Hopefully this chapter will be longer to make up for yesterday's shorty.

Lord Kazunari sat in the parlor, right leg crossed over the left at the knee, his hands resting casually on the arms of his chair. Some tension was relieved as he slowly ran his fingers over the soft velvet. He remembered when he first picked out this chair, a few months after Shintarō had joined him at the manor. The man was still getting used to the duties that arose while being a butler, and he was just starting to figure out a morning schedule that worked for everyone. Yet, from the start Kazunari noticed that the greenhead had an impeccable eye for detail - and not for the first time he wondered what kind of life his butler had before the tragedy?

Pulling himself from his reverie, Kazunari focused his eyes on the young Lady in front of him: Satsuki Momoi. She was dressed head to toe in a red dress that he felt was much more suited for a evening during the weekend rather than noonday in the middle of the week. The dress was strapless, her breasts were practically hanging out, and the slit up her dress exposed the entirety of her right leg. There was a matching hand fan in her left hand, and every so often she would fan it in front of her neck, as if it was ninety degrees in the room instead of seventy-two. Her neck was adorned in a large, chunky necklace made of rubies, and Kazunari noticed she had matching earrings on as well. Her long, pink hair was up and styled into a stylish mess of curls, and a red hair piece was nestled amongst those curls, barely visible.

"Thank you, Midorima. You may leave." The tone of Satsuki's voice was cold, dismissive, and rude. Kazunari was about to speak up when Shintarō beat him to it, deeply bowing towards their seats.

"Yes, my Lady." He exited the room, softly closing the door behind him. Kazunari couldn't believe his butler took that tone with a grain of salt; at the same time, the young Lord could. He had trained his butler to be proper and kind, which did not take much refining. The man was already proper, if he wasn't pissed off and vulnerable.

If only Judge Ōtsubo could see him now. Heh.

"I don't very much appreciate you taking that tone with my employee, Lady Momoi." If Satsuki's voice was cold before, Kazunari's was an ice age at this point. Generally, he was an easy-going guy, which made making business deals fairly easy for him, especially when you tacked on his charm and good looks. But if someone messed with any of his employees, especially Shintarō, they were just asking for his dark side to show itself. "This is not your manor, you are a mere guest, if that. Treat my employees with respect."

"He did not seem to mind, Kazunari." A pout formed on her lips, and the Lord found himself having to suppress an eye-roll and internally groaning.

"It's Lord Takao to you, Lady Momoi."

"Aw, that's not fair. I thought you were the personal type, considering how you address Aomine." Her words had quite an unpleasant bite to them, adding fuel to the fire. He couldn't stand the look on her face: daunting and teasing, not in a good way.

"Daiki is a dear friend of mine, and has requested I call him as such. Don't be sour that he wishes you call him Ao-mi-ne." A smirk rested on his lips, eyes twinkling. Kazunari didn't like Satsuki, and decided he wouldn't take her as a bride, but he found amusement in annoying this pink haired brat.

"He - Listen! You don't understand!" And the calm exterior Satsuki tried so hard to keep cracked, showing her angry side. Her hands were clenched at the end of the chair's arms, knuckles white. The hand fan was now on the ground, half open and forgotten. There was a fire in her eyes, which delighted Kazunari very much. It was almost as if there was a pissed off chihuahua in front of him - "Cute. Pathetically cute."

"I don't? Please, care to elaborate?" the young Lord spoke, and his words had a sing-song tone to them, further egging on the pinkhead.

"You don't understand what it's like to love a man who's in love with another man!" she gritted out, her jaw clenched as she was half-in half-out of her seat.

Kazunari raised an eyebrow, even more curious than he was before. He had not suspected such a harsh reaction from the girl, and felt sort of bad for poking at a sore spot - sort of. Yet, before he could comment, Satsuki seemed to calm herself. The cushion gave as she sat back, fixing her dress and placing her hands in her lap. She shut her eyes and took a deep breath, her face relaxing as she quieted herself. "I'm sorry, this is not what I came here to talk to you about."

A small nod was her response, and Kazunari found himself becoming bored once again. A sigh escaped his lips, but he tried to keep himself composed. Sometimes he wished that he was not head of the family, that he could let his father take over and goof around with the butlers and maids or just play around in his room.

Even though he was only 21, he still had a very active childish side. Slowly he was becoming better and better at being professional and business-like, yet he knew that his dad was the one most companies and business partners would prefer to negotiate with. Kazunari had created a bad reputation for himself as a child, and was now paying the price for it. Most partners had wanted to pull away from their contracts, yet realized it was not in their best interest. The Takao Corporation specialized in hotel and restaurant services, regarding management, mostly. Kazunari had gone into some hotels and restaurants to help with redecorations or issues in staff and management, but was rarely ever asked to show up in person. A lot of his partners were foreign, and he had enjoyed conversing with them for the experience.

"Then, what did you come here for? If you don't mind me asking."

She smiled, acting as if her recent outburst never happened. "Oh boy, she's a handful. In love with Daiki while he fancies Ryōta? That's rough. Maybe her love isn't returned because she seems to overreact a lot."

"Well," she cleared her throat, adjusting the skirt of her dress. Instead of talking, she handed the Lord a letter.

•

"So, you're Shintarō, huh?" The butler kept his face neutral as Ryōta shamelessly invaded his personal space. "I've heard so much about you! Yet all this time I've never gotten to talk to you one on one like this. Kazu's so protective like that."

"'Kazu'?" Taiga questioned, arms crossed against his chest, which was covered by his uniform.

"Yes, Kazu! It's my nickname for Kazunari. Isn't it adorable?" The blonde was very excited, and gave off a very happy-go-lucky aura. Shintarō didn't necessarily mind the man's attitude, but he wished the man would take a step or so back.

"Ryōta." Seijūrō sent a warning to the aristocrat, who tensed for a second before backing up slightly.

"Sorry, sorry! I get excited sometimes." Ryōta laughed nervously, sparing glances towards Seijūrō. Obviously, the soon to be King made everyone in the room nervous, except for Shintarō and Atsushi. "He has quite a presence if he makes both a Four Star and a Five Star General be on edge." the butler noted, his interest in the man growing immensely with that one observation.

"Aomine." Tetsuya called, his eyes directed at the dark-skinned male, who was currently trying to coax Ryōta into sitting down again. "What do you think Momoi wants with Takao?"

"Hn, I'm not exactly sure." The eldest male admitted, rubbing the back of his head. "It could be a number of things. Most likely a business deal, since her family is the second largest restaurant-affiliated company in the country - Kazunari's company being the absolute largest. Her father has been getting on her case recently about contacting him." He rubbed his chin, leaning back in his seat. "She also could be asking for advice on something. Possibly on management…" Another thoughtful pause. "But, honestly, that's not very likely. As far as I know, Momoi wants to marry and not have to deal with her father's company at all."

"So, she's making a business deal?" Atsushi asked, still standing at Seijūrō's right.

"…Of some sort, I would guess." Shintarō spoke up, and from the look on his face, he must have not realized he had actually spoken. "M-My apologizes, Gentlemen. I did not mean to speak out of turn like that."

"Do you know something, Midorima?" Tetsuya asked, tipped off by his choice of wording.

"Lady Momoi…" the man sighed, obviously distressed by the information, and busied himself by continuing to poor tea. "Lady Momoi came to talk to Lord Takao about a marriage deal."

"Ah, did she?" Daiki drawled, mildly interested. "I wonder what the catalyst was."

"We all know it's not because she actually loves Kazunari, since she barely knows him. I believe it's a business deal of sorts: merge the two top companies in the restaurant business, get an heir out of it so Kazunari doesn't have to worry about it anymore." Seijūrō stated, sipping at his tea. "Everyone who's known the Takao family, or even worked with their company knows that Kazunari has been pressured about having an heir already. It was heavily spurred on by his parent's death. I feel bad for the man, honestly. Especially since it's Momoi we're discussing." Red eyes turned towards Daiki, "Pardons, Daiki. But we all know it's true."

"There's a reason that even though I've known her so long I keep her as unfamiliar as possible." The socialite sighed, looking bothered. Ryōta looked uneasy, as if he wanted to soothe the man.

"Why is it that no one wants to be close to her?" Atsushi asked, more so for Shintarō sake then his own; he knew the man wanted to know, but would never ask himself.

"Ah." Seijūrō set his tea cup down, closing his eyes. "Momoi has a…reputation, amongst socialites and wealthy parties. She has a tendency to get attached quickly, and usually they put up with her quirks. A lot of men could just he happy with her figure, not caring much for her personality. Yet, when those men tried to leave her for a more…complete - for lack of a better word - woman, she would, well, snap."

"Snap?" Taiga asked, his head tilted slightly in interest.

"Yes, she would find a way to ruin their life. Either by trashing their reputation, or by ruining their companies. It didn't matter, she usually found something to ruin for them."

Shintarō got a bad feeling about this, especially since he knew Lord Kazunari did not want to marry her. And although his opinions did not matter much, being a butler, but…he simply couldn't let his Master ruin his career by simply rejecting a woman.

"Momoi is a woman good at gathering information, especially of the scandalous nature. She's exposed affairs, tampered information, rotten business deals, and the like. Most men try not to get involved with her, if they can." Daiki commented, his cheek resting against the open palm of his hand.

The butler had heard enough about the woman, and he was far too concerned about his Master to stay in the room any longer. His hands grabbed the cart's handle firmly, pushing a few strands of his hair - that had fallen into his face - back. The light from the large windows shone against his glasses, creating a glare that hid his eyes. If anyone could see the look in his eyes, they would most likely shrink away in fear.

Those beautiful eyes were gleaming in anger; murder was nestled amongst the green of his irises. He felt the overwhelming need to go to his Master and warn him, separate him from that small excuse for a woman and tell him what he was getting himself into. And as the greenhead walked down the halls, leaving the guests to the study, he reigned in his angry beast that wished to act out. "Kazunari needs a bride. She's a good candidate, despite her quirks. She can bear him an heir, and that's what he needs the most. Someone to take over when he retires, someone who can lift his spirits when he's sad, hug him when he needs one, and warm his heart. Even if Momoi herself can't do that, maybe a child could." Shintarō reassured himself, slowing his angry pace.

He longed to return to that parlor, his gloved fingers even twitched at the thought, but he also knew he shouldn't interrupt his Master's business. Shintarō wasn't fit to be with the Lord, even as a butler. Their difference in social status was far too great, first of all. But, the most obvious problem was that they were both men. Even if it was accepted, it was still frowned upon in higher societies. The old rich bastards were too caught up in the old, traditional ways that no one would accept their relationship. Besides, why would his Lord have feelings for him in the first place? He had his pick of women, and Shintarō had to constantly reject potential suitors almost every day.

The man sighed as he entered the kitchen, and gave instructions to a few of the maids on how to prepare the evening meal.

•

Kazunari Takao,

If you are reading this, then my darling daughter is in your company at the moment. Whether or not this is the beginning or the end of that conversation, I believe this letter is the most important part of this discussion.

I know that you have declared you do not wish to take a bride yet, but on a business stand-point, I believe that now is the best time to wed. Without anyone else to guide you, you as a business man will need to appear as if you have no problem with long-term commitment. Many of the men you work with, as you know, are traditional and skeptical men who need proof and a good feeling to accept partnerships.

My darling Satsuki - although she may have a reputation - is an excellent fit to be the woman at your side. She is wealthy, proper, and beautiful. Not only that, but she is the heir to the Momoi Inc., the second largest company to work in the restaurant business, after yours. If you were to take my Satsuki as a bride, the two companies could merge and completely dominate the restaurant business. Completely unrivaled.

Your father and mother had been avidly trying to get a partnership out of us for years, yet we held back and waited for the perfect opportunity. THIS is the perfect opportunity, Takao. This is what your parents would have wanted.

Please take all of this into consideration as you consider my daughter for marriage.

Regards,

Momoi

CEO of Momoi Inc.

After finishing the letter, Kazunari sighed. He could tell Momoi's father was playing at the sensitive subject of his parents' death to get him to accept. Even if it should bother him, it didn't. He knew that it was what his parents' wanted, yet never got.

The only thing that bothered the Lord was Shintarō's persistence to accept the proposal. "Why? Why is he so persistent?" he asked himself, a frown on his face.

•

"I can see why Kazu has a thing for Midorima! I mean, that man is gorgeous!" Ryōta was fawning over the butler, incredibly taken by the young man's looks. The blonde could see why Kazunari was refusing to take a bride. If Ryōta had someone like him constantly making him breakfast, helping him dress, and just be at his side every day…he'd go nuts.

"He is quite good looking." Seijūrō commented, still nursing his tea cup. "He seems intelligent, very observant." The redhead had a thoughtful face on, looking down at his tea. Atsushi had a frown on his face, as if he could sense that something was weighing on his boss' mind. "I'm concerned, though."

"About?" Taiga asked, having barely touched his own tea.

"Midorima may be ruining Kazunari's chances in business…just by capturing the Lord's affections." The Prince shrugged, lifting his eyes to meet Taiga's. "But I also don't know the circumstances surrounding that man, either. It could be quite the opposite."

"I think Midorima is good for Takao." Tetsuya added, his hands in his lap. "Without him, I feel as though Takao would be a lot more…ah, how should I put this?" The general paused, fishing for the right word. "A lot more cynical."

"How so?" Seijūrō questioned, genuinely curious as to what Tetsuya meant.

"Takao is a smart man, with a lot of power. And without his parents around to keep him under any sort of rein, Takao would let his power get to him. Midorima keeps him under control, and guides him in the right direction." The blue-eyed man glanced at Seijūrō. "Although they both may harbor feelings for the other, I don't believe Midorima will act on them."

"Well, whether or not Midorima acts on his feelings, we have Momoi to worry about right now. She's currently the one in a room with him, most likely discussing marriage." Daiki said, still appearing bored. "We'll worry about any harbored feelings that the butler may have if Takao comes out of that room a single man."

The group quieted as Kazunari walked back in, tucking a letter into his jacket. Silently, he walked to his chair, his face expressionless. Every one of his guests was on edge, nervous to hear what he had to say about Momoi. A few of them shared a bad feeling from Kazunari's quiet state, but refused to speak up.

As soon as the man sat, he raised his eyes and looked at each of his friends, and spoke, "I'm getting married."