Two Days. Two Days and I would be home free to Hikari. No more drinking, no more scandals, just Hikari. I will win this race, for her, for Star Bright, and for every horse in that Stable. For them. No matter what, I will not fail- I didn't leave them behind for a week to let them down.

Peaking of let downs... I have to let Hikari know about the drinking. But what if she leaves? No, she wouldn't.

The thought sickens me. Knowing she won't leave, because where else would she go? Have I trapped her?..

NO. Focus! She needs you to be strong! This will be something we can work on together AFTER you go back!

And what about the wolf? Will she stalk me home, and take my sweet angel as prey as well? What fresh hell could await if I accept her offer? What if I decline it? She'll be back before I leave, I know it, but how do I protect Hikari if she should insist to be around? Or Star Bright, should she take the interest? Oh God... I hope Hanazono's aren't he gambling type...

Focus, Ootori. Focus.

Two Days. Well... almost three... I can't wait for Amane to come home, I've missed her so much! This horrible week seems never ending... I wonder if you're okay? Yaya jokes that you'll stay there and whatnot, fall in love with a "California Girl" or something and give up horse riding for surfing. Bah, Amane isn't even in the right part of America for that... right? Oh Yaya... she can be so mean sometimes for being my best friend, I wish Tsubomi would help keep her from saying such things.

But, it could still be true though. You did seem upset the other night... Was it me after all? You probably feel like I'm some huge burden, always taking and never contributing much. I should try harder to find a job.

Oh crap, I was supposed to see Shouta today! He might've had a lead for me, but... ugh, I'm such an idiot. Baka! I'm forgetting everything now. Maybe I'm worrying too much. Amane-sempai, please come home soon... I feel lost away from you. Fight love, and focus...

Two Days. Two more days until Hikari vanishes back into the arms of that freaking show-off. Shy and sweet my boney ass, something about HAS to pull Hikari to her. There's no way... I'll never believe she's as good as they say she is. She's gotta have something wrong with her.

But she saved Hikari's life.

It was her fault it was ever in danger though!

No... because what if she'd chosen me after all, those few years ago? Jack-Ass still would've found out then, well, it would've been my fault. But at least I would've made sure the motherfucker was dead before I left. Hikari could still be in danger, more so now that she's all sluggish and unaware with YOUR high-and-mighty ass off in the middle of America, playing with your damned horse!

Ugh... just come back soon, you... you... Amane. I don't even know what to say about you. You're everything Hikari needs, everything I'm not, everything perfect in her world, everything better than I.

Am I jealous? No, nonsense, I'm with Tsubomi. She is far more than enough for me, and probably more than I can handle. Maybe she'll outgrow me too someday. Damn you Amane. Damn you. Why did you have to take my best friend? As if that wasn't enough, now you've stolen my confidence. You better win that damn race, if you're good for anything. Make her proud, you... damn, I still don't know what to call you. I am jealous... I can't find anything wrong with you...

Two Days... Don't steal Hikari from us again...

Two Days to make her proud. Just focus.

Two Days. Two days and we will see if the dove will rise above the hawk. Or more rather, if this old steed will lose it's kick against the fowl. Amane, you've grown, but I've still got my pride. let's see what you're made of kiddo- I hope it's more than whiskey and a head full of blonde hair and pink lips. I see the way you've been moping and hiding the last week. It isn't like you. What, has some old ghost come back to haunt you? Or have you lost your warrior's touch too soon? Don't let me down, daughter distant, make me proud to have gone along with you this far. Keep your head up, you'll be home to her soon, just focus on this race. The race, little dove, focus...

Two Days. Two days for the great Amane to show me what she's made of in her realm of battle. I think I'll stay away from this one- she does have me truly captivated. Instead of the wolf, I think I will play the hyena this round, and pick up the pieces of whatever fool is around at the end of it. I do have too much fun with this. Ah, what has being a Hanazono made me?

Now, to focus. I need more leverage to make Amane accept my offer. I can't have my brother tarnishing our name until the fruit of his fall ripens. So much more needs to take place first, so many dominoes yet to fall. I can't have this splinter protrude any longer, should it infect the rest of the plan. No no... she'll take my offer, she needs it. If need be, I'll persuade her lover, have her meet Nagisa or something. Playing on the heart has always been my most effective method. How long have I practiced this? Mother, Father, Uncle, those steel-eyed Sisters from the Academy, even my own Nagisa... I am sorry still, but I was the better suitor. You deserved more than a struggling life at best with a writer whose own heart was easily wavered. Besides, I found her a replacement, if I could honestly believe there were ever another that could replace my Nagisa.

No, focus! You're not focused, she-wolf. Keep your mind working. If I can shut down the investigation for what happened at the stables... oh whatever, I've already got the rest planned. I know how this will play out. Maybe I should relax and watch the show. After all, I'm bound to pick up a few more dirty secrets on the sidelines.

I'm anxious to see if there will be any about you, Amane dear.

Do try to focus.

AN: For anyone that caught on, yes, the chapter name is a pun on the theme of this chapter as well as on the changing p.o.v.'s I hoped they weren't too confusing! Sorry for the long wait. You should give a personal thank you to Yuri Love Is Only Love for messaging me and getting my tail into gear. Love you guys, see you soon!