A/N: Okay, many people have been asking about this fic. Various questions about "Am I going to continue STAY?" or "Is this still on-going? I want to see more?" and many similar ones. I'm glad though, seeing many people enjoying my fanfic. Today, as I finished this chapter (10/02/2015), I have decided to keep writing my fanfictions and hopefully I will get those inspirations back. I want to say my biggest thanks to everyone who gave me support and I must admit, I appreciate every reviews and PMs you guys sent!

With this, in this year of 2015, I will still continue writing and finished all the on-going fanfictions I wrote back then.

CORRECTION? BETA? Not for now. Just starting over everything after more than a year away from FFN. I'm terribly sorry for all the errors. I only corrected this story with Ms. Word

All in all, please ENJOY the story!

"Stay"

"Blood relatives often have nothing to do with family, and similarly, family is about who you choose to make your life with." -Oliver Hudson

Chapter 17: Fixed Plan!

"Ah..." Sighed in a bit of annoyance, another rang echoing in the room. As if shouting something like 'Wake up now!' in a very annoying way. The brown-haired slowly opens her eyes just to be greeted by the sunlight striking straight to her half-lidded eyes. "Ugh, that has to be the reason the night is so cold..." She muttered, catching the bedroom window is not properly shut.

Ritsu grabbed his ringing cellphone and quickly turning it off, annoyed.

Then she feels someone in her arm shrugged, she's shifted her head down at her companion. Last night she was talking with her fiancée, Akiyama Mio. Things got a little tensed, but they get it over and it came to her conclusion, "So... After all, problems between lovers are meant to make them stronger? Well, I agree... In a way." She thought as she watching the other girl sleeping so peacefully and still in one of her protective arm to keep her warm through her good night sleep.

"RITSU! WAKE UP, RITSU! BREAKFAST IS READY!" A familiar woman voice shouted from likely to be downstairs. It was Mrs. Tainaka Satomi, Tainaka Ritsu's mother.

"Geez, does she really need to shout like that?" Ritsu muttered to herself and beginning to shake Mio's shoulder lightly and try to wake her up. "Mio? Hey, wake up, Princess Mio... It's almost noon already." She joked, she haven't even looking at the clock but she guessed it might be around 8 to 9 A.M

The girl shrugged again, slowly and purred softly, "Hnn... Rit...su...?" Mio did not bothered to open her eyes and just snuggle closer to Ritsu's arm, silently telling Ritsu that she was still sleepy and wanted to sleep for a few more minutes.

"Look who's now being lazy" Ritsu teased, it was not an every-morning sight to see Mio being like this and for Ritsu, this is just really cute. Smiling, she bent down a little to Mio's ear, "Mom's calling out from downstairs, you know" whispered Ritsu, making Mio shivers a little from the tingling of Ritsu's breathe on her ear.

"But, Ritsu... " Still sounded pretty sleepy, Mio managed to say something to Ritsu. "...It's so comfy, and warm...can't we stay here just a little while longer? A few minutes?"

It made Ritsu chuckled, She's really cute like this... Mattaku... then still smiling, she replied, "As nice as it is, Mio, we need to really wake up... You don't want my mom to barge in our room any time soon, do you? And don't you forget, we're not in my apartment" Mio was feeling embarrassed when she realized where they were sleeping for the night and burying her face on Ritsu's chest so the other girl won't notice it.

But Mio was being far too obvious with that blush on her face, it just made Ritsu had to kiss her on the forehead.

"Now, if you'll excuse me, I'd like to brush my teeth before I can't stop myself from kissing your lips" Mio was faster as she quickly got up from the bed and from Ritsu's super comfy arm then rushed to the bathroom. "No fair, Mio~" Ritsu playfully pouted her lips but chuckled right after. She reached for her phone again and turning it on - after turning it off minutes ago - to check if there is anything necessary to look up. "Probably work -" She stopped, checking her mail full of rumors about "Tainaka Ritsu's incoming engagement going to be held and announced publicly".

Just then, Mio finished whatever 'thing' she did in the bathroom, seems like it was a quick bath. "Ritsu, I'm done, you can use the bathroom now" said Mio while wiping her face with a small towel and try to dry her hair. "It is pretty well maintained, the room it is. I mean, for a room that is no longer used by anyone in the house." There's a little after she continue, "I remembered the last time we slept here, but just noticed everything in this room."

"Yeah," Ritsu put her cellphone on the bedside table and stood up from the bed. "Actually, not really, mom must have come in prepared since I said I'm going to visit yesterday. Besides, back then, we left early in the morning." Walking towards the bathroom, she noticed that Mio is still standing there, "I see you found my bathrobe, hm?" It made Mio crossed her arms around her chest, trying to hide her embarrassment by averting her eyes else where.

"Uhm... I made my shirt soaking wet while I was in the bathroom," This getting a little uncomfortable with Ritsu staring at her. "I found this bathrobe hanging in the bathroom, so I decided to use one - there are two bathrobes." After the short explanation, the other girl doesn't seem to take her eyes off her. With the way she looks at me... It's as if she can see through this wardrobe. She then shut her eyes in embarrassment. "R-Ritsu, it's fine -"

"Here," Mio opened her eyes just to be greeted by a pair of clothes in Ritsu's hand. "Don't worry this might be fit on you."

Mio eyed the pair of jeans. Jeans? Is that even a girl's one? She asked in her mind.

"This is unlike my usual jeans, I never wore it but mom bought it for me back then. Besides, this is a lot better than wearing my bathrobe." Not waiting for Mio's opinion, Ritsu put the clothes on the bed and walks toward the bathroom. "You can change later when we arrive at my apartment." Mio heard the sound of the bathroom door closed, followed with another shout. "Oh, yeah, Mio? Please come downstairs as soon as you're done. Mom's waiting for us to have breakfast."

The black-haired girl sighed, she started to read minds like Mugi does. Then grabbed the clothes and started to dress herself up. It took her about fifteen minutes to get ready and checking herself in the mirror. "Ritsu?" She instinctively said when the bathroom door opened and revealed Ritsu in her bathrobe.

"Mio? Why are you doing still here?" Frowning, Ritsu sighed. There is something wrong with the t-shirt Mio's wearing. "Ah... Wait a sec, let me get you another shirt." Ritsu quickly searching for another shirt which will suit Mio's figure. In truth, the t-shirt she handed Mio was too tight and Mio felt uncomfortable wearing it. It reveals some parts Mio doesn't want anybody to stares at. "Okay, I guess this will do." She pulled out a grey hoodie from her wardrobe.

Mio nodded in agreement, besides with Ritsu's figure, Mio doubt there's any more shirt bigger than the one she wore at the moment. Ritsu's clothes for the Ritsu now will probably be too big for her too. So a jacket or a hoodie will do just fine. She gladly accepted it and took the hoodie from Ritsu's hand, then checking herself up in the mirror. This is better. "Ritsu, you finished your bath too quick." It's one of her habits, taking a bath so fast that Mio sometimes doubt she really taken a bath.

"You know I always do, Mio." Smiling while grabbing her own clothes. The usual work attire she always wore every time she goes to work. Ritsu carelessly took off the wardrobe, it made Mio rolled her eyes.

What's her point in using the bathrobe, really? Another habit Mio found out about Ritsu is that the girl always finish the bath and came out with a t-shirt and a pair of short-pants - boxers. Seeing how Ritsu helped her with her clothes, she felt the need to return the favor. Mio started walking towards Ritsu and grabbed the white shirt. "I'll help you with this." Smiling when she was greeted by Ritsu's smile. After finishing the white shirt, Mio patted both of Ritsu's shoulders lightly. She noticed something off. "Ritsu, you're not wearing any bra?" Mio asked out of pure curiosity.

Ritsu deadpanned with the sudden question, "Bra don't usually fit on me, Mio. What do you think the reason I always wear a t-shirt underneath?"

A small guilt fell on Mio for asking such question. "Sorry, but I just noticed, you know." Ritsu nodded and decided to drop off the topic there. It came to the last piece of cloth, the one Ritsu can never do herself. The tie. Mio blushed slightly, but it follows with her sweet smile while doing Ritsu's tie. "So... Do I need to do more of this in the future?"

"Yes, unless you want other woman to do it for me?"

Ritsu received a light punch on the arm for the tease. She knew Mio is a bit of a jealous type, and Ritsu likes to mess with that at times. Mio found it cute with that way of affection.

Akiyama Resident.

"Mio-chan..." A motherly voice echoed softly.

Then three knocks sent to her door. "Excuse me, Ma'am." Said a girl, probably one of the maids.

"Come on in. It's not locked." With the permission, the maid came inside, bringing a few medicines. "Is it time for another?"

"Yes, Ma'am." The so-called-Ma'am is one of the owners of the house, she currently just got back from the hospital. Akiyama Minoru. "Mr. Akiyama called just now, he said he'll be coming home early in the evening. He also said for you to get ready." The maid said with a calm smile and Minoru replied her with a simple nod and a smile. "Is there anything else you need, Ma'am?"

"Actually, I want to ask you something. Have you seen my daughter?"

"Yes, Ma'am. She left early in the morning today."

"I see... When did she usually come home?"

"Usually at night, but there's one time she didn't come back home until morning." The woman raised an eyebrow at this. "She left a message for it, I remember she said she was going to a friend's party on Christmas' Eve."

"Her friend..." Minoru put a thoughtful expression, thinking this might be true. "Is this friend of hers is Tainaka Ritsu?"

With a smile, the maid reply her. "I'm sorry but I do not know this friend of her. She never mentioned her friend, and she only mentioned Mr. Tainaka for business purposes." Minoru nodded, she understood that very well.

"Okay, you may leave now. Thank you for telling me."

"It's my pleasure, Ma'am. It's my duty after all since you were away in the hospital." The smile never goes away from the maid's face. Maybe she was trained that way to keep her calm and always smile while serving the masters. "Is there anything else you'd like to know, Ma'am?" The woman shook her head. "Alright, I'll be leaving now. Please, feel free to call me if there's anything else you need. I'll be downstairs."

Not minding the maid who just left the room, Minoru took a seat on a couch nearby the window. She placed her elbow on the window frame, relaxing herself with her palm supporting her chin. "He must have told her to help with all the work... But what I've seen on the TV back at the hospital, could it really be true then?" She recalled when she watches the TV and a news came up about Tainaka Ritsu who got caught kissing a girl at Tokyo University. "Tokyo University, the one Mio-chan should attend once we arrive from London..."

She watches the scenery from the window. Her thoughts wandering about the two girls, related to Tainaka Ritsu, but actually in a very different way.

"Maybe I should take another visit, I didn't get to meet her the last time." She smiled, "Tainaka Ritsu, hm?"

Somewhere.

Akiyama Mio or should she now address herself no longer as Akiyama Mio, but Himeko Mia. She just found out something really shocking, about the truth, her identity. That she was actually an adopted child of the Akiyama family. The girl sighed, "I should think about this carefully. In the meantime, I need to straight things up. I'm still Akiyama Mio and those rumors about me and Ritsu-san is another thing to handle ahead of everything else."

Bzzt... Bzzt... Mio felt her cellphone vibrated, it was a phone call, "Father?" She echoed the name from her phone screen, then wasted no time to answer it. "Good afternoon, father. Is something the matter?"

"Ah, no, not really. I just wanted to let you know that Minoru is no longer hospitalized, she might already be home by now. So as a celebration, we'll be eating dinner outside. Will you join us then?"

She smiles, after all, the Akiyama family has been really kind to her. "Of course, I'll be back home early tonight."

"Really? That's really good to hear... I thought you'd be bothered, you know since Minoru seems to notice the truth about you being adopted."

"She's a mother, no wonder she has higher sense when it comes to her own daughter. I can understand that very well, father."

"Thank you for being so understandable, Mio-chan..."

"It's the least I can do for your family. Since I'm currently being reported in every news, I think it will be weird to see my father and mother having dinner without their only daughter."

Tainaka Resident.

The breakfast is no longer have the tense, like the first dinner they had, but it seems that someone can't seem to stop eyeing a certain girl. Tainaka Ryuuji has that curious look on his face, glancing to Mio every few seconds. This has made the other girl annoyed, "Dad, seriously? Stop eyeing my fiancee like that. It's really weird, you know."

"What? I'm not eyeing her."

"You're scaring her - literally." Said the woman on Ryuuji's right side while glancing at him with a slight death glare. "Anyway, Mio-chan, do you like it?" She was referring it to the meal she served. "You know it seemed like you it a lot, the omelet." It made Mio feel a little flustered, "I see Ricchan helped you to get another one not long ago." Mio didn't know anyone would notice but something like that is very noticeable while eating together.

Flashback moments ago.

"Ritsu," Mio whispered while poking Ritsu on her arm, Ritsu responded with a simple 'hm?' then Mio continued, "Um... Could you get me one of those again, Ritsu?" Ritsu raised an eyebrow, glanced at Mio's plate, she knew Mio just finished one already.

Mm... This is new. Ritsu thought, because Mio is the kind of person who is very careful about her weight. "Sure." Ritsu without being any more cautious, took another piece of omelet and put it on Mio's plate. She could even see that smile Mio gave, like a little girl who just got an ice cream. It also made Ritsu smile, unless other than those two; Tainaka Ryuuji, Tainaka Satomi and Tainaka Satoshi looked a little surprised.

Secretively, Ryuuji and Satomi exchange glances at each other. She likes it very much.

"Um..." Mio knew this was pretty embarrassing for her for everyone to notice, but since she is now Ritsu's fiancee, she thought keeping another secret from this family would be unnecessary. "Actually, yes, I like it very much. Back then, my mom used to cook this for us - me and my dad - in the morning. It's one of my favorites... although, Ritsu ever cooked me an omelet as well, but yours taste very similar to my mom's cooking... It kind of reminded me of her..."

Ritsu noticed this is going to be a little emotional just like their last dinner, Satoshi shot the same look at Ritsu. "Well, then... Mom, you need to tell me the exact recipe for this omelet!"

"No way, Ricchan." Her mom insisted in not giving the recipe. "I can finally know Mio-chan's favorite meal, I won't give it to you. I want to make sure you two come here or Mio-chan can come here alone if you want any more of those delicious omelet."

"Meh, selfish..."

"Mom is right, Neechan." Satoshi spoke up his opinion, "Besides, it's good to have family breakfast or dinner once in a while, don't you think so too, Mio-neechan?" He smiles at Mio and she nodded in agreement. He won't lie, he misses having this kind of atmosphere. Eating together in the dining room, without any tense, only chatting and just enjoying each other's companion.

The rest of the breakfast went on well, they talked about things and much of the topics were about Mio. Looks like Ritsu's parents are trying to get a closure, although in truth, Mio is the one who should get a closure with Ritsu's parents. "Ritsu, how about your engagement, then?" Ryuuji suddenly asked. "Satomi told me that you were going to announce it publicly. Is that true?"

She went silent, starting to doubt the plan. "It's true," Mio just can't stand seeing Ritsu taking the bullet for her all the time. This time, she'll be brave enough for her. "I'm the one who came up with the idea."

"Mio-chan..."

"I'm sorry, but I think it's best if my existence be kept as a secret." She clenched her fist softly, "At least for now."

Ryuuji knew it well enough what the black-haired girl meant by that. She doesn't want it to be more complicated with the rumor of her existence and Akiyama Mio's existence. "I see, seeing you came up with this idea... Are you aware of what might happen in the future, Mio-chan?" Mio nodded, "Then I'll go talk to him." By 'him' both Ritsu and Mio knew who he meant. Too bad, everything must ended when Ritsu had a phone call and she's needed at the office soon.

Ritsu excused herself, so did Satoshi, unless her dad stopped Satoshi from leaving. "I need to talk to you about something, please stay a little longer. It won't take long."

Ritsu frowned, "Dad, don't trouble him." She warned.

"I know, Ritsu... I don't want to talk about work, really."

"Good, then..." She turned to Satoshi, "Let me know if anything happens, okay?" He nodded and so the two went made their way outside.

"Drive safely, Ricchan ~ Please feel free to come again, Mio-chan ~" Her mom waved the two couple and can't stop smiling. She made her way back inside the house to check on her husband and her son. "My, my... Isn't Ritsu being more caring towards you, Satoshi-kun?"

Satoshi once again, nodded in agreement. "Well, maybe you only just noticed now, but she's been like that since she met Mio-neechan."

"Mm..." It was from Tainaka Ryuuji, who had the serious look on his face. "About, Mio-chan... I want to ask you something and also tells you something, Satoshi..."

Tokyo University.

"Yui, why are you here?" Feeling slightly annoyed, the twin-tailed hair girl frowned at her girlfriend who isn't supposed to be at her university. "Aren't you supposed to go to your own college?" She was annoyed because Yui won't stop following her through the university. She may even following her inside the class, that would be very embarrassing and she doesn't want Yui embarrass herself either.

With the familiar grin, Yui replied. "I finished my classes, Azunyan ~"

"Don't lie, Yui... It's not even noon yet." It's not even 11 P.M yet.

"Oh, look who's here? Is that you Hirasawa Yui?" Yui raised an eyebrow, but Azusa seemed to recognize the voice. "It's rare seeing you here." He said, smiling while walking towards them.

Azusa doesn't look amused at all, "First, I'm a student, so it's not rare. Second, are you done with that job of yours, senpai? You know, you better be done, because I'm tired of everyone asking me about you."

"Now, now, Azusa, don't worry... I think I'll be coming to college pretty often now. Sorry for all the trouble, okay? Oh! Right... Why don't I treat you two?"

"Cakes!" Screamed the girl with the infamous hair clip. "Even though, I actually had no idea what are you two talking about, but I'm up for free cakes!"

Yui and her cake love... Maybe she'd do anything for a cake. Azusa rolled her eyes and sighed, "I'd like to, but I still have to attend class and Yui... You can't come with me to the class, you may wait for me but I suggest you go somewhere fun. It's probably really boring just waiting for me."

"There's nowhere fun without you." Yui may be an air-head, but Azusa could make difference when she's joking or telling the truth. Seeing her Yui pouted her lips, it seems like she was joking but even if it's really a joke, Azusa's heart skipped a beat. "I'll wait for you here, Azunyan." Another cheerful smile that never failed to make Azusa smile as well.

"My..." It feels awkward for the guy to be in the middle of these two girls. "Are you trying to take a revenge, Azusa?" Chuckling afterwards, he turned around and started walking. "Well, you can always call me for the free cake. I need to finish a few things now."

"Wait!" Azusa shouted, then tries to catch up to him. "Have you seen Mio-senpai around?"

He frowned, "Mio-san? Nope. Come to think of it, it's a little odd for her to come late."

"Ritsu, you haven't taking any of your medicine since last night." The brown-haired girl stunned, it was true though and she knew it very well that her lover don't give a crap of her excuses. "Please, take one once we arrive and don't work too hard, okay? I know about all the rumors around, I knew they'll be troubling you and -" Mio stopped, feeling a soft palm touching her hand.

Mio turned her face to the owner of that warm hand on hers. Ritsu is smiling, "I'm going to be fine, Mio..." She lied and Mio noticed that. "Listen, I'll soon choose the date for the engagement - well, not the real one. They might come to you as well, but don't worry, I'll try my best they won't trouble you." Ritsu flashed her grin, making Mio smile and feel a little relieved.

Not long after that, she noticed something else. Ritsu is sweating unusually more often and the fact that her hand feels surprisingly warm made Mio even more curious. She's worried about Ritsu, remembering the last time she had collapsed. Asking her to skip work today won't be a good thing either... She's needed there, plus all the rumors about her engagement announcement... Ritsu... Mio didn't say much, she bring her hand to Ritsu's forehead then caressing her head softly. "You've been trying your best for me, haven't you?" It only made Ritsu squeeze Mio's other hand tighter.

"For us, Mio." Ritsu fixed her eyes on the road. "Besides, this morning I see someone also tries her best." She was referring to Mio back at the breakfast.

For us... Right, then I should look after her in return.

"Just promise me you'll always be there for me." Mio did not answer her, but Ritsu knew it very well that Mio will always stay on her side and be there for her. Then a cell phone ringtone broke the silence. Ritsu glanced Mio, but she knew it was her own cell phone ringtone. "Mio, could you please answer the phone? It's probably work."

Mio reached out the phone from Ritsu's pocket, "It's Mio, Ritsu..."

"Oh, just pick it up already."

Feeling a little uneasy, she answered the phone. "Hello?"

"Ritsu-san? Where were you? I need to talk to you before dinner tonight. It's about the rumors around, I believe you'd like this ridiculous rumors ended ASAP."

"Um... I'm sorry, but it's me. Ritsu is driving the car at the moment, but I'll inform it to her."

"Eh? I'm really sorry, Mio-san... I thought Ritsu-san was picking up the phone. Well, since you heard already, please inform to Ritsu-san that there'll be a family dinner tonight, with my family. Her father told me that Ritsu-san should pick me up later in the evening."

Mio was more shocked and jealous, but it was her idea in the first place, so why does she feeling somewhat betrayed? Not saying a word, Ritsu grabbed the phone from Mio. "This is Ritsu, don't worry. I got it all under-control and wait, is your mother recovered already? Or is it going to be you and your father only?"

"She got back from the hospital this morning. She'll be joining us."

"Uh..." Ritsu knew Mio heard the other side just fine. She said her mother or if she should be more specific, Mio's mother. She recovered and Ritsu is going to attend a dinner with Mio's family. Seeing the other girl, Ritsu got a little worried. "Hey, I'll see you at my office." Ritsu hung up the phone. "Mio, are you alright?"

"Ritsu, it's my mother. Is she not in the hospital anymore? Is it true she recovered already?"

Ritsu's heart broke a little seeing those eyes. Mio is missing her family so much that it is painful on her side. "I- Yes, she said she got back from the hospital today - this morning." She stopped the car, seeing that they already arrived at the apartment. She turned to Mio who was still in a little shock. "Hey, I'll find a way so you can see her, okay?" Mio is more than happy hearing that.

"A-Are you serious?" Mio asked with those desperate eyes.

Smiling, Ritsu leaned to kiss her on the forehead. "Dead serious, Mio." Ritsu proceeded to unbuckle the safety belt on his seat and Mio's seat. "Alright, now we need to get to my room and you still remember that you need look after me, right? After all, Ritsu is still one immature girl who loves to tease her girlfriend - fiancee. "I'll also going to drop you off at your Uni, okay?" Mio smiled and nodded her head as they headed to the elevator.

Suddenly, a lady stopped the elevator - stopped Ritsu. "Tainaka-san, there's someone who look for you yesterday." This made Ritsu raised an eyebrow in confusion.

"Who - wait," Ritsu turned to Mio and asked her to go to her room ahead of her. Mio warned her not to run away or go anywhere before she drink her medicine. "Okay, who was it?"

"It's Mrs. Akiyama. Umm... Mrs. Akiyama Minoru, sir."

A/N: Spoil - spoil - spoil - ahh... I love spoiling everybody BUT I'm terribly sorry if it took me more than a year to update. I was planning on hiatus, but then one thing led to another, I am now deciding to keep going on with the story. For those who haven't seen the update for a long time, you might want to look up for more this year. I'm going to work on more updates!

P.S: I kinda lost all the files I kept in FFN, so yeah... I started everything from scratch and re-reading the story to keep it in the plot. Let's see how I will come up with more chapters of my on-going stories!

CielRz-Jr - iDachii - iDutchman | Signing Off