A/N: As much as I hate losing my muse for certain stories, other muses love the fact that I can move along another story while the other decides to wander back.

MARYLOVER – If only I had the pleasure of doing nothing but that. There is a very big plot and minor one in this story which accounts for the vast people that will overwhelm you soon. Before the whole messy affair of that though, we will jump into Thrill for a while before packing up into the bigger picture outside of just thrill.

tenten32158 – As you've mentioned, I do appreciate it very much when someone goes through any one of my stories and is able to give me solid critique to consider. I appreciate the time anyone can take to spare a thought and jot down a particular scene or questions they have as well so that is why I'm pleased to see you once more.

I, as you probably well know, love trying new ways to manipulate what little we sometimes know about each character and stretching it as much as I can without making them OOC. I had decided Ryoma needed a certain almost stoic edge in this story and wasn't sure how it would be received. I'm glad that you approve though.

This story was on the verge of being tossed or debuted because of the plot twists and turns actually. Too many holes and even now I'm going in blindly to see if I can fill those holes as I go along rather than sitting on it at the desk. The cast is small as of now but it'll make your head spin in a couple chapters when the bulk arrives. I only hope I can focus better on each individually as well as a whole once all the players on the field though.

As for the problems, I'm surprised someone even caught on to it. Hazuki's complex character and situation comes to play in her role with her benefactor. Their agreement will eventually be revealed as you've guessed and probably won't be truly explained but hinted at multiple times through the first half of this story only. The second of your problems I understand well because I had to do some research on it. There's a reason for the set up that I placed to have Fuji's uncle as the current ruler. It will be better explained by Fuji in detail within this chapter of why he's sitting as emperor and we'll delve in on why Fuji is also so close with his uncle. Some things will be different from how it is in reality but I will try to stick along some lines of realism.

Because Of You

Rated: M

Summary: When Ryoma declares war on playboy Syuusuke who claims his sister as his prey, he might just find out his life isn't all it seems to be.

Ch III: The Target

Recap

"Why now after you've been on the throne for a whole year?" Fuji asked looking slightly bothered that anyone should know personal matters besides the royal family and himself who is very close to his uncle.

"It takes time to plan a overthrowing right?"Ren asked.

XxX

Tokyo, Japan

Fuji Residence

Fuji shut his bedroom door silently as he set his school bag down with a sigh. Settling on the foot of his bed, he stared at the wall of cactus that he raised on his window sill in silence. It was a lot to take in with his uncle thinking that explains why he's so close to his uncle

His mother's line is actually related to the royal line being that his grandfather was the cousin to the emperor. Since the main line is deceased and his uncle married the princess of the direct line, it was decided to seat him as emperor since he was the closest of the families to the royal line.

"Syuusuke?"

"Yes mom?" Fuji asked walking towards his door to open it.

"You're back," His mother said with a smile. "Did you want anything to eat?"

"No," Fuji said with a small shake of his head. "I've eaten already."

"Where did you head to today?" Yoshiko asked with a slight frown on her face now. "I heard there's been discord in the palace and I was worried you were knee deep in something or-"

"I'm fine mother and uncle is doing well as well despite the news coverage." Fuji assured his mother.

"I know they tend to exaggerate but my baby brother is still mine to worry about." Yoshiko defended with a weary look. "It's just… I know how palace life is and worry constantly when something about your grandparents or uncle comes up."

"I know mom," Fuji said with a smile. "That's why I always check up on them when I can to lessen your worry."

Yoshiko nodded knowing her son was only trying to help as he had always done since he was a little boy. Still, she had not raised her kids in the palace so they didn't understand the strict traditions and problems that could develop when the main line of the emperor's line passed out towards the next line.

"Mom…" Syuusuke started as his mind lapsed into some things he had talked over with his uncle that night.

"Yes?" Yoshiko asked as calmly as possible. It was rare her son brooded over anything so she knew there had to be more than Syuusuke was voicing. Knowing all she knew about palace life… there just HAD to be more than mere rumors and glaze.

"Do you miss being a hime( princess)?" Fuji asked looking at his mother in question.

"Honestly, no." Yoshiko said with a tender smile.

"Why not?" Fuji asked looking at his mother. "It was a very nice title but you chose to marry down and become…"

"Normal?" Yoshiko suggested with a smile at her son.

"Yeah," Fuji agreed with her wording. He hadn't really known how to refer to it but it seemed his mother knew how to word it.

"I loved your father Syuusuke." Yoshiko explained glancing at the picture of their family hanging in the hallway. "I don't regret losing my title by marrying him and I don't miss the palace because of a lot of things."

"Like?" Syuusuke asked.

"That title weighs a lot Syuusuke. It separates you from everyone as well." Yoshiko said with a small smile. "Everyone respects you but there's so much you don't really know about the people of Japan, the people around you and the cage you were born in."

XxX

Tokyo, Japan

Nakahara Residence

"You didn't have to wait up for me," Takumi said taking his jacket off as he glanced to where Hazuki laid out the food she had reheated for him.

"I know," Hazuki replied as she continued with her mundane task. Setting the table again for one, she wondered how life would be if she could just let go and enjoy life without the guilt.

"You have to be up early tomorrow as well so-"

"I saw Ashikaga Akira today," Hazuki cut in suddenly as she glanced up at Takumi with a small smile. It hung on her mind since earlier when the incident had occurred. It brought back many things in her mind and though she generally liked Akira, the pain of seeing him seared through her as if she had left just yesterday.

Honestly , she wasn't over it and it was haunting her.

"Did you speak to him?" Takumi asked after a moment of silence.

Hazuki shook her head and took a seat at the table while she waited for Takumi to seat himself.

"Then…"

Takumi didn't say more as Hazuki's face flashed with outward pain. When she was exposed to that type of person it was inevitable that her painful past would resurface despite the years she spent running from it. Yet, he wanted to protect her. No matter how hard he tried though, he always felt as if he couldn't surpass the friend zone that she had set for him.

"Hazu-"

"I'm fine," Hazuki insisted with a small smile she managed to pull out though she didn't look at him, "I got the job interview for the secretary job I was looking into and I have a good chance at the upper-class restaurant I worked in tonight."

"I've been hired on at the construction site as well on graveyard from now on but I'll continue as a waiter in the café near here so please forget about working at night." Takumi insisted

"I can't let you do all the work," Hazuki said softly placing a hand on his. He turned her hand over and frowned at how rough her hands are from the work she does.

Hazuki pulled her hands back and got up.

"Please… let me do my part to raise my children."

XxX

Tokyo, Japan

Seigaku High

Mayumi laughed happily as she surrounded herself with friends.

As usual she was popular and gained many friends through her light-hearted ways. The way she was bubbly and slightly innocent attracted them like flies to light. Sadly, it made Ryoma angry that people couldn't see his sister was innocent in all ways. They naturally assumed she was a girl to go out and play, who copied their schoolwork to pass, who didn't like to stare at a book with no pictures. They couldn't accept that she was a nerd who watched anime still, read manga, and did her homework diligently while singing her heart out to her favorite music.

Ryoma sighed as he walked behind her friends and her as they walked to school. They were early but Mayumi liked being early even if Ryoma would rather sleep in a little longer. Takumi had raised him to protect her so he gave up his bad habits to make sure no one could hurt his sister again.

"Mayumi! Mite, Mite yo! (Look)" Emiko said pointing to the group of boys passing in front in a different direction. "There's Fujiwara-kun!"

Mayumi looked up with a flush as Emiko was so loud; she had attracted their attention their way. Mayumi greeted them with a bow when the whole group stopped and as her friends looked on in slight confusion with her proper greeting, only Ryoma understood that their mother's teachings stuck the most when she was nervous.

Ryoma sighed.

He was in for it now. The last time Mayumi had a crush it had scarred her for a very long time and Ryoma had felt bad that he hadn't socked the boy a little more than he did.

"Ladies," The Hyoutei boys greeted before they laughed amongst themselves and continued on their way.

Ryoma merely shook his head as Mayumi and her friends immediately launched from teasing Mayumi's properness to Emiko's improperness and lastly to excitement that they were greeted by extremely good-looking guys.

"Nakahara ne?"

Ryoma turned slightly to see a stoic, looking guy beside him. His set face could only give Ryoma the impression that he was very serious in everything he did and came off in the same manner.

"Yeah, what's it to you?" Ryoma asked in his usual laid back way.

"I saw your skill yesterday by chance when you launched an attack to protect your sister." He said mildly.

"So?" Ryoma said with a sigh as he started to walk with the girls as they had finally regained their composure and were once more started for school.

"You have accurate precision and control." He stated following Ryoma. "I'm Tezuka Kunimitsu, the buchou of Seigaku's tennis team."

"I can't join if that's what you're after," Ryoma said with finality. He needed that time after school and the time they dedicated to practice to work and help his mother out.

"Won't you reconsider?" Tezuka asked.

"I have other duties I have to attend to before my fun Tezuka-senpai." Ryoma stated.

"Then will you practice with me for a bit after school today?" Tezuka asked.

Ryoma glanced at him and realized he could not read anything out of that serious, monotone face.

"Why not," Ryoma said just wanting the guy to lay off now. "I can spare some time."

"Thank you," Tezuka said and suddenly to Ryoma, it got awkward. They walked together the rest of the way to spoke but neither spoke to one another again.

Well, at least he wasn't annoying.

XxX

Tokyo, Japan

Hyoutei

Fuji yawned and shifted in his seat for the fifth time in thirty minutes. Today, more than other days, Fuji was feeling the pressing boredom that was constantly present in his life here at the epitome of education.

The best of everything could be found her at Hyoutei here because not only do the super-rich go here, but the lines connected to the royal line and the children of powerful politicians all attend here. All of Japan's most powerful families stuffed their children into this prestigious, private high school. It was boring and stuffed with too much but it was the place to be if you wanted connections.

Yet he continued to go here.

Why?

Because it was the most conveniently place to be the ears and eyes of his Uncle. From what he sees daily and hears opens possibilities to his uncle's action and though the royal family didn't hold too much political power, they were still seen as a powerhouse and representative of Japan with enough influence to put weight on some decisions for the country.

It was a surprise that many do not see how much one's child could remember and repeat if asked. So here he worked, looking out for his uncle and from the latest gossip he was hearing, it seemed that the Tokugawa's aren't too happy with his uncle sitting on the throne.

He'd have to mention that to his uncle after school when they met.

XxX

Tokyo, Japan

Shibuya District

Ryoma smiled and thanked the manger professionally with Mayumi. They had been lucky to enter Shibuya and this café to catch jobs so quickly. Though it was prohibited to work, the manager was all too willing to put them in from looks alone to see if it could drag in more people to her already trendy and busy café shop.

Still, Ryoma understood the basis of competition and it really only took one thing to have people coming back for more in a place filled with café's.

"We'll do our best!" Mayumi said with a smile and slight tilt of her head in cuteness. In their mother's opinion, that look was always Mayumi's winning impression for anything.

"Aren't we lucky?" Mayumi asked hooking her arm through Ryoma's in happiness. "We can work together even though we're only seventeen!"

"We are," Ryoma agreed as they slowly made their way through the crowd to get home. "You have to remember to tell mom that we have after school activities from now on as well."

"Hai!" Mayumi agreed and pulled her brother towards and ice cream shop. "Onii, buy me some ne?"

"Hai," Ryoma said through a sigh as he dug for his wallet. He could never say no to his sister during times like these.

"Hn…" Mayumi uttered with a frown. "Where's the Strawberry cheesecake?"

"Mayumi…" Ryoma said with his own frown. "you're going to run into people going at that-"

BUMP

"Gomen," Mayumi said looking up with a rub to her forehead where she had run straight into someone's bag.

"It's fine Mayumi-chan,"

Mayumi eyes widened slightly as she heard her name and recognized the person she ran into. It had happened to be the smiling devil her brother told her to absolutely stay away from yesterday!

"Oi! I told you to watch where you were going." Ryoma said stepping forward.

"She's allowed to run into me any time she wants," Fuji said with a smile to face his prey. It seemed luck was on his side today to run into the person that pre-occupied most of his thoughts constantly.

"Stay away from Mayumi," Ryoma said with a frown when he too realized who it was that Mayumi had the unfortunate luck to meet.

"Why that's a rude thing to say," Fuji said with a smile. "I just want to get to know Mayumi better."

"Declined on the level of brother," Ryoma said bluntly. "Move on,"

"My Ryo-chan, aren't you a little too protective?" Fuji asked with another smile.

"Your type is the absolute worst for my sister," Ryoma said with another frown as he shoved Mayumi behind him.

"You are a mystery to not fear me," Fuji said with a chuckle. "Do you not know I'm Fuji Syuusuke?"

"What's that to me?" Ryoma said with a smirk. "Yakuza? Rich boy? Don't you people know that everything can't be taken with force and power?"

"Omoshiro…(Interesting)" Fuji uttered with a soft chuckle.

Ryoma didn't say anymore as he dragged Mayumi away from the ice cream store.

Fuji watched in slight amusement at the encounter and felt, for the first time in a long time, something light in him. The last time that had happen, he had been helping his uncle with a little palace intrigue that was going on. Now though, his target was merely a student known as Nakahara Ryoma.

For some reason, he was mighty protective as a brother and that only upped the interest in Fuji's head. For being the playboy he usually was, he wanted a piece of anything he couldn't have.

It would take a little investigation to find out more about this pair of siblings but there was no doubt they had sparked Fuji's curiosity more than anything in the last few months. Yes, it was time hunt and corner when one's predator finds the "on" button to the prey.

XxX

Palace

Ren smiled slightly as his oldest friend spoke of how he hadn't been to a certain restaurant in a while and requested a different server only to receive the same one who hassled him constantly.

"Doesn't she know you're married?" Ren asked looking slightly at his own gold band and towards a similar one on Akira's left hand.

"You know those types who are positive that they can attract even the most vigilant husband to his wife." Akira said with a sigh.

"Yet you, being the nice guy you are didn't complain and had to deal with her for lunch huh?" Ren said with a slight smile.

Akira nodded with a tired look.

"Besides your lunch experience yesterday, have you heard anything on my trouble around the palace?" Ren asked looking with a more serious expression to Akira now.

Akira nodded slightly. "Word is that pressure is building up for you to offer for the Prime minister's daughter since your wife is dead and the heir apparent who was to marry her had died last year."

"She's only twenty eight Akira…" Ren said with a frown.

"You're only ten years older," Akira said with a shrug. "If Yori survived, he would be the same age as you."

"True but I feel strange that my daughter is sixteen this year and the council wants me to unite Japan even more by marrying her." Ren said with a frown.

"True but you have to remember, Ayaka's daughter does not count towards-"

"Chichue(Father)?"

Ren turned and smiled a bit as he ushered his daughter forward with a smile.

"What is it Yuna?"

"I'm sorry if I'm interrupting," Yuna said with a quick bow to Akira. " Fujiwara-san."

"Yuna-hime" Akira said with a quick smile and bow of his own.

"What's the matter Yuna?" Ren asked.

"Hahaue (Mother) is at it again," Yuna said with a frown. "I cannot concentrate on my work because she's going off about how you never have time to visit her."

Ren sighed but ushered his daughter over to hug her briefly before promising to look in on her mother.

As Ren guided his daughter back out of the room, Akira wondered if his old friend is happy at all with so much pressure.

It was true that the princess had fallen in love with Ren and so they married but he had always had sympathy for both the princess and Ren. They had both been his friend and he at one point had been the best candidate to marry the princess. Honestly he had really liked her too but he had been able to forget that with many other girls and though he hurt a lot of them, he was happy to have married a woman he eventually fell in love with.

Akira sighed softly as he wondered what life would've been like for Ren if he hadn't marry the princess for his family and married his current consort instead. What life would they all have now if Crown Prince Yori survived and was Emperor now?

A/n: Next time we'll dig deeper in palace life and a bit more prep of Fuji on getting Ryoma.