A/N: A big thank you to all those who have reviewed, favorited, and alerted this story. I hope your faith in me is rewarded.

(This fiction is based on the characters and settings created by Oyuki Konno)

Yumi relished the times when the small house she lived in was empty and silent. It seldom happened, since there was usually yelling conversations between rooms, the TV blaring, and other household noises. All the noises families make when they are living in a smaller space. Not that Yumi was particularly annoyed with a noisy house. In fact, it added to the warmth she felt when she was with her family. However silence is golden sometimes too. Especially when one needed to think. So with her mother running errands, Yukki at university, and her father pitching a client, Yumi took full advantage of the peace afforded her, because a lot had happened yesterday and she really needed to sort things out.

Yumi fixed herself a cup of coffee and sat at the kitchen table. She took a sip and let out a sigh. 'What have I gotten myself into this time.' she thought reflecting on the previous day's events. 'I go try to get the wedding canceled between Suguru and Sachiko. Not only do I accomplish that, I end up putting us in the same position with reversed roles. Sachiko and I will never be together at this rate.' The young girl growled in frustration at the situation, thinking how unfair it was. 'But at least Sachiko will have her freedom.' Yumi mused, looking at the silver lining, however thin, of her situation.

A knock at the door interrupted her musings. "What is it now." Yumi said with annoyance to no one in particular as she got up and answered the door. Outside a handsome young man stood, holding a packet of papers. That the young man was going to be her husband in a few weeks time, didn't lessen her annoyance, but increased it. "What the hell do you want, Suguru?" she asked viciously.

"Yumi-chan, is that any way to address your betrothed. I'm hurt." The young man chided the young girl in front of him.

Yumi took a deep breath to calm her nerves and said apologetically. "I'm sorry, I was just sitting here thinking and the interruption was a bother. I shouldn't take it out on you."

Suguru grinned, "Much better, Yumi-chan. A word of advice. Try never to show your true feelings; in certain circles you would get eaten alive after such an outburst." He said calmly.

"Thank you for those words of wisdom, " Yumi stated. "So what brings you here?"

"Officially, Ogasawara-sama sent me to deliver these papers for you to sign. It is the marriage contract." Suguru said indicating the packet in his hand. "Unofficially, I wanted to speak with you about all this."

"Come in and I'll get you some coffee." Yumi told the man standing at the door.

"But you're alone. It wouldn't be proper," the young man noted.

"Let's not stand on ceremony. We're going to be married in a couple of weeks anyway. Plus, I don't think my virtue is in any danger from you." Yumi replied.

"I see your point." He said as he entered the house and donned some house slippers.

Yumi led Suguru into the kitchen, and the young man sat down at the table. Yumi went ahead and poured a cup of coffee for her guest. "Cream or sugar?" She asked.

"Black is fine, Yumi-chan." the young gentleman told her, and she carried the cup back to the table and set it in front of him before taking her seat.

Yumi took a sip from her own cup and said, "What do you want to talk about?"

"I just really want to know why you are doing this? And please be honest." He asked.

Yumi thought for a moment before she spoke. "Originally I intended to ask Ogasawara-sama to cancel the weeding completely. He wasn't about to change his mind, however her asked me how much I love Sachiko, and what I would do for her. So when he suggested that I take her place, it seemed like the best option. I know that marrying you would just kill her. Change her back to the cold, aloof, distant Sachiko that I first met before I became her soeur. I don't think I could handle that."

"But what about yourself, Yumi-chan? Do you even know what you are getting yourself into. It's a world where everyone is an enemy and out for themselves." Suguru explained.

"I don't matter, Sachiko does." Yumi asserted.

"Yumi-chan," an exasperated Suguru responded. "When will you realize how special you are and stop being so self-deprecating. I've never met a more honest and openhearted person as you. You may not believe this, but I care very deeply for you. I don't want to be a party to killing your innocence, that essential part of Yumi-chan that makes you who you are. Please reconsider you decision."

"I already have, Suguru," Yumi said agitatedly grabbing the packet out of his hands. "Now where do I sign?"

Suguru grabbed the papers back from the frustrated girl. "Don't be rash, Yumi-chan. At least have a lawyer look at these and explain them to you. It could be to your advantage."

Yumi took a deep breath to calm herself and said, "You're right Suguru. I shouldn't be hasty in this. Thank you."

The young man finished the last of his coffee in one gulp and stood up. "I said what I wanted to say. I should be going now," he said as he walked toward the door.

Yumi got up and escorted him out. Once out the door Suguru stopped and turned around to face Yumi. "One more thing Yumi-chan. If you do decide on this course of action, the only person you should blame is yourself. You've been warned." He finished and walked to his car.

Yumi closed the door behind her and headed to the phone. She picked up the receiver and dialed the number of an old friend. After a couple of rings the line was picked up. "Hello," a woman's voice answered.

Yumi spoke, "Youko-sama, this is Yumi."

Youko's tone brightened. "Yumi-chan, it's been a long time. Nice to hear from you."

"It's nice to hear your voice also. Unfortunately, this isn't purely a social call." Yumi stated, "I need your help."

"What can I do?" Youko said worriedly.

"I need you to look over some papers and give me some advice." Yumi told the older woman. "Can I meet you somewhere this afternoon?"

Youko suggested a time and place. Yumi agreed and hung up, thanking Sachiko's grande soeur profusely. Looking at the time, Yumi got herself ready, collected the papers, and headed out the door.

A/N: I was able to squeeze this one out before I officially start back to work tomorrow. Be warned, updates may be slow due to workload. I apologize in advance for this. But your patience shall be rewarded.