Well I have gone back under advisement and edited this chapter as well. I had to make sure it was well constructed (Thanks again to all 11 floks who sent me reviews...you know who you are) for busting my grammar ballz keep it up. Now for the story, This story is starting to get interesting its time to look at the past, Ones future can not be defined without ones past. So here we go...I hope you all enjoy reading it, because I am enjoying writing it. As usual fell free to review or PM me. I might respond or I might not - DJ Tenki

legal jargon:

I do not own Oriemo or any characters related to light novels, manga, or anime...but I love the story so here we are...

Chapter 5: Guarding the house...and the heart?

Kyosuke:

Kohei and I headed back to the locker rooms to get changed and cleaned up with the other participants, Kohei had gotten cleaned up and dressed and let me know he'd meet me outside. After he left Shin came around the corner with a very serious face.

huh...the guy just won the tournament you'd think he would be happier..right about then Shin spoke to me. "Hey Kosaka mind if I sit down a second, I need to ask you something." He didn't even bother waiting for a reply and grabbed a folding chair next to me and sat down. "Whats with the sour look Shin? You won the tournament man you should be pretty happy I would think."

This comment just put an even more serious look on his face. He looked around the locker room I think to make sure no one was in earshot and said, "Kyosuke I'd like you to answer me honestly...did you give it everything you had when you and I fought out there...I kinda felt like you were holding back." I raised an eyebrow in disbelief, I mean aren't these visible bruises on my chest back and arms enough to prove to him I gave it my all? ...siiiigh

I guess some guys won't ever be satisfied, "Look Shin I didn't hold anything back against you there man I dove into some strength I wouldn't use unless I am in an emergency, so rest assured you beat me fair and square man." He sat there a long time searching my eyes looking for some hesitation but could see none. I wasn't really gonna tell him that maybe ...just maybe somewhere in here I had a completely different gear.

I mean seriously how the hell would I quietly walk the school grounds if I had won the tournament. No he could have the glory I had proved what I needed to, to myself and my clan. I was satisfied and I knew my father would be as well, if I had truly gone to that place I'm not really sure what would have happened, I mean I had tapped it just a little and broken a guy's ribs...

No I didn't need to make a point to Shin or anyone else for that matter. Once he was satisfied Shin got up and grabbed his gear and said, "Well I'm not really sure I believe you Kyosuke so sometime when you and I are truly alone I'll ask for a rematch, if you are willing to give it to me I'd appreciate it. I mean truth be told you are one of the few fighters I respect...take care man see you on the train."

Well it looks like my ploy might not have worked after all damn it. The surprises just keep on coming today don't they I thought to myself. I reached up and felt my arm and shoulder and the aches from that fight really started to sink in.. ahhh i can't wait to get home and soak in some of those herbs grandfather gave me, I'm pretty injured. I heaved myself to my feet and finished getting dressed, grabbed my gear, took a deep breath exhaled to hide my pain and headed for the door to meet Kohei.

When Kohei and I left the Tokyo dome locker rooms for the path that led to the train station platform it really annoyed me just how large the crowd was, both Kohei and I had put on hats and some sun glasses to try to avoid any undue attention. We were about three-quarters of the way there when I felt a tug from behind on my shirt. "Whats the big idea there.." I shot as I started to turn around to glare at whoever had touched me, to my surprise staring at me were a piercing pair of blue sapphires.

"K..K...Kirino? what the hell are you doing here?" I got a hurmph and slight smile from her that turned almost instantly into that smirk I had seen in the crowd, whats with her? I thought. "W..Well aniki I had to find you because of an E-mail mom had sent me just as the tournament ended. It said that her and father were leaving now for the other side of Chiba to go to aunt Yuki's house and I was to ride the train home with you."

With that she wasn't going to relinquish her grip on my shirt anytime soon so I looked over to Kohei who had a smug look on his face at the scene. "Hey Kosaka's I think its time we make our way to the station with the crowd here or we might not get a ride home." That was more than enough to spur me on toward the platform with my imouto clinging to my shirt in tow.

After a short bit of walking she decided to move up next to me and she hadn't said a single thing to me since. I thought this was very strange because normally by now she would be chewing my ear off about keeping secrets, or maybe thinking after that event I would be full of myself. I decided to try to break the ice a bit. I looked down at Kirino and could tell she was deep in thought so I tried to get her attention.

"Hey Kirino you alright? You seem awful quite, is there something you want to talk about?" Kirino seem to shake out of here thoughts but didn't look up at me at first then she said quietly, "Y..yes there are a few things I want to ask but not here in the crowd I'll wait until we are on the train if that is ok." I raised an eyebrow because now I felt thoroughly confused she didn't even call me baka there huh...

Well something has to be up I thought but I decided I wouldn't pry, she will tell me when she is good and ready I guess. I remembered what dad had said about her friend being able to stay over, so I tried to change tactics a bit. "Hey Kirino I forgot to tell you, dad told me that if you wanted your friends to stay over they can while he and mom are gone. He said just try not to destroy the house while they are away heh."

I am not sure what shocked me more really the look on Kirino's face when I said that or what she said next. "Well I know I got mom to work on dad so I could have people over but now I don't want them there. I won't be inviting people over either day OK? I really just want take a break and relax and I don't think I can do that with them there."

I wasn't real sure how to respond to that comment or the soft red hue that began to form on her nose and cheeks..whats that about? "Well if you change your mind no worries I'll try to stay out of your way so you all can have some fun." she just looked up at me with a very soft look and nodded in thanks for my response. Kohei had walked along listening to our exchange and decide it was his turn to interject into the conversation.

"Hey Kosaka-chan aren't you going to catch up with those model friends of yours? I bet they would want to sit with you on the train. We can meet you at the station when we get off to go home, I'm sure that would be OK with Kyosuke." I nodded at Kohei but then the strangest thing happened my imouto, the girl who I thought really did hate me stepped in closer to me as we walked and stuck her arm through mine and glared at Kohei.

"No thank you Akagi-san I'll have you know I plan to sit with aniki on the ride home because there are some things I want to ask him. I don't feel the need to sit with my friends on the train they will get by I am sure." When she did this I felt my nerves rattle a bit and that strange warmth that I was feeling on the train earlier that day returned.

I saw Kohei give me a warning glare but all I could do was smile and shake my head at him. I didn't think it would be a good idea to anger my Imouto so I shook my head at Kohei he decided it was better to relent a bit. "Sorry my bad there Kosaka-chan do as you please, I am sure Kyosuke would be happy to ride home with you right Kyosuke?" way to put me on the spot there Kohei knowing full well how I feel about my imouto and my secret.

"Yeah I guess it would be fine if you sat with us on the ride home it might be a little boring but I wont stop you Kirino." This seem to satisfy her so she nodded relaxed her grip but still wouldn't let go of my arm, but her glare had softened to just a normal stare. She was humming some tune I couldn't place as we walked up to the platform in the crowd of people.

We waited about 5 minutes for the train to arrive and the whole time we were standing there many of our fellow classmates were giving me an odd stare and the girls were whispering among themselves, saying what I only could imagine stuff that might become rumors on monday at school.

I looked down to see Kirino still staring quite unconcerned across the platform and making occasional eye contact with the other girls with that smirk on her face again. I decided it was time to ask what that was all about. I stepped a little closer to her so that I wouldn't be overheard.

"Hey Kirino, whats with that smile of yours you've seemed to have had it all through the tournament and even now, why is that?" At this implication she put on a neutral tone and gave me a soft elbow into my already injured side and said "Keep quiet baka aniki I don't have to explain every little thing about myself to you. Y-y-you should be happy such a cute and popular girl like myself would take time out of her day to even stand with you. Be grateful."

At this Kohei laughed out loud and then looked away as I scowled at him and nursed my new injury from my obstinate imouto. "Alright I get it so thanks for standing with me and I wont ask anymore about it"...for now I thought.

The train arrived not long after and our school-mates decided they also wanted to ride in the same car as the team. Great this trip home will be troublesome and noisy as well...sigh. I just can't seem to get any break at all, but we decided to take the last 4 sets of seats at the back of the car and made everyone from school sit up toward the front. I could see both of Kirino's friends in the car with us and Kanako and Ayase were staring hard at Kirino, they both had the looks of girls who wanted to bombard her with questions.

Kirino for her part was giving the two a defiant stare letting them know that they needed to stay up there for now and let her be with her oni-chan. I couldn't figure out for the life of me what this was all about. "Hey Kirino are you and your two friends there OK? you all didn't have a fight did you?" Kirino had taken the seat near the aisle and made me sit against the window so she could monopolize my time I guessed.

"No Baka Kyosuke I just want to sit here with you alone and if I don't keep them at bay they will interfere and annoy me a bit in the process. We are all still good friends I just don't want you bothering them." I snorted at this comment, me bother them sheesh if she only knew the truth, what in the world would happen to Kanako? I am guessing that might get ugly, so for now I'll continue to keep it to myself. "Well you don't have to worry I don't have any interest in first year girls anyway, so no problem there."

I must have stepped on a land mind because Kirino's head whipped around to give me a her full on attention and I knew this was going to become an awkward conversation. "Well Baka Kyosuke that's a good thing because my friends are off-limits. I don't want you molesting them or I will cause you great harm, understand?" I raised an eyebrow at how serious those blue sapphires were staring at me and how tense she looked at that moment, like a snake ready to strike.

"Crystal clear there my imouto, no hitting on your friends I can live with that." This seemed to pacify her rage and she calmed down again. We sat there in silence for a long time while the commotion of our classmate seemed to grow louder conversation and laughing. Probably at my expense I thought, everyone knows who Kirino is and my guess is they have no idea why she would be sitting with a nobody like myself.

Once again my double personality imouto surprised me by sliding her seat arm rest up so there was nothing separating us, she then grabbed my arm and leaned over to rest herself against me. Kohei who up to this point had been pretty leisurely talking with me and a few of the other guys on the team went dead silent. I looked down at Kirino who had her eyes closed and was breathing easily.

I looked up to see so many pairs of eyes on me including Kohei's that I wasn't sure I could stay calm. I took a deep breath and said to Kohei "Hey she's my little sister and I have to watch out for her so if that mean she wants to rest on me so be it." I produced the most deadly glare I could and stared around the car and many of those eyes returned to their earlier situations.

I softened my face when I came to Kohei and he merely smiled and me and wordlessly mouthed "I figured as much." Kirino seemed to hear this to even with her eyes closed and tightened her grip on my arm and snuggled closer to me, and that smile once again returned to her face.

Well its to late now to be any more embarrassed by my class mates than I already am so I decided to just enjoy Kirino's warmth and the scenery zipping by the window on our train ride home.

We were over halfway home and Kirino was now sleeping pretty peacefully, most of our fellow students were doing the same. It was about then that Shin made his way over to the empty seat next to the also sleeping Kohei. "Hey Kosaka who's the girl there leaning on you?" does he seriously not know who she is? "This is my imouto Kirino, yeah before you say anything I know we don't look-alike but were family." Shin let out a light laugh and smiled, "You read my mind there Kosaka, I thought maybe she was your girlfriend and if so I ah...wondered if she had any friends." Shin let out a wistful sigh after he finished his statement. "Seriously though Kosaka you guys seem to get along well she always been close to you?"

I looked around the car and could see at least in the immediate area that no one was listening, so I leaned into Shin not waking up Kirino. "Well honestly Shin for a few years now she and I hardly ever even talked, I think I was maybe a little full of myself and maybe kinda mad at her for always giving me the cold shoulder." I looked down at Kirino and her face looked so peaceful. "I see now that I was being pretty stupid and I should have just taken the time to understand her problems and listen to her...sigh like a baka though it took me a while to figure this out."

Shin leaned back and put on a thoughtful face, he sat there a bit before he responded. "Well Kosaka family is family no matter how much they aggravate you, you can't give up on family." Huh who knew shin was so deep .. the look of surprise on my face brought a smile to his. "Yeah you got a point there Shin, I'm gonna try to be kinder to her and listen more, I guess that's what a brother would do right?" He nodded at this comment and supplied one of his own, "Yeah but when I looked at you two earlier I wasn't sure if that was what she was thinking." he whispered.

"Don't go there Shin, I'm asking as a friend here." At this shin shook his head and could tell that it was something I didn't want to discuss at all but he smirked just the same with that realization.

"Well at any rate maybe I can get her to talk you into that rematch Kosaka I still think your hiding some things from me." Ah this again Shin I thought, "yeah, yeah man I'll talk about that with you some other time I need to heal first." and with that Shin quietly got up waved me off and headed back up front. Speaking of injuries man I can't wait till this train rides over I am really starting to ache here...

Once Shin had left it was Kirinos turn to stop playing possum, I guess she had listened to part of that conversation because I was shaken from my thoughts by a low whisper. "So your going to be kinder to me and listen more huh? Also what is it that guy thinks you are hiding? and what rematch?"

Oh boy I just continue to not get any breaks today at all. "Well there are a few thing going on between he and I that's all I'll say about it for now." Kirino leaned back and yawned and stretched her arms over her head and began preening her hair. I can't believe how cute she is... sheesh this is going to be so troublesome. Kirino saw me staring with a dumbfounded look on my face and gave me a wide smile. "What? is something on my face?" she asked curiously and yawned yet again while she continued to stretch.

I know this is going to be so bad but here I go anyway, "No I was just sorta thinking that you look really cute when you wake up is all." I mumbled just loud enough for her to hear me. Her eyes went wide as saucers and a red stripe shot across her nose and cheeks, she sat there for a few seconds somewhat wary and then said,"W-w-well a girl has to look her best in public and you get stiff sleeping on a train, besides now that no ones really listening I think we need to have our talk."

With that she smiled and leaned heavily against my side so that she could talk near my ear and I could respond in kind quietly. "First off you want to know why I have smirked I will tell you. It seems at the tournament I heard all my friends talking about you, and saying things about how great you were and they wanted to get to know you."

"My two friends up there even hinted that they had a crush on you, well for some reason my chest started to feel funny, at the thought of them taking you way from me. Just after we finally started to get along again and it made me feel selfish. I wont share my time with you with others. That is why I was smirking all those times, I want them to know you are my aniki and I will not share you with anyone period."

These statements that Kirino saying to me, baring her heart to me made me choke up inside, I was now fighting very hard to keep my heart in my chest because it was hammering to get out. she continued and it brought me out of my thoughts, "I want them all to know this, to-to know that I will fight them, fight them all if I have to." This really surprised me I had no idea she was feeling like this, I also felt that warmth in my chest growing and my faced heated up rapidly from her statement. I tried my best to keep a neutral face.

"Second, I won't have you stop me from my treatments either. That is quality bonding time for us and I will make sure you don't over work yourself, I can't bear the though of you injured." "I know you think I can't tell how injured you are, you do a good job of hiding it from others...but not me. I can tell how much you have winced and breathing hard on this trip home."

The face Kirino made when she said this told me there would be no negotiations about this treatment stuff. "There will be another treatment tonight I hope you know that." It occurred to me that our parent are not home, this would not be good so I think I will try to intervene...if I can. "Well Kirino I am feeling better, so I think you might be able to skip it tonight I can soak when we get home and I'll be ok." She placed a hand on my mouth to shut me up and looked up into my eyes and said.

"You will let me massage you and apply medicine, you got hurt big time in that fight with your sempai and I will not have you stopping me. I told you anytime I see fit I can do that." I could tell her eyes had one part defiance and one part concern so I relented in the end. "Well can I make one request then..." she nodded "can you at least wear some pajamas or something?" she shook her head in the negative.

"No can do aniki it is my choice how I come dressed to our treatment and I like to feel my skin on yours. I like your tone muscles and I want to be able to feel them...and besides I know you like it a-n-i-k-i" as she leaned up and whispered the last part into my ear.

It made me shiver a little and I felt my will crumbling at her advances. "Alright but no real funny business I mean our parents might be away, but you have to try to behave yourself." I could feel my pulse increase as she looked up at me with that slight smirk. She smiled up at me and snuggled close to me and whispered " I won't make any promises." whaaaaa?

It was then that the arrival announcement came over the intercom waking up Kohei and many of the other students. It had been a long crazy trip for sure and I shuddered to think what might happen since our parents were not home now and wouldn't be for two more days...Man it's going to be a long two days I think.

We got up from our seats and made our way down the aisle with a large amount of kids from our school. Once we got onto the platform Kanako and Ayase rushed over to Kirino. Ayase bowed a greeting to me and Kohei and then said "Hey Kirino would you mind walking part of the way home with us we want to talk to you about some stuff."

Kirino looked back at me with a hesitant glance, one that said I should remember our earlier conversation. she smirked at me and turned around, "Sure Ayase I can walk home with you and Kanako part of the way." This seemed to please Ayase because she grabbed Kirino by the hand and started to drag her away when Kirino turned around and yelled at me, "Aniki make sure you get home at a decent hour, you know why." After a quick nod from myself she turned around and ran off to do who knows what with her model friends.

"God Kosaka I can't believe that whole train ride and the things she said to you... man that sure is rough on you." Kohei locked his hands behind his head and started to stroll toward our neighborhood. "Wait a second, were you listening the whole time she and I talked?" His smirk at me was all the confirmation I needed to know that our little talk hadn't been as private as I thought.

"What did you mean by wear pajamas anyway?" as he started to chuckle heavily at my gaping mouth and very red face. "Don't even ask Kohei...It still causes my heart to jump when I think about it." At this he raised an eyebrow and kept the leisurely pace. "Well Kyosuke you don't have to tell me what I can tell is already going on...but like I said on the train man I think it's a road best to be avoided if you ask me."

I couldn't meet his eyes as he said this because deep down I knew he was right. You can't have feeling for your little sister its to morally wrong, but why was I wrestling with it? I mean I KNOW its not right but I still can't get past it. "Well Kyosuke this is my fork in the road man I'll be heading home but hey man think about what I said, you and I been friends a long time so I'll keep quiet about it no matter what you do ok?"

I rubbed the back of my head sheepishly but nodded, "Thanks Kohei I mean I know my feelings are kind of messed up because of her. I think I'm gonna walk down to the Pier and watch the freighters come in and clear my head a bit." Kohei waved me off and then turned toward his home. I headed in the opposite direction down toward the Piers in our town. It was getting a bit past sunset and many of the street lights were just starting to pop on. I had plenty to think about and I always found staring out over the bay helped clear my head.

When I got down to the pier I sat down on a wooden piling and started thinking. sighhhhhh What is going on with me? seriously I spent all that time staying out of her way and then I find out that she wanted my attention all along. That thought alone makes me happy, maybe a little too happy I mean I know I am her brother and all but shouldn't I try to keep some distance from her? "God this is so messed up, I really do have feelings for her and I really can't get past it.."

In the dark not five feet from me I caught the glimpse of a lighter flicking to life and there in the dark a cigarette was lit. I jumped off the piling tensing myself warily at what looked like a good-sized man. "Hey there easy son, I mean you no harm, I was just quietly leaning here when you came up and sat down."

I couldn't really make him out but if I would have had to guess this man was easily as large as my father. The thing that surprised me he looked like a foreigner, maybe from America? He had a smirk that seemed like nothing could surprise him so I doubted my actions had. "Well I apologize sir for my wariness but my dad says you can't ever be to careful down here after dark."

He nodded and then stepped out into the light blowing smoke from his cigarette. "Your dad's a smart guy, so you mind if I ask you a bit of a personal question there son?" I think I might want an introduction before you ask me anything like that, who is this guy? I thought. "Well that depends on what your name is and what you want sir." I levelly responded. "He stood there with a look on his face like he was sizing me up, like maybe whether I was worth his time or not I guess.

"That's a fair question I guess, the names Cliff Crawford I own an ocean-going vessel, I just finished coming across the pacific and resting a week here in port." He stuck his hand out in an American greeting a hand shake I figured. I took his hand and responded, "Hello my name is Kyosuke Kosaka and I'm a local resident here in Chiba myself." He took my hand in kind and gave me an easy-going smile. "Well nice to meet you Kosaka. Now that we have that out-of-the-way, mind if I ask you a few questions?"

I nodded it couldn't hurt to hear the guy out I guess, I mean I am just sitting around here. "Sure Mr. Crawford what is it you want to know?" he shook his head and laughed, "No need to be so formal Kosaka just call me Cliff. Well what was the deal over there you looked pretty deep in thought and a troubled look on your face too."

I didn't know how to respond to that..I mean I don't really even know this guy...but I guess it couldn't hurt to get a grown ups advice, it's not like he knows who Kirino is right? "Why not I guess it couldn't hurt to explain my dilemma a bit." he took another drag of his smoke and went over to the piling I was sitting on and sat down himself ready to listen.

"Well its pretty straight forward, I have a close friend I have known pretty much my whole life and I just recently found out I have feelings for her." He nodded and waved me to continue my story. "Well I thought for the longest time that she didn't want anything to do with me, we hadn't talked much in the last three months, then tonight she springs information on me that she has selfish and jealous feelings because she thinks other people might have an interest in me, Now I have no idea what to think."

I crossed my arms and sighed deeply as I finished. Cliff scratched hs chin and thought about it for a good minute or so, "You know Kyosuke you're not the first guy to have women problems, I think every time I come into port I find a guy like you dealing with something like this...Well maybe not the friend turned lover thing so much but romance problems."

"In all my years of experience with women all I can tell you is this, the heart wants what the heart wants. Love will never make sense I mean I think you just have to be honest with yourself and with the girl, I think that she would appreciate that." I thought about what he just said, be honest with her...I mean what would really happen if I told her the truth? The world doesn't accept that kind of thing right? She might even hate me for it, but the signals she is giving me makes me think otherwise and its that knowledge that scares me.

"Well Cliff let me ask this then, what if people don't accept us going from friends to lovers...that they think its wierd or look down on us because of it?" This made cliff laugh kinda loud for it being so late at night sheesh. "Well its simple whose opinion really matters? Yours and hers right? Thats all that matters man, if people don't like it I'll say it as any American man would, to hell with them then. Your real friends will be able to see past that."

This comment surprised me and he could tell by the look on my face. "Well Kosaka I did have another reason I approached you too though, mind if I ask how old ya are?" what's his reason for asking I wonder...OK I'll bite. "I'm 18 years old just about to graduate in a five more months." This made Cliff smile really big, "Good deal hey man if you need some time away from home to think all this stuff through, I'd like to offer ya a job. I lost a local guy just as I made port and I'm a guy down for my return trip to the west coast of the united states."

"I'll be here for about a week for repair work before I head out so if you think you might want to take a break from school and see the world, here's my card I'm docked down at pier eighteen. Just show up or give me a call to let me know if you are in. You seem like a responsible kind of guy and that's good because my works hard and dangerous just keep that in mind."

He handed me his card I took it and pocketed it. What is this guy thinking!? Theres no way I'd want to go on a trip like that in any way, that would scare the hell outta me. "Well thanks for the offer Cliff but I don't think I'll be taking you up on that offer sounds to outside my comfort zone." He frowned at this but then the smile returned, "Well just think about it because it might do ya some good to go on an adventure, a story for the folks back home here, but anyway take care and thanks for the conversation." He turned around and waved over his shoulder as he started to light another smoke and head off out of the light into the darkness.

What in the world...what a strange guy but he had some decent advice maybe he's not such a bad guy, the heart wants what the heart wants...I closed my eyes and thought about this as the sea breeze slid across my face. My chest started to tighten as I really thought about what that those words meant. No for now no matter how much the hear wants the head has to be reasonable so I'll just try to be the best older brother I can be and keep my distance.

I guess it's getting late I thought I better head home I know its past a reasonable hour so I am sure she's gonna punch me but its a small price to pay for the time I got to assess the situation. I drop the card into my pocket look back one more time cliffs direction but he's long gone and turn around to head home while pondering the reasons behind such a strange meeting with such a strange guy...

(Somewhere on the other side of Chiba)

Diasuke:

I have dreaded this trip for so long that I wished I could put it off for the rest of my life. I knew that once Yoshino and her sister started talking about the idea of it all that there would be no stopping these two. So after three exhausting arguments with Yoshino and two phone calls with her sister Yuki, here we are on a bullet train headed to only what I can describe as a lost cause of a meeting about what should be done.

I plan to pick my battles carefully on this trip not only do I have to deal with those two but now they have even gotten my parents involved...damn why did this have to happen. "Hey Dear are you alright? You look like you were really thinking about something want to share your thoughts?" I tried to put back on my neutral face but in front of my wife it's almost impossible. She and I have been together so long I can't hide things from her easily.

"No Yoshino if I was thinking about anything it would be that I still think what were doing here is a bad idea. I have a pretty good idea of what will happen when Kyosuke hears the truth after all these years." Yoshino looked at her husbands somewhat disgruntled face and smiled. "Oh I'm pretty sure he will take it better than you think, both ojiisama and jiichan said it themselves that we should have revealed it long ago." This made Diasuke's frown grow even deeper.

"I really can't believe that you and Yuki got my parents involved, that was probably the worst idea of all, but to me what was more surprising was that Kole agreed to this as well." At this Diasuke sat back crossed his arms in front of his chest and grunted. This really will be a very tough uphill fight for me. I have to make them see that revealing this does no good, the secrets been kept to long and it will only hurt the situation and not help it.

"Well Diasuke Yuki told me that she had a very long talk with Kole over the phone about it and once his reservations were answered he was reluctantly on board with it as well." Just great without my brother-in-law on my side I'm not sure I can convince my parents to turn from this reckless decision but I am going to have to try anyway. Diasuke mustered his determination as he sat back and looked out the window and thought back to what caused this whole issue to start in the first place...

(Diasukes Flashback:)

"Hey Diasuke what the hell are you still doing here? Don't you have to get home and have dinner with your wife and son?" A much younger and less formal version of myself was still sitting there working on reports of the days past activities, some vandalism, a few accident reports and the darker one, a report of possible drug dealings and shots fired.

"Yeah Kaito I'm almost finished here as soon as I get this last one done I'm heading out." As I looked up a tall slim man with light blonde haired and large easy grin made his way over to my desk with a cupcake and a glass of saki and set them down in front of me.

This man was Kaito Sato my partner on the force, "Whats this for Kaito?" He laughed, "What do you mean man? did you forget today's our anniversary, four years you and I been partners." I can't believe I had forgotten that today was the first time four years ago I met him. He and I had been through some very thick moments and there was no one I trusted my life with more than Kaito. "What's this box in my desk? who the heck wrapped this in newspaper? and it says thanks Sato too?" Kaito walked back over and I handed him the box.

"Oh Kosaka what the heck man that's one heck of a watch you shouldn't have." I laughed myself as I peeled the cupcake free from its wrapping. "Hey you been there through it all from hairy police situations to my sons birthday parties to the birth of your kid..." Shoot I shouldn't have reminded him damn it! I could see the recognition all to well as Kaito could see my distress and he spoke up.

"Hey Diasuke don't sweat it man they say cancers probably going to get us all in the end right. Don't worry about it." His sad smile definitely showed different. About 6 months ago Kaito and his wife Mayu gave birth to a happy healthy baby girl all eight pounds six ounces of her. The thing we all didn't know was sadly after labor complications occurred and Mayu didn't make it. It was later found that she had a rare form of cancer and medical technology hadn't caught onto it well.

So there was Kaito with a new daughter and no wife to help with a new-born. Thankfully Yoshino and I were there for him. Helping him these past six months get his feet under him and it seemed that he was really starting to come back around. Today was a good example of that...a good time with a good memory to help push off that sadness or at least keep it at bay.

"Yeah well your probably right Kaito junks in the food, air and water so I guess we just have to make best of it right?" Kaito smiled and shook his head in the affirmative. Hey Daisuke I'd like to talk with you about something thats been on my mind for a while now, you mind if we head out to the parking lot?" Huh I wonder what so important that he'd stop me getting this last one done. I closed the file laid it on my desk and got up for the night. It will keep I'll get it done first thing in the morning I thought.

"Sure Kaito what's on your mind?" as we headed out of the prescient and over to one of the squad cars Kaito spoke up. "Hey Diasuke I really don't think I'll ever be able to thank you and your wife for everything you have done for me and Kirino these past six months. I'm not really sure I could have done this alone at all."

I chuckled a bit and rubbed the back of my head. "Hey Sato what would you have done if it was me in that situation? I'd hope you'd do the same and paid it forward. I mean we all need some help sometimes in life." I reached over and patted Kaito on the back.

"Thanks Kosaka that means a lot to me and that's why I wanted to ask you for a favor since its our anniversary." I scratched my head feeling a bit confused, "Sure Kaito if it's within my power I'll see, what can I do for you?" Kaito took a deep breath and gave me a very serious stare and started to speak, "I'd like to ask for two things, first if anything would happen to me out here in the field that you would be willing to take care of Kirino. Shes my whole world now and I can't imagine what might happen to her if something happened to me."

My eyes widened and my jaw hung slack at this request. "Look Kaito your being paranoid first of all nothings going to happen to you, we don't talk like that remember? But I'll only do this for you if you agree to watch after my wife and son if something would happen to me as well." I knew what he was asking and I felt that he to should understand the levity of such a request.

Kaito thought about it for a few seconds and shook his head in agreement. That was enough for me so I stuck out a hand and he took it in reply. "Thanks Daisuke I feel better knowing that, now my second request. I would like to formally right here and now ask for an arranged marriage of my daughter to your son. I have seen how you and your wife have raised your son Kyosuke and I can tell he's going to be a kind and good man. I want that for my daughter no...I need it for her."

I stumbled back into the squad car when he said this and cracked my knee on the fender. damn that hurt! what the heck is he thinking? I closed my eyes and took a deep breath thinking exactly how to handle this, I'm not really sure how my wife would take this...and what of my son? He has the right to choose his own fate does he not? I'm not sure that I have the right to do that to him...I mean I want him taken care of but I think it should be his choice...

"Kaito you are asking for something I am not sure I have the right to decide, but I'm a willing man let's say it like this. I promise to allow your daughter to spend as much time as she wants with my son, no question's asked as he and her get older. If and I mean only if he shows honest feelings of affection for her then I'll do what I can to see that the two of them get a chance at a relationship. I can not guarantee that they might even get along let alone fall in love...who knows right?"

Kaito thought this over carefully and shook his head in agreement. "Well I'm going to quietly do what I can do see this through Kosaka. I really do believe your son is something special he comes from a good family and I want that for Kirino, so I'll hope if nothing else." I raised an eyebrow at his enthusiasm over my son, "Well you're the one who has to get Yoshino to agree to this, it is beyond me when it comes to Kyosuke she can be very protective."

This gave Kaito a grave look of concern he had no doubt about my wife's temper he had seen it on a few occasions directed at me. As we continued to talk on this and began to laugh an alert came over the radio from police dispatch...calling all officer...calling all officers..ten-thirteen, shots fired officer in distress is requesting more units.

Kaito and I ran around to the driver and passenger doors I started the car and Kaito responded to the call...officer 21 charlie 30 en route Kaito barked over the radio as we sped away...the moments after this were a blur to me, an arrival and two officers on the ground two assailants staring our way...then the shots began and three minutes later it was over...over seventy shots fired...two dead assailants and there to my left Kaito laying on the ground unmoving. The memories came faster now...sirens...an amulance ride...trying to keep kaito conscious...his final words "Please keep your promise..."

Like that...just like that he was gone...a husband and father...gone. I couldn't believe it happened.. the finality of it all...It was then that the levity of my promise hit home. I called my wife and told her to leave kyosuke at a neighbors and come to the hospital, that it was serious.

She seems so panicked she hung up before I could finish the rest...oh well there will be time enough for that when she arrives. Once Yoshino burst into the emergency room and saw I was ok a look of confusion came over her face. "I'm fine dear...but...its Kaito...he..didn't make it." The look of horror on my wife's face still haunts me every time I go to sleep, like a shadow I can see clearly every night.

"What do you mean he didn't make it Daisuke?!" she grabbed my shirt as tear started to form in her eyes. I explained what happened as she cried and cried. I also explained what had happened just before the events. She sobbed but nodded in understanding, and even took the who arranged thing a lot better than I thought she would have.

Oh my parents had seen the news that day and called to see if I was alright with much concern for my safety. It was when I let them know what we intended to do that they said we should give Kirino to her proper relatives. We would be getting in over our young heads with two children. It was Yoshino who ended the discussion "NO ojisama and Jiichan we will take her into our home and treat her as our own daughter. We will honor Kaitos request... I will honor his marriage request but only under Daisukes stipulation and that is final. Otherwise I will lover her as my daughter regardless of whether she marries Kyosuke or not and that is final." Well wonders never end, I think that is the first time my parents have ever been shut up in an argument heh.

So later that same day we collected Kirino from the care center she was located at and we then went down to the station to formalize the situation and then took Kirino home with us. When we got home Kyosuke ran home from the neighbor but stopped dead in his tracks as he saw baby Kirino. "Mommy who is that there in your arms?" Yoshino knelt and smiled at our son and said "This is your little sister Kirino, its going to be your job to be a good big brother and watch out for her."

Kyosuke stared at her for a long time before finally shaking his head in agreement. "O..OK..Mommy I'll try to watch out for her." With that it was done...I guess for now this is enough no rush, I'll just have to see how things go I guess...well just have to wait and see Kaito...

(Daisuke Flashback ends)

"Dear?...Dear? Hey! Daisuke wake up" as my wife shook me I was startled from my thoughts. What? was I asleep..sigh why did I have that dream of all times.. "Yeah Yoshino I'm good what is it, are we almost there?"

Yoshino pursed her lips she could tell her husband was devising a strategy to try to turn this his way at the meeting. No I made a promise that day as well Diasuke...and there are signs that I will have to honor it...and if I do then so do you! she thought as she stared at him.

"Yes honey were about thirty or so minutes from arrival let's make sure we have all our stuff packed so we don't forget anything. "Sure dear that sounds like a good idea." Thirty minutes, I have thirty minutes until I have to put on my game face and make the most of this chance. Kyosuke still needs more time and honestly I really don't know how Kirino is going to take it as well. She's got such a temper and she so head strong that you can't talk her out of anything she sets her mind on.

Lord knows I tried when she said she wanted to do modeling, her and my wife ganging up on me over that...sigh at her age sheesh. Oh well I don't have time to dwell on that now, time to roll up my sleeves put on my game face, because I have two days to try to change five minds and it wont be easy...as Diasuke once again sat back crossed his arms across his chest and put on a firm frown...let the debate begin...