To KiyUzumaki, mst88, JustFabulous, Daddys little crazy *****, Eeveemaster7, Weirdness'P, silverdragontear, and Fandom-Princess-C,

Y'all rock! Thank you!

K~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"Now, wait a few seconds and take the second round. Oh, and I'm not leaving until you take it." While Judy slept, I had determined to make sure she was as healthy as possible for the battle she was about to find herself in. It won't be too long before angry mothers and irate heiresses are attempting to find fault with her. It almost made me feel bad. Almost.

"You'll be here a while, then." She sat up. "I hope you like to hear young singers screech, because that's all you'll be witness to." She stood and began riffling through papers.

"I think I will be going now. I'm glad you're doing better, Judy." Tamaki shot me a look as he said this, and I knew he was going to accost me later. He always seems to pick up on things like this. I decided I'd have to throw him off the sent.

"You won't be getting any students today," I told Judy.

"Wanna run that by me again," she answered with a calm that could have turned me to ice.

"I have already notified the department head that you are unwell and need the day to recover." Actually, I had just sent the text to the secretary.

"How dare you do that without my permission?" Judy's voice was slowly rising as she grabbed her desk phone's receiver. "I want to work and must see my students."

"You can go ahead and try to cancel the order, but they won't listen to you. However, if you are trying to go for the brave soldier angle, I imagine they'd respect your gumption." I shrugged. Like they'd dare ignore a direct order from an Ohtori.

"Hello, this is Miss Morehouse. I need to cancel the request made on my behalf for a sick day. I am quite well." I watched her face harden at what I was sure was a sweetly negative response.

"I am in my office and never authorized the request. Please, correct the issue," Judy was saying.

I heard the quick, muffled reply of the secretary and knew I'd won. Watching her face go from shock to fury was satisfying.

"I don't appreciate when people go over my head, ignore my wishes, and show obvious disrespect for my autonomy. I will not stand for it. As such, I am staying in my office today to plan for my next concert." She pulled a stack of books from a center shelf. "You can see yourself to the door, Mr. Ohtori." Her glare was chilling. "I wouldn't suggest you come back until you can show a proper level of respect for the people around you."

I watched her back for a second until she grabbed the piano bench. Oh, no. Not after that dreadful attack. I did not just save your life for you to fall and break your neck before I can put my plan into action. I grabbed her waist. "Put me down, Kyoya! Did you hear absolutely nothing?" I set Judy on the floor but didn't let go. For some reason, I couldn't bring myself to release her. She began fighting against my grip, yanking, tugging.

"I don't like to see you do things that could harm you." I put my chin on her head. She went utterly still, and her hands naturally rested on mine. "It makes me strangely uneasy." It felt so right, she and I standing like that.

"Then you should just say so. Forcing me to do what you want is the worst kind of repulsive despotism. Learn to let me make my own choices and mistakes. I've been doing both for a long time." I slipped my arms completely around Judy and gently hugged her. I breathed in her scent. Wait? Despotism?! Well, I suppose I am a despot.

I whispered, "I don't want you hurt."

"Has it crossed your mind that skimming passed my wishes may be as hurtful to me as physical pain would be?" Judy swallowed hard and I knew she was trying to avoid something.

I maintained my hold on her with one hand and reached for one of the books she had been after. I know it's in this one. Why is she avoiding it? I put the book on the piano stand and motioned for her to join me on the bench. She hesitated when I extended my hand. "Please." I felt like I was begging, but, strangely, it wasn't begging. She took my hand and sat next to me while I flipped through the book.

We both knew what I was looking for, and we both knew she didn't want to talk about it.

J~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"Would you like some coffee? You made an extra pot for me." I was grasping at straws to distract him. "It'd be a pity if it went to waist now that my attack is over."

"No, thank you. I had my cup this morning, and you should take your second round now." He propped the book open.

"I told you I wouldn't." He let loose an exasperated sigh.

"Do as you please, then. But, if you are not completely averse, I'd like to take you to my office at the hospital for a complete assessment."

"I've had too many doctor's appointments for this issue. I'd rather handle it in my own way." It was true. I was sick of doctor's pushing me around, sick of taking controllers every day. Just sick of it all. Maybe, it was one of the few things on which I could call the shots in my life.

"You do realize that a change in environment could be causing these violent attacks, or that the stress could be doing it. I'd like to make sure. That's all. It won't take long."

"The only thing I'm interested in is a non-inhalant controller."

"If you come with me, I'll see to it."

That did it. Anything to keep me from having to take daily puffs. "Deal."

"On to other things. I noticed you reaching for this." He tapped the page. "Could it be you've decided to sing it for me?"

I looked at "La Captive" and began flipping through the book. "I have considered it, but I don't think it's really all that appropriate a piece. I was actually looking for a song cycle to add to my standard rep."

"Really?" He scanned my face as I busied myself with the book. I knew he could see through my bluff. But, would he call it? "Why would it be inappropriate? Most of the people who will be present speak or understand French to some degree and would find it most enjoyable. You'll be singing in other languages as well, so I don't see the problem."

"The theme, Kyoya. It's about the theme. The song is about a captive. You say they understand French. Do you really want to give off the vibe that your guests and future business partners are nothing but slaves to your whims? I don't think that would be appreciated. In order to have optimal business dealings, all parts of the environment must be controlled. That includes music. If your guests think you consider yourself so highly and them so lowly, you will have reluctant dealings at best. It would be more conducive to choose songs about friendship, trust, and love. Don't you think?" I was saying anything to throw him off the scent.

"I suppose you are correct. Though, I've not really thought about it. Usually the music is just there and unconsidered."

"Have you often had singers?"

"Actually, no."

"When words are involved, people listen, and messages are sent. It's up to the host to decide whether or not the music will offend or comfort the guest. Good luck with it."

I stood. Nothing like flying by the seat of my pants. Hope that worked. "Are you ready, sir? Let's get this evaluation over with."

I gathered my purse and music books and watched as Kyoya shook himself from some sort of reverie and stood from the piano bench. As I turned to the door, he began to follow me out.

K~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"When words are involved, people listen, and messages are sent. It's up to the host to decide whether or not the music will offend or comfort the guest. Good luck with it." Judy finished her little lecture in music programing with a little flourish of her skirt as she stood.

I am most certainly doing the right thing in more ways than one. If all goes well, I will have a business deal in the bag, no more nagging company daughters on my heels, and stimulating conversation.

"Are you ready, sir? Let's get this evaluation over with." She flipped her hair behind her shoulder and swished her way out the door with easy going grace. I shook myself and followed her out the door most willingly. I honestly don't care if I'm right or wrong.