A/N: A slightly shorter chapter this time around. As always, I own nothing but the story concept you are reading.

I wish to welcome the following people to my humble little band of story groupies: Ingrid, Mariziramiraz, Cassert, Tigerbaby7, and Mycabbages176. Thank you for following, favorite-ing, and even commenting on the first chapter. Your feed back is always appreciated. ^_^ Now I will sit back, drink a nice cup of hot chocolate and let you all read to hearts content.

And now...

Confrontation

Chapter 2 – Joining Forces

Fukuzawa Residence – 30 minutes later.

Yumi slowly became aware that someone was talking. It took her a few seconds to realize that the person was calling her name. "Yumi-ojou-san." The driver called to her. Yumi heard him calling her, but wasn't yet awake enough to answer him. "Yumi-ojou-san." The driver repeated, slightly louder. This time Yumi startled to full alertness and sat up abruptly. "Yumi-ojou-san, we are here." The driver told her. Yumi looked around outside the car and saw that they were outside her home. She thanked the driver and exited the vehicle.

As she entered her home, her mother and brother were sitting in the front room watching TV. She had surprised them, as they had not expected her to return that evening. "Welcome home Yumi." Her mother said with concern as she stood and came out to the hallway. "I thought you were staying the night at Sachiko-chan's?"

"Ara…yes. Something…came up." Was Yumi's half-hearted response as she slipped off her shoes and walked towards the stairs.

Miki and Yuuki noted her dejected manner as she made her way up the stairs to her room, before silently shutting her door. They gave each other a knowing look. They had seen her this way before. Something was wrong and Yumi was upset. Considering where she had been, it was a given that it probably had something to do with Sachiko. As Yuuki started to follow his sister, Miki followed her motherly instincts and stopped him. Saying, "I don't think you can help with this one Yuuki." She gave him a small smile. Yuuki knew his mother and sister well enough to know that she was probably right. He went back into the front room as Miki went upstairs to check on Yumi.

Peering into Yumi's room, Miki could see that Yumi was lying face down on her bed, still dressed. She had already fallen asleep despite only being in the house for a few minutes. While she was concerned for her daughter's well being, Miki decided that whatever it was could wait. Leaving Yumi to sleep, she silently closed the door and returned downstairs.

As she walked back towards the kitchen, the phone rang. She heard Yuuki answer it. "Moshi-moshi, Fukuzawa residence." He said into the phone. He then paused as the caller identified who they were. Then, "Hai, one moment."

As Miki entered the kitchen, Yuuki turned to her and said. "It's for you mom. It is about Yumi." Miki gave him and the phone a concerned look before taking it from him. "This is Miki Fukuzawa, how can I help you?"

A cheerful voice said. "Good evening Miki-san, this is Sayako Ogasawara. I was calling to see if Yumi-chan arrived safely?" Miki almost choked upon hearing the name of her caller. It was a rarity to hear from such an honored person, especially when they were personally asking about a member of her family. "Hai, Sayako-sama. She did." she said.

"Did she say anything to you about this evening?" Sayako asked her.

"No," Miki replied. "She did not. She just came in a few minutes ago and went straight to her room. She is already asleep. Is there something wrong?"

"Well…to be honest, yes." Sayako told her. "Tell me, do you know of the... recent relationship between Yumi and Sachiko?"

This doesn't bode well Miki thought. Concerned, she asked, "In what respect?"

"The romantic one." Sayako replied.

"Ah. Yes. Yumi came to us about their relationship several months ago. Did Sachiko-chan finally discuss it with you as well?" Miki asked her.

"Not exactly." Sayako replied. "That is why I am calling you. I walked in on Yumi-chan and Sachiko as they were having an argument. Apparently, it was over Sachiko not telling us about her involvement with Yumi-chan. Yumi-chan was trying to get her to to open up to us. However, Sachiko refused to do it. So, it was actually Yumi-chan who had to tell me."

"Oh. I see…" Miki said.

"Miki-san," Sayako started to say. "The argument was, well, it was ugly. Because of that, they are both very emotional right now. Despite Yumi-chan's best efforts, Sachiko said nothing and the matter was not resolved between them. Although now at least, I am aware of the situation."

"Yes, I imagine that they would be." Miki told her. While she was happy that Sayako had called to tell her about their argument. She had not said where she and Tooru stood on the subject. This was making her nervous. However, Sayako's next statement alleviated that feeling.

"They really need our help and support Miki-san..."

"Y-yes, I agree with you on that." Miki replied with trepidation. "What do you have in mind?"

"Like I am sure you were, I was surprised to find out that Sachiko and Yumi-chan were a couple." Sayako began. "Having said that, I am also very happy for them. As I have mentioned to you before, they have both prospered from their kinship. I do wish that Sa-chan had told us herself and much sooner. Be that as it may, I am glad that it is out in the open now."

"I am sorry it came out like this Sayako-san. I know that Yumi has been stressed over Sachiko-chan and Kashiwagi-san's upcoming wedding. I cannot imagine that it has been any easier for Sachiko-chan." Miki paused momentarily. "I am sure that Yumi meant no disrespect to you or your family."

Sayako smiled to herself. "It is not necessary to apologize Miki-san. She has always been respectful to Tooru and I. We consider her to be a second daughter. Yumi-chan only wanted me to be aware of the true nature of their relationship before she left. She made it very clear that it is Sa-chan that she is angry with." Sayako paused before continuing. "However, I did have to intercede between them. I managed to stop Yumi from returning her rosary and ending their relationship. I don't believe that would be in their best interests. While this is a very inopportune time to have it come out, I know that they have enjoyed a very special relationship. It has changed Sa-chan for the better. So, it is one that I do not want to see destroyed."

Miki nodded as she said. "I agree."

"I am going to be working on Sa-chan. She does not have much time and there are a lot of things that she needs to work out with her grandfather, Tooru and I. She is devastated over the fight she had with Yumi-chan this evening. I believe Yumi-chan is too, maybe to a greater degree. In her case, I think Yumi-chan is losing hope. " Sayako said with some sadness.

Realizing the gravity of her daughter's problem, Miki said. "Oh no…"

"We cannot allow that hope to die Miki-san. For either one of them." Sayako told her.

"No. We cannot." Miki answered.

Sayako then told Miki, "I asked Yumi-chan to give me a week to work with Sa-chan. It is my hope to get her to talk with her father and grand-father to end the engagement. She also needs to be honest with us about Yumi-chan. You know that I am very fond of Yumi-chan, but at this juncture, I cannot assist her and Sachiko at the same time. So I need your help with this Miki-san."

Miki would have helped her daughter no matter what the circumstance was. But having Sayako Ogasawara personally ask for her help was an honor that only cemented her resolve even more. "Anything Sayako-sama," she replied. "Anything at all. Just ask us. Yuuichiru and I are behind them one-hundred percent."

Sayako was beaming on her end of the line. "Excellent!" She said. "Obviously, Yumi-chan is going to need serious morale boosting after tonight. You and I will need to talk face to face about this soon. In the meantime, I will be sending you some extra help. You have met Touko-chan, yes?"

"Yes, Yumi's petite-soeur correct?" Miki responded.

"The very one," Sayako told her. "Tomorrow morning, both she and Yumi's great-grande-soeur Mizouno Youko-san will be coming over to assist you in our little endeavor."

"Great, then I will be expecting them. The extra help will be appreciated. We will do what we can to keep Yumi's spirits up. Thank you for calling and keeping me informed." Miki replied.

"Anything for our daughters Miki-san." Sayako said. "And…well, considering the circumstances, this may be premature coming from me now, but I want to welcome your family into our family."

Miki was taken aback by Sayako's warm sentiment. Tears of joy started to well up in her eyes as she replied. "Arigato-gozaimasu, and welcome to ours as well."

"Arigato Miki!" Sayako said. "Until later then. Konban wa."

"Konban wa Sayako." Miki said before hanging up the phone. She then contemplated the conversation they had just had. She was almost overwhelmed with everything that had happened. Sayako's warm welcome and intimate use of her name left her feeling deeply honored. She needed to think further on what she could do to help Yumi with her current crisis. Deciding to let Yumi sleep for the night, she turned to start making dinner. She called Yuuki into the room.

Yuuki entered the kitchen, saying, "Yes mother?"

With conviction, Miki said to him. "We need to talk. I will be needing your help for a few days."

"Okay. With what?" Yuuki asked her.

"Your onee-chan…"

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