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

"Hani, are you sure that technique was necessary?"

"If you want to be sure you've exhausted all avenues in your quest of self-protection, yes." His voice was firm and very un-childlike. I swear he turns the cuteness on only when he first meets someone or when he really wants something. The rest of the time, he's a super young looking, lethal business man.

"Mori, what do you think?"

"Ah. Remember it." I learned quickly that Mori's abrupt speech wasn't due to rudeness but due to dislike of needless verbiage. I could respect that as there were times I didn't feel the need to discuss things in depth either, and I had learned to listen whenever he spoke.

"What next?" I got into the basic defensive position for another technique.

"If I come up behind you unawares, you won't be in defensive position, so drop it." I did. "Stand casually." I did. Without warning, Hani's hands encircled me and pinioned my arms to my sides.

"For a smaller guy, you sure don't mess around."

"No, I don't, and I suggest you don't either. Focus. How do you get out of my grip?" Hani's voice was hard but still kind.

I assessed my situation: arms useless, hands useless. I could ram my head into his chin like I did with Sato, but that was just dumb luck. My feet were free.

I lifted my foot and speared my heel into the top of his foot. Hani released me and began hopping on his good foot.

"Geez! Judy, I just asked you a question. I didn't tell you to react."

"Ah." Mori moved to inspect Hani's foot.

"Sorry, Hani," I winced.

"It's alright, Judy-chan. I forgot for a minute that you learn by doing. You chose the right move, though."

"I did?"

"Yes. Your instincts are good. The first thing you have to do in that situation is break your attacker's hold. Only then can you decide to run or fight. If you have the chance and think you can get away, always choose to run from a dangerous enemy."

Mori nodded his affirmation.

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

I stopped at the Haninozuka estate to pick up Judy for lunch. I had just rounded the corner into the dojo when I saw Hani hopping on his foot and Judy spin into defensive position. Is it wrong be even more attracted to her when she's readying for a skirmish?

I walked forward lost in thought about the woman before me. I didn't particularly care that I was interrupting the lesson. I didn't care what Hani and Mori might think. They always know anyway.

"Kyoya, what are you doing here," she asked when she finally turned her face to me. Man! I thought she'd never see me. She get's extremely focused on whatever she's doing.

"I came to get you for lunch."

"I thought I was going to meet you at the restaurant." She crossed her arms at me.

"And, I thought I'd make things simpler." I rolled my eyes. Really, I try and try to protect her, and I get nothing but heartache.

"Lunch? That sounds so good right now. Why don't you both eat with us, Kyo-chan?"

I looked at the blonde. No longer was he a miniature of a man, but no matter how adult he was, I couldn't deny him anything. I never could. Hani's never been intimidated by me, so my glares don't work. I was just about to open my mouth to agree when Mori sent a pointed look my way and I became the unwilling center of attention. Hani narrowed his eyes at me for a second, hands on hips, with a demeanor that even I had learned to be wary of. But, as soon as the shadow appeared, it faded to be replaced by his old facade.

"I guess we'll eat together next time, Judy-chan!" The flowers and sparkles around his face seemed to have multiplied from their usual number.

"I'll look forward to it, Hani, Mori." Judy turned, picked up her water bottle, and walked to a changing room.

"Kyo-chan, how long?" Hani's demeanor was serious once more.

"How long what," I asked as I adjusted my glasses.

"You know what I'm asking you. Playing dumb has never suited you." Hani narrowed his enormous eyes at me.

"Mhm," Mori stoically agreed.

"If you are asking how long I've known her, I should think the answer painfully obvious."

Hani took a step toward me. "Don't make me ring the answer from you."

"You know, senpai, I didn't think menace was in your vocabulary."

"It isn't, but that doesn't mean I don't know how to use it. Answer the question, Kyo-chan." Before he could get any closer, Mori put a restraining hand on Hani's shoulder and shook his head.

"Thank you, Mori-senpai."

Mori nodded at me. "Kyoya, if you choose to follow this path, you should be forthright with her."

I stared at my tall friend. Though we are now equals in business, we are not equals in wisdom. I bowed to both of them. "If I live two lifetimes, I'll never be as wise as either of you. But, at present, I think this is the best way to do things." I straightened myself just as Judy made her re-entrance.