-senpai. Satoshi's got all those girls. I thought I'd be dating Yuki, but her father's arranging a marriage for her."

"What about your friends at the internship?"

"They're casual friends. Some of them still treat me weird 'cause I'm the son of the owner."

"I'll always be here for you, Hika. I'm sorry."

"Don't apologize. I like Naoko. You deserve to be together. Next time you go to the studio," he turned at stared in my eyes, "ask me if I want to come along."

"Definitely."

.

xXx

.

Sunday, March 27:

Twelve Hour Flight, Morinozuka Private Jet:

I can't believe all these girls are so upset I kissed Haruhi-senpai. I've been doing damage control on Twitter since we got back to the hotel. Fortunately, most of the tweets are focused on the win. Several even pointed out how I spun Mother around and kissed her too.

Plus, those idiotic questions from the press. More were about Haruhi-senpai than my win. I answered one and skipped all the others. Kept talking about how excited I was about the win. How I can't wait for the Olympics.

Takashi only said how proud he was of me. Nothing about the kiss.

Dumbshits. Apparently, Kaoru-senpai and Kasanoda-senpai' language is rubbing off on me. As long as I don't say it out loud…

"Satoshi?"

"Haruhi-senpai?"

She walked into the lounge and sat next to me on the sofa. "I'm sorry about kissing you. I wasn't thinking, and it blew up all over the Internet."

"I don't care about that," she said, waving her hand. "I want to make sure you're OK. Don't let it bother you. The important thing is that you won. I'm proud of you."

That smile went ear to ear and lit up her eyes. She's an amazing friend.

"Thanks. I'm proud of me too."

She left for the study, saying something about studying.

"Why'd you do it?" Chika asked from across the cabin. "What were you thinking?"

"Obviously, I wasn't. I beat Taka. I can't come close to telling you how that feels. Picture beating Mitsukuni. I just did it. No big deal."

"The Internet thinks otherwise."

"It will blow over."

"You better hope so." He leaned forward and smirked, "Have you even thought about how Tamaki-senpai and Hikaru-senpai are going to react."

"Shit."

.

I found Haruhi curled up on a chair in the study, asleep. Mother had covered her with a blanket. Her cheeks had a rosy glow, and her face was more relaxed than I'd seen it in a long time. Comparing it to the last few weeks, it's obvious how much stress she's been carrying.

Mother and Father were sitting on the sofa across from her, talking quietly. Probably about the competition. Now's my chance.

"Mother, Father, may I speak with you?"

"Of course, son." Father slid over, making room for me. "You fought well yesterday. You have nothing to reproach yourself with."

"Yes, I do. I was distracted by many things. Satoshi surprised me with a change in his fighting style and I was caught off guard. It should have never happened."

"But it did, Takashi. Fix the problem and move past this. You're still ranked number one in the world."

I took a deep breath and plunged ahead. "I want to take next semester off and concentrate on my training. There is too much going on in my life, and school is the easiest thing to eliminate. If I was in class, taking the time off for the Olympics would be difficult, and I wouldn't do as well as I'd wish."

They looked at me closely, then at each other, considering my request. I thought they'd see the wisdom in taking the semester off, but the delay in response was worrying.

Then Father smiled and said, "Actually, we were going to suggest that. I'm proud you came to the same conclusion. Some goals can be put aside for others. Graduating a semester later than scheduled is an acceptable tradeoff for a gold at the Olympic Games."

"Thank you, Father, Mother," I bowed. What a relief. "I'll contact Todi first thing tomorrow."

"Good. Yorishia and I will also be speaking with Chairman Suoh about Satoshi and Yasuchika either doing some classes remotely or having a lighter load altogether. They can easily make up classes after the Games."

I nodded. Our Olympic goals will be realized.

"One other thing," I said shifting in my seat, "I approve of Haruhi getting a personal assistant and am considering one for myself."

"An excellent idea. Will they need a room in the mansion?"

That was a surprise, but a welcome one. "I had not considered that, but it will definitely help. They would be available around my schedule that way."

"Aoi can help you find one," Mother said, offering her assistant who also lived at the mansion. "I have one condition. They must be male. There will be no scandal caused by this."

"Understood. Thank you."

.

Kumi and I had just woken up and informed the crew that the sheets could be changed for Akira and Umeko. We're trading off the bed for this flight. We walked through the study quietly so not to wake up Haruhi-chan and stopped at the door to the lounge. Our sons were talking.

Yasuchika sat on the sofa fidgeting with his sleeve. Mitsukuni was at the other end, eating cake. Kumi had the plane stocked with twice as much for the trip back.

"I'm going to say this once, Alien. Thanks for giving me the spotlight during the competition. Don't think I didn't realize what you were doing."

I heard Kumi gasp quietly and bring her hands to her mouth as we watched Mitsukuni put his cake down and turn to Yasuchika.

"I'm proud to be your brother, Chika-chan. I'm proud of what you've accomplished and what you're going to accomplish. I will help you in any way you wish."

Yasuchika's cheeks flushed and were dimpled with a small smile. "Thank you. That means a lot to me. I will ask you to train more with me as the Games get closer."

"I'd be honored," Mitsukuni said and bowed his head slightly. "Now, let's have some cake!"

"You know I don't like cake, but I'll eat some ramen while you eat it."

"Yea!"

I turned to my wife who had tears in her eyes. She whispered to me, "They're growing up. I'm so happy."

.

xXx

.

That Evening, Noguchi Gallery:

It was intermission and Hamlet was going well. I'd decided to put on a play for World Theater Day.

Father, Grandmother, Reynard, and Renge-chan were attending as guests of honor. I'd not seen Grandmother frown tonight. Success!

"Excellent play, Tamaki-kun. I appreciate the translation that was provided, as it's being done in the original English."

"Thank you, Reynard. My English isn't fluent, but I've spoken with several knowledgeable people that told me English is the only way to truly enjoy Shakespeare and all his nuances."

Father said, "Did it sell out tonight?"

He knows the answer to that. We spoke about it. Why is he asking?

"Yes. There was such a high demand that we extended the performance two more days. Those sold out as well."

"That's impressive, Tamaki."

That's why. Father wanted to make sure Grandmother knew and that I was the one to tell her.

"Thank you, Grandmother. I am both enjoying and growing into my role here."

"As I see."

"If you will excuse me, I must check on a few things," I said, bowing to her.

.

"Tamaki."

He turned and saw me. "Kyoya."

"I want to congratulate you on such a quality staging. Highly professional and true to the original."

"Thank you, Kyoya. I'm happy you are enjoying yourself." He glanced around the room; I assume hoping to find an excuse to leave me. I'll do it for him.

"Excuse me, Tamaki. There's a business associate I must speak to."

"Of course."

I was headed for the bar, for a club soda, when I was waylaid by Ito-san and his daughter Yuki. Are they following me?

"Kyoya-san, are you enjoying the performance."

"Very much so."

We spoke about business for a few minutes. Yuki was doing her best to not look nervous. Only someone highly trained to see the microexpressions, as I am, would be able to tell.

"I was hoping to inquire about my proposal regarding my daughter."

He's a rude bastard. He's neither presented her nor spoken to her this entire time.

"Ah, yes, Yuki-chan." I turned to her and smiled. Maybe I could get an impression of her feelings about this proposal.

"Of course, Yuki. Who else?" he said quite rudely. Does he want me to accept or not? Or doesn't he care for his daughter's feelings at all. Is he just selling her to me?

I ignored him and watched her as she reacted to my gaze. She reached over and fiddled with her watch, then swallowed hard. There was something like desperation in her eyes.

"Are you enjoying the play, Yuki-chan?" I asked. I wanted to see how her father would react to small talk with her.

"Yes, Kyoya-senpai, I am. I've not seen Hamlet in the original English, though we read it in class."

Her father huffed and tried to break in. "As I was asking…"

"Excuse me, Ito-san. I'm speaking with your daughter."

Her reaction instantly told me I'd said the wrong thing. Her face paled and her eyes widened as she swallowed hard again. I saw her thumb twitch.

What is going on?

"Are you excited for your third year to start?"

"Yes. I look forward to earning top marks." Her voice had quieted.

I turned back to her father, "I'll give you a final answer by the end of this week, Ito-san."

Fortunately, the bell signaling the end of intermission rang just then.

I took Yuki's hand and leaned over it, "Until next time, Princess."

.

xXx

.

Author's Note:

Lots going on in this chapter, and lots being setup for later…

I wanted Honey to give Chika all the attention at his tournament. He deserves it. They're both growing up.

About Yuki's and Naoko's discussion about sex, I'm just giving two opinions, not trying to advocate for anything. Sex is a personal choice, and I believe that as long as it's FULLY CONSENTUAL it's none of anyone's business.

I told you I'd have a big surprise…Satoshi won. I tried to make it clear that Mori believed he deserved the win, not that he stole it from him because he was distracted. I hope I managed. Mori's very proud of his brother.

And the KISS. Dad and I went back and forth on that for a while, not sure if we should put it in or not. In the end, we thought it'd be fun and add more drama. This won't be the end of it, but it won't overwhelm the story.

I'm proud of Hikaru for blowing off the kiss and calling his doc. I figure they talked more about him being lonely than the kiss. I know where I'm going with him, but ideas are welcome.

.

Next Chapter:

Haruhi goes to therapy. And a resolution between Kyoya and Yuki – and you definitely aren't expecting it.

I feel the need to warn you we're only 3-4 chapters from the end. Don't panic! More on that later.

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