Author's Note: Sorry for the long hiatus. A combination of computer trouble, personal business and plain old writer's block have delayed this chapter much longer than I would've liked. But it's here now, and with it comes the introduction of my OC! Hope you enjoy!
Yu moved the last of his things into his room at the Shirogane estate - or rather, the room he and Naoto were now sharing. Daichi had surprised him yet again by not only allowing but requesting that they share a room, stating that, "You're soon to become family anyway, and it's best you remain together when you can." A week had gone by since he and Naoto had formed their engagement in the hospital, and while he had been happy to stay at her side during that time, it was nice to come home. His real home, where he and Naoto would live together forever.
"I see you've finished moving your things." Naoto said from the doorway, causing him to jump and wheel around. She was dressed as always, having insisted on getting dressed on her own despite her infirmity, and was seated in a matte black wheelchair controlled by a joystick on the right arm. A smile touched the corners of her mouth as she watched Yu's obvious surprise.
"How did you get up here? Did Daichi-sama or Yakushiji-san help you up the stairs?" He asked, trying to figure out how a wheelchair could have gotten up the steps unassisted.
The girl laughed, her expression recapturing the joy she had lost while in the hospital. "The steps can also function as escalators, in case an intruder ever managed to trap them with grease or something similar. You didn't know?"
Yu shook his head in amazement. "I didn't. The Shirogane family really does think of everything; guess I'll have to step up my game before we get married." A grin crossed his face as he saw Naoto blush at his words.
"That's still a ways off…" She muttered, flushed with embarrassment. "I still need to graduate high school, after all, and there's so much to consider when setting up the ceremony… I still can't believe this is true, to be honest. It still feels like a dream."
A smile touched the young man's face as he walked over to Naoto and gently touched her hair. "One step at a time, Naoto. One step at a time." His voice was soft and caring, his fingers gently stroking his beloved's hair.
Before he could say or do anything else, however, Yakushiji's voice drifted up the stairs to them. "Naoto-sama, Arimitsu-sama is here to see you."
"I'll be down in a moment." The detective called back before looking to Yu with resignation in her face and, when she next spoke, in her voice as well. "I'm sorry to trouble you, but would you accompany me downstairs? There's someone you should meet…"
Yu nodded quickly, beginning to push Naoto's wheelchair for her. "Just so you don't have to use up the battery." He explained before she could protest, smiling as they descended the escalator-stairs and entered the anteroom where Daichi, Yakushiji and an intense-looking stranger waited.
"This is a surprise." The stranger said in a dry voice as the two entered. "I was unaware you were being replaced, Yakushij." He was intimidating to say the least, wearing a blue suit similar to Naoto's favorite cold-weather outfit under a matching long coat, both the same color as his navy blue hair. His eyes were steel-gray and cold as chilled metal, and a long scar down his right cheek served as the only mar to his statuesque appearance. All in all, he looked like an older, rugged, male Naoto.
The crippled detective glowered at her visitor, saying in a hard tone, "Yu is not a replacement for Yakushiji. He is my fiancé, and I would appreciate it if you respected him as such."
A snort escaped the young man's nose as he glanced to Daichi. "Grandfather, is this true? This delinquent is Nao-chan's husband-to-be? Please tell me this is your idea of a joke." His voice was lazy and careless, emphasizing the already prominent disdain it held.
"Not at all, Arimitsu. Yu here is the man I spoke to you about before you arrived." Daichi didn't seem to mind Arimitsu's obvious dislike of the situation, though whether he didn't care or was just taking it in stride was up for debate.
Yu stepped forward and extended his hand, speaking formally as he said, "I'm Yu Narukami. A pleasure to meet you."
The cold man shook his hand briefly before pulling back, answering, "Arimitsu Shirogane. And yes, it is." Turning away from Yu, Arimitsu sighed, "Have you truly lost sight of who you are, Nao-chan? No matter how fine an air he puts on, a common street punk is ill suited to share in the prestige of the Shirogane family. Surely you understand this?"
"Enough!" Naoto suddenly snapped. "I will not have you insulting Yu right in front of me! Apologize, Arimitsu!"
Before she could continue, Naoto was silenced by Yu's gesture for her to stop. Once she had quieted, the silverette responded in an equally cold voice, "I realize you don't want me to marry Naoto, but it's not for you to decide. We've been dating for two years now, and I don't intend to leave her simply because an arrogant prick like you doesn't approve." There was a harsh undertone beneath Yu's words, delivering his point like the Blade of Totsuka he wielded during his adventure.
Arimitsu stiffened visibly, then slowly turned back to the two. "You really are a fool, aren't you?" He hissed venomously. "You had best watch your tongue, or you might find it removed from your empty head." The Shirogane's fingers twitched as a flash of metal could be seen slipping out of his sleeve.
Daichi chose that moment to intervene, roaring, "That is enough! Arimitsu, you've gone too far. As for you two…" The old man turned his eyes on Yu and Naoto, both of whom still looked angry. "Restrain yourselves. I will not have the three of you raising havoc in my house."
Arimitsu's eyes stayed locked on Yu's for a moment before he turned away, sticking whatever he was carrying back up his sleeve. "As you wish, Grandfather." He said stiffly. "If you'll excuse me…" The fearsome young man swept out of the room, followed by Daichi and Yakushiji.
"Let's go, Yu." Naoto sighed. "I'll explain everything upstairs." And so they ascended to their room again, at which point the young detective shook her head miserably.
"What's his problem?" Yu asked, anger still present in his voice.
"Arimitsu is my cousin - his father is my mother's brother. He's technically the successor to the Shirogane name, though he's also the black sheep of the family." She looked away, her voice low as she continued. "He trained to be a detective, but ended up being recruited as part of a special squad by the prefecture. He specializes in undercover operations; most of his time is spent infiltrating gangs, black market groups, drug cartels and the like. It's changed his personality dramatically since he began the work - he's combined his Shirogane pride with a belief that our family is above all others, and is adamant that we only associate with those of 'high status and good breeding' as he says. More than once he's broached the subject of arranging my marriage, usually to complete strangers as a means of gaining political power. It's been a source of contention between him and Grampa for many years."
Yu's fists clenched as he seethed, "That's horrible. I'll have to make sure I restrain myself when I'm around him then; it wouldn't look good if I gave my cousin-to-be a black eye." He ground his teeth angrily, obviously extremely annoyed with the new arrival.
Naoto saw the look in his eyes and felt concern wash over her. "Please calm down, Yu. You're starting to scare me…" She recognized the look in her fiancé's eyes; it was the same expression he'd possessed two years before, when he and Yosuke were on the verge of throwing Taro Namatame into the TV.
The silverette breathed deeply, eventually calming himself. "I'm alright… I'm alright, Naoto." He exhaled slowly, his next words said in an icy voice. "I won't let him get the best of me. I'll prove to him that I'll take care of you."
"I'm sure you'll convince him eventually. His work has given him a negative outlook on the 'common people', but you'll be the one to break that mold." The detective smiled softly, taking his hand and holding it gently. "After all, I know my husband-to-be is unmatched by any other."