A/N: LOOK! THE NEXT CHAPTER! Enjoy it~! (damn peasants;)

Chapter Thirty-Five. Intimidation, Manipulation, Cooperation

The day was chilly enough, even with the sun out. Clouds were in the sky, rolling, grey masses of them, and sometimes they'd block out the morning light, making shadows cross the streets and a harsh breeze start up. Most of the people outside walking around were carrying an umbrella with them - just in case it rained.

Averting his eyes from the window and tilting his head in the other direction, Tora carefully thought through the plans he had to initiate today. He was currently lounging in the back seat of his limousine, the automobile steadily making its way to the Michiyo residence. He had to speak with Akari's troublesome family, because as much as he hated to agree with the man - his father had been right, at least about how the foolish games going on between both families needed to be put to a stop. The Michiyo's were a nuisance, and aggravatingly obstinate, never ceasing to cause as much trouble as they dared behind the scenes in order to get their way. They weren't much of a threat to a family as high up as the Igarashis, but still, Tora just saw them as unfinished business that he had never gotten around to taking care of.

He was unsure how much it would take to convince the Michiyo family to take his side on the matters regarding Akari, but he knew it wouldn't exactly be easy to sway them in an argument. The only thing that reassured him that things would go his way like he wanted, was the fact that his family was much higher up in rank than their family - and so, it would be far too easy for him to cause trouble for them, should he feel up to it. Not only that, but with just the pocket money he was carrying with him right now he could buy their entire estate and company combined... which was a threat in and of itself.

And if they chose to disagree with him, or continued to try to cause even more trouble both for his family and Akari, well...

Tora smirked, leaning back comfortably and spreading his arms along the fine, white leather of the seat. His eyes flickered, the usual wicked gleam shining in their golden depths.

Nobody messed with an Igarashi - especially Tora Igarashi - and got away unscathed.

Akari had planned on studying all evening, though she wasn't even slightly behind on homework for any of her classes. If she were being totally honest about it, then she was just burying her head in books in order to avoid life with Tora and all the complications that came with it. Mathematics homework was just a good distraction from all that, it got her brain working on equations instead of debating the meaning of her feelings.

She also did not want to leave her room, because right after school she had gone there to shower and change into pajamas, and she was comfortable and feeling tired and a little lazy and, her room just felt like the safest place she could be. The Igarashis, of course, ordered the finest mattresses and bed sheets and pillows that money could buy, so she felt totally relaxed while laying back in bed, with her knees drawn up and a book propped up against her legs while she read about quadratic formulas.

But a random phone call at around five-thirty broke her focus, and her peace and quiet. Setting the book down, she got out of bed in order to answer the damned ringing device.

"What." Her tone basically said 'go away'.

A familiar and loud bout of laughter came from the other end of the line. "Hello to you too, grumpy. Do you want me to call back later?"

The exhausted girl's mood perked up a bit when she recognized the voices of one of her friends. "Oh, hey Seiji. Uh... no, it's just, I was in the middle of something. Homework, that is."

There was another chuckle on his part. "Ah, I see. Hey, in all seriousness though... you did sound really irritated just now, so are you doing alright?"

She paused, and it was enough of a pause for him to want to continue.

"I mean, how's it going and stuff? Is... is everything okay with that Igarashi guy? Cuz' if it's not, I'll totally kick his ass for you, and I'm sure Aika would have a few choice words for him -"

"I'm doing just fine, thanks." She quickly snapped, squinting her eyes as she lied, because, she wasn't the best of liars. But she had really, really wanted him to shut up about Tora. It was making her uncomfortable all over again, she just didn't want it being brought up anymore, because then she'd begin to think about everything going on between them, and her head would explode.

"Alright, alright." Seiji's voice was a tone of surrender. "Sorry I asked, I'll just stop being such a considerate friend from now on." She could practically see the teasing smile that she knew was on his lips. "So I guess you're not up to hanging out with me and Aika today?"

Akari made her way across the room, entering her closet. She began searching for some casual street clothes to change into. "No, actually I'd love to see you guys. I need to get out and have more fun, since all I've been doing lately is studying." She just so happened to avoid adding on to the end of that sentence, that being with them would also help her forget about all the things in her life that were currently stressing her out. "What're we going to do then? Catch a movie or something?"

"Oh, you know. We're just heading downtown. Doing shit. Breaking stuff. The usual."

Akari put the phone on speaker, and set it down on one of the closet shelves. Yanking off her pajama shirt, she continued their conversation, though she was smiling at his joking demeanor. "Funny. Really though, what do you guys want to do? We really could see a movie."

Seiji sighed dramatically. "Aika would probably think that's too boring."

She pulled a sweater over her head. "Well do you have any suggestions then?"

As the conversation continued on and Akari got dressed, the two of them passed ideas back and forth, trying to come up with something that all three of them would like to do together. Eventually, it got to the point where Akari was laughing at every word that came out of Seiji's mouth, because he kept trying to impersonate Aika's reactions to every suggestion they would make. And his impersonations were actually pretty accurate.

"That arrogant bitch wants to go window shopping? Does she even know how lame of an idea that is?" Seiji was in the middle of speaking the way he thought Aika would respond to him if he mentioned to her some of their suggestions, while Akari tried to stop laughing - but for some reason, it was just so funny to her. Maybe she was releasing some of her pent-up stress. "God, and you wanna go for a freakin' bike ride? You two are hopeless little shits, huh?"

Shaking her head and exiting her room, Akari started down the fancy halls of the estate. "If anything though," She said, gasping in a good breath after all of her laughter. "She'd just want to walk around and listen to some new music on her Mp3 player."

"You're probably right." Seiji agreed. "You know, her obsession with music has only gotten worse. Yesterday in school, she forced me to help her illegally download a hundred new songs on her ipod."

"Seriously - ?"

"Not only that, but she just got a new music sharing app on her phone. So every lunch period, she and Ryuunosuke play every song imaginable on their phones together and I'm forced to listen to music that I don't necessarily always enjoy." He paused. "You should feel bad for me."

"I should." Akari smiled, finally reaching the front door of the estate. "But it's not my problem, so it really only humors me."

"You are a cruel, sadistic girl then." Seiji said lowly.

She shook her head with a laugh. "Alright idiot, I'll see you soon. I have to call for my driver now."

"Ooooh, the rich bitch has her own driver?" He started with the Aika impersonations again. "What a surprise."

"Okay stop that already, you're so good at that it's starting to scare me." With one last laugh and a chuckle on Seiji's end, Akari hung up the phone and dialed the number for one of the many drivers the Igarashis had working for them.

This is just what she needed. A day out with her friends, two of the craziest people she knew, would definitely help her to start feeling better.

And maybe then... maybe after she had some fun, she'd be able to focus on dealing with how she felt about Tora.

As soon as the door was opened, Tora's gaze met with that of a certain man he didn't particularly enjoy seeing again.

"Kichiro Ikehara." A golden eyebrow was raised in question. "You're answering doors for people now?" His tone was half-amusement, half-mockery.

The man smirked at Tora, but there was a certain weariness in his dark eyes. He seemed to be remembering how unpleasant it was for him the last time they were in each other's company. "Tora Igarashi. What a... nice... surprise." He opened the door wider so that Tora could step in. "Please, come in. I was just leaving actually, but I may as well greet you properly on my way out. Welcome to the Michiyo estate."

Stepping elegantly into the dim entryway, Tora turned a narrow glance at the man. "Just leaving? I suppose I wrongfully assumed you were currently employed as a doorman. You see, such a position would be just right for someone of your standards."

The man didn't flinch, keeping the same sour smile on his face even after hearing the cleverly constructed insult. Any normal person wouldn't have noticed, but Tora caught the way Ikehara's grip tightened slightly on the door's handle.

"It's such a shame." Ikehara was back to speaking again, and had one foot out the door. "But I can't stay and chat. I have to be going now."

Tora placed his hands in his pockets, looking around the estate that was seemingly empty, and just as dimly lit as ever. "Is there anyone home?" His tone was low, and sounded rather lazy. He didn't want this to be a wasted trip.

"There should be a few maids around here somewhere..." The other muttered, and Tora spared him a sideways glance.

His mouth lifted up slightly at the corners, into a knowing smirk, when his eyes really took the other man in. Ikehara's business suit was slightly rumpled, his tie loose, his hair almost looking as if he had just slipped out of bed. "Maids? And, are you quite sure they won't be too... tired, to be able to assist me?"

A brilliant shade of angry red flooded the other man's face, and the next moment he opened his mouth he was practically yelling. "Are you trying to imply what I think you are, Igarashi?"

Tora's eyes were practically gleaming with dark mischief as he spoke smoothly. "And what if I am?" It was only obvious he was enjoying belittling the man who had once attacked his prize.

Ikehara was glaring now. "Then I would remind you, Igarashi, that I am not the only one who tires the servants out. You yourself have been rather active -"

"In the past, yes, I was." Tora swiftly cut in. "Are you expecting me to deny it?"

Frowning, the other man took a step back inside, closing in on Tora. "You -"

"What, exactly, is going on?"

Ikehara took a step back again, his head quickly snapping in the direction of the third voice entering the conversation.

Things were relatively quiet for a moment, while Tora calmly turned to address the man now standing in the entryway with them. "It would seem," His tone was all smiles, but on his face there was the usual Igarashi smirk. "that you need to keep a tighter leash on your dog."

Hayate's pale eyes went from Ikehara, to Tora, then back again. His tone was low, deadly - a warning. "Kichiro, have you been troubling our guest?"

With a bow, Ikehara started to back out the door. "Of course not, of course not..." He gave his best smile and spoke quickly. "Now if you'll excuse me, I have somewhere to be, and I must hurry now or I'll risk being late. Good day, Hayate." He turned his gaze to Tora and nodded. "Igarashi."

And then he was gone, with the door closed behind him, before either of the other two men in the room could even blink.

Tora's eyes narrowed. What a coward that idiot Ikehara was. It disgusted him.

Turning to properly face the Igarashi heir, Hayate cleared his throat and straightened himself out - standing to his full height, with an intimidating glimmer entering his watery eyes. "Well, if it isn't the young Igarashi boy. What are you doing here, is my... sister, with you?"

For some reason, hearing this man refer to Akari as his sister, greatly bothered Tora - to such an extent that he locked eyes with the other and said, "Do not refer to her as your sibling, when you hardly treat her as such."

Hayate blinked for a moment as he was scrutinizing Tora, and it had seemed such a comment had taken him slightly off guard. But then, it passed, and he was questioning Tora once more. "So I take it you came alone, then. Tell me, what business do you have here with me and my family?"

"Well," Stepping further into the estate, Tora began explaining, while walking around the area as if he owned the place - hands in his pockets, posture relaxed, voice coming out in a smooth, toneless sort of drawl. "I did try making some phone calls earlier, but it would seem your phones have all stopped working, because I never received an answer." He stopped walking, and turned his head over his shoulder to send the other man a look, accompanied by two perfectly arched eyebrows. "Or have you and your father simply forgotten how to use a phone?"

The arms placed at Hayate's sides were raised, lifting and folding across his chest. The look on his face said he was not happy with Tora's visit, much less, the way he was being insulted.

And the glare he sent Tora should have been warning enough for him to stop, but of course, the younger of the two continued. "It's quite obvious to me that you don't know much about me or my family." His tone was light, but his golden eyes held a very dark look to them, appearing to be a murky bronze in the dim lighting. "So I'll take it upon myself to teach you."

Spinning slowly on his heel, he was now facing Hayate completely, which, if this were the animal kingdom, would be considered a threat. "An Igarashi does not enjoy being ignored." His tone was a tad lower, and he had attained a certain bite to his words now. "And if an act of ignorance is repeated, it is noticed as an insult." He raised his chin slightly, looking so elegant and lethal and beautiful all at once, that it was amazing that Hayate actually stood his ground. "So I took it upon myself to make a personal visit, seeing as I do not particularly enjoy being insulted."

"If you are trying to scare me, Igarashi." Hayate had some bite to his own words as well. "Then you will be sorely disappointed. I don't scare easy."

"That's fine by me," Tora's face portrayed something of a vicious smile. "another thing about us Igarashis - we're always craving a new challenge."

The glare in those pale, squinting eyes that Tora was looking into showed a flicker, just a flicker, of worry in them. Clearing his throat again, Hayate blinked several times, as if trying to refocus. "Enough of your useless intimidation. Tell me what you are here for, or leave."

Tora took a step forward. The other man flinched - barely. "I could say I was here because of all the trouble you've been trying to cause for my family." He shrugged, as if that didn't really matter to him. "Or I might be here simply because I don't like being ignored for so long. There's nothing more displeasing than not being taken seriously as a threat."

Hayate grit his teeth, unfolding his arms in order to clench his fists by his sides. "Get to the point, you little -"

Tora's eyes, sharp and dangerous, like a pair of bronze daggers, pin-pointed Hayate with their glare. His gaze was all glittery, malicious intent - and that was enough to get the other man to shut right up.

"The reason for my visit here, actually has little to do with my family." When Hayate looked confused, Tora expanded a bit, bringing one of his hands out of his pants pocket to give a lazy sort of gesture. "Though my father would have liked for me to come here and berate you for all the trouble you've been bothering him with, I am not here to do that. If you continue with your foolish attempts at sabotaging the Igarashi name, I'm sure he will take it upon himself to deal with you accordingly." The hint of a smile, a sly smile, passed over his features. "And I'm sure he will be very... creative... with how he chooses to do that."

That was the exact moment that an actual look of fear entered Hayate Michiyo's eyes. And Tora fed off of that fear, it was what served to fuel his fire.

"In short," Finally, he was getting to the main point. "I am here discuss the things that I, personally, have been troubled by. Certain things," He purposefully took another step forward, just to scare the other man, and though Hayate still stood his ground, his flinch was much more visible this time. Tora smirked - he had perfected many arts, but intimidation, along with manipulation, was his forte. "which have succeeded in upsetting me."

Folding his arms again, Hayate sent the heir his best sneer. "Orochi will be pleased to know we've gotten under your skin. Tell me, Igarashi, what exactly have we done to upset you so much? Are you quite sure it wasn't your father who sent you to do his dirty work for him?" His words were threatening, mocking, but to someone with sharp eyes like Tora, it was obvious the man was just trying to save face.

"Try to make things difficult for my father, and I could care less." Tora's hands were each back in his pockets again, and he was shrugging. "However, if your efforts are directed towards my object of interest, then I'll have to intervene."

This comment seemed to have struck a nerve, and Hayate took a few steps forward, snarling. "If it is Akari you are talking about, then I strongly suggest you find interest elsewhere. She is already promised to Orochi -"

"You see, that's just what I'm here to discuss." Tora closed his eyes for a moment, as if he was tired of speaking. He let a long breath out through his lips, turning away from the angered Michiyo son and looking up the set of stairs behind them. "Where would I find your father? I'd appreciate it if you could take me to him."

It was just that sort of calm, careless, and maddeningly patient demeanor that set Hayate off like a lethal explosive device. With loud, echoing stomps, he crossed over to stand between Tora and the staircase, folding his arms across his chest again and sizing up the young blonde man.

Tora looked the other man up and down with a listless, unimpressed look in his eyes. "You're in the way." He said calmly. "Move."

"No." Hayate smirked, as if he was so much better than the Igarashi heir. Now that - that irked Tora. His eyes flashed, the dark pupils surrounded by an angry depth of gold.

"If you do not move aside," His tone was much lower in volume now, hinting towards just how irritated he was. "I'll simply find my own way past you."

"My father is a busy man." Hayate was glaring at the other now. "He does not need you here wasting his time."

"And I did not come here to waste his time, or any my own time." Tora took a step forward, aiming to edge past the taller man. "I can assure you our meeting won't take long, since I too am a busy man and have much to do after this."

A bulky arm placed in his path kept him from advancing.

"Doesn't matter." Hayate grit out, practically spitting in Tora's direction. "I suggest you leave, now, kid. Before this gets out of hand."

Tora blinked, and his lips quirked upwards slightly, as if he were becoming amused. 'Kid'... now that was a daring thing to call an Igarashi. "Oh? Out of hand? So I suppose there's no swaying you with words."

Hayate smirked in answer, puffing out his chest, as if to make himself look more impressive.

Tora nodded his head, as if accepting that this was the way things were going to be. "Alright." He began to unbutton the cuffs of his silk shirt, and remove his gold cufflinks. "But before we begin, to be fair I should mention that should anything happen to me, my mother will file a lawsuit against you... seeing as she is so overprotective and prone to taking things too far." He sensed the frown on Hayate's face, and simply began to calmly roll up his sleeves. "And, once the lawyers dig up all of the excess information about you, you will most likely be taken into custody."

Taking a step back, Tora let his gaze rest carefully on the man across from him. There was a glimmer - a sadistic glimmer - portrayed in the harsh brutality of his golden eyes. He was enjoying himself too much, making this tall, bulky man in front of him second-guess himself. "You have some nasty secrets that you'd prefer to keep hidden, haven't you?"

Hayate was standing rigidly now, and he appeared to be holding his breath, or maybe his face was just turning a shade darker because of his steadily growing rage. It seemed he really didn't know a lot about the Igarashis, and at the moment he was being taught a lesson in just how dangerous it could be to mess with one.

The golden-eyed heir was standing at the ready, patiently waiting, and watching. Meanwhile, Hayate was stunned by a new sense of realization that flooded through him - it was made obvious to him now that he had never had control over the situation in the first place. Tora's intense gaze was settled on him, daring him to make the first swing, prodding him to dare lay a hand on an Igarashi. The blonde almost looked as if he were anticipating it - anticipating the repercussions that the man would suffer, should he even leave so much as a scratch on Tora's perfect face.

In his frustration, Hayate grunted, unfolding his arms, clenching his fists, and only glaring at the younger man. He opened his mouth, as if preparing to yell right in Tora's face, but instead he grit his teeth. Tora raised an eyebrow, waiting to see what would happen, and carefully watched the barely controlled rage displayed across the other man's face. Stepping forward with a menacing growl, Hayate angrily pushed his way past the heir, strutting back across the entry hall and to the front door. It opened and closed with a deafening slam. And that was that.

Slowly, Tora rolled his sleeves back down, taking his sweet time to fix his cufflinks again and straighten his collar.

They really did just end up walking around town, talking and listening to music Aika was blasting on her ipod.

"I think it's gonna rain soon." Seiji said, looking up at the sky while he reached around to fix his hair - his ponytail had come loose as they were walking.

"I hope it doesn't." Akari glanced up at the dark clouds as well, holding a hand out to test for drops of water. "I'm not in the mood for rain today. I wish the sun would come out more."

Aika turned off the song she was currently having them listen to, and turned to face the other girl. The look on her face suggested she was about to say something that would make Akari cringe. "Well the whole world doesn't revolve around you, princess. Get over it, and get on with your fucking life already."

Yep. Akari cringed. She also tossed Seiji a look and whispered to him, "Could you please tame your wild beast? She keeps snapping at me like that."

Seiji laughed, and both he and Akari earned a hard punch in the arm because of their joking around. Aika's eyes were narrowed to a glare. "You guys always gang up on me, you know that?"

"That's because it's fun." Akari said, with a bitter-sweet, teasing smile.

"But we might stop doing it, because your reactions are always rather painful..." Seiji winced, rubbing the spot on his arm where he'd been punched.

Aika just rolled her eyes, calling him a wimp and telling them to get moving again, because she hated just standing around. As they started walking along the sidewalk again, Akari was in the middle of wondering if the music-lover had ADHD, when a certain question caught her attention.

"So bitch, you're going to the Yumesaki Winter Festival this weekend, right?"

Akari blinked, refocusing her attention on the other girl. "Yumesaki Winter Festival? I've never even heard of it."

Seiji practically jumped on top of her, shaking her around. "What?! Everyone's been talking about it! What, do you live under a rock?"

Laughing, she pushed him away from her. "Sort of. I just don't pay attention to what anyone talks about these days. None of it ever interests me anyway, and..."

I've got my own problems to deal with. She thought in her head, keeping that last part to herself.

"Well, you've heard of Yumesaki High School, right?" Aika asked, searching for a new song to listen to from her playlists.

"I... think so. Sounds sorta familiar."

Seiji shook his head, and Aika just elbowed him so that he would explain for her.

"Alright," His green-blue eyes focused in on her so abruptly that Akari nearly jolted in shock. "Yumesaki High School is this big school that always holds the most amazing festivals on their school grounds. And everyone goes to them, because, well, they're really awesome."

"Tell her about how one of my favorite band goes there." Aika urged, putting her earbuds in and nodding her head to a song she'd finally picked out.

"Yes, your highness." Seiji muttered, before focusing his attention back on the confused Akari. "Do you know the band UxMishi?"

She sighed. "Just assume that I know nothing about anything you're talking about and keep going with what you're trying to tell me."

He laughed at her, and she bonked him on the head so he would just continue. Seiji rubbed the top of his head and pouted at her. "You and Aika are so violent... Anyway, UxMishi is this super popular indie rock band that Aika and her boyfriend are obsessed with. And when I say they're obsessed, I mean -"

"We wanna have a threesome with the hot-as-fuck bassist, Kōma." The music freak said, a bit too loudly, considering that they were out in public.

Akari's eyes widened at the bold comment, and Seiji coughed uncomfortably before continuing. "Yeah... so, uh... so... Ah, all of the band members go to Yumesaki High School, and they always do a concert at the festivals held there. That's what's got Aika so excited about it." He smirked. "Meanwhile, I'm just excited about all the food stalls. Not to mention all the hot girls that'll be there to see the concert -"

This time, both Aika and Akari gave him a well-deserved punch. He yowled, but Aika just explained to him before he started to complain that 'whining about hot babes like an intolerant pervert was Kai's job, not his'.

As they continued to walk (with Seiji behind them, quietly nursing the bruises they each gave him) Aika scrolled through some of UxMishi's songs on her ipod and had Akari listen to them with her. Eventually, the two were nodding their heads along to the beat, and Aika started singing along with the lyrics.

"So what do you think?" She asked happily, during the middle of the song 'Akane'. That girl was always her happiest when sharing the beautiful gift of music with others. Or when she was causing others pain, but mostly the music thing.

Akari continued to nod her head to the beat of the song. "Well, I don't listen to a lot of music, but they're good. Really good. It'd be fun to hear them live."

"Then come to the festival with us!" Seiji suddenly cut in, squeezing in between the two girls and throwing an arm around each of them. He looked to each in turn, from Aika's annoyed grimace to Akari's thoughtful expression.

"This weekend, right? I think I can come." Akari smiled, thinking about how much fun it would be, because they both really made it sound like a lot of fun. "Yeah, I don't see why I wouldn't be able to go."

"Great!" Seiji grinned.

"Awesome." Aika put her earbuds back in, and started scrolling through her music again.

"Before we get started -"

After climbing the stairs and finding a servant to take him to Mr. Michiyo's private study, Tora, following a short introduction from the servant, had walked straight through the large mahogany doors and into the room with a certain authoritative air about him, and a mean glint in his eyes. His presence alone caused the only other man in the room to stand up, both shocked and disturbed by the unexpected visit.

"- I'd like to tell you, that I am not here to engage in any of the pointless arguments you have to offer me." Tora's tone was low but pleasant, each word he said articulated with a certain perfect, careful precision. "We are both business men, so it is my understanding that based off that, we should be able to come to some sort of agreement both easily, and quickly."

He practically threw himself into one of the plush chairs sitting in the room, settling in comfortably, elegantly crossing one leg over the other and clasping his hands in his preferred all-business, no-nonsense position. His brow raised as if automatically, and he offered the man across the room a rare smile. "After all, I certainly wouldn't want to waste any of your time, since I believe it to be quite a valuable thing."

It took more than a few minutes for Heisuke Michiyo to assess the situation. After all, when a young man walked into your home and came to find you in your private office, only to take a seat of his own free will in one of your chairs, and then act as if it were his private office, and also act as if he was the one who called all the shots - it was a lot to take in all at once.

And when the man had had his fill of the Igarashi heir's smirking face and overpowering presence, he straightened to his full height behind his desk, narrowed his silver eyes, and addressed the young man in a tone of anger.

"Tora." The name was said as if it was a cursed name, a dangerous word to voice aloud. "Tora Igarashi. I don't believe I gave you visitation rights to my home or office."

"I don't believe I need them."

The older man grit his teeth, much like his son had before him. The way Tora had said that so freely, without a care in the world - that bothered him even further.

"I beg your pardon?"

"Hn... I also don't need you begging, yet." Tora's eyes narrowed. "However, in time, if we do not come to some sort of agreement that is to my liking then I'm sure I'll have you begging at some point."

"Enough with your snide remarks." Heisuke had been, ever since he had become wealthy, a prideful man, who did not enjoy the concept of mockery unless he was not the one on the receiving end. "What are you doing in my house? Did my daughter set you up to this?"

"No one can ever set me up to anything, Michiyo." Tora sighed, rolling his head to one side almost dramatically. "It would seem you are just as clueless as your son is, about the way that I work."

"You're here about the blackmailing, aren't you?" Mr. Michiyo was shaking his head now, square teeth tearing at his lip. "Well I can assure you, we've given up our attempts with that. Anyone we hire to do the dirty work for us just - ah - disappears..."

Tora's eyes glimmered with amusement. "Oh? How very strange."

In his unease, the older man swallowed loudly, running a large hand through his greying brown hair. He was about ready to either flee from the room, or start yelling in frustration. Talking with Tora Igarashi could do that to you. "You, uh." He glared at the boy. "You were sent here by your father, to speak with me about those things, correct? To finally threaten me to stop -"

"Wrong again." That statement was only half-true though. The Igarashi heir kept an eyebrow raised, loving how simple it was to make this man into a nervous wreck. "Care to try for a third guess?"

Mr. Michiyo muttered something under his breath, most likely a cuss word, and decided to just ask the burning question. "Then just what is it that you're here for?"

Tora leaned forward in his seat slightly, glad to have things moving along. "I simply wish to have a discussion with you, and negotiate some things."

Grey eyes narrowed down to slits. "What do you mean, exactly?"

"I'm here to talk about your daughter's engagement to Orochi Fuirutsu."

The man sat down, his voice lowered to a more serious volume than before. "Absolutely not. There is nothing to discuss, much less negotiate. I refuse to have you involved with that."

Tora didn't seem pleased with such an answer. "I'm already involved. Very," His eyes flashed, gold and meaningful. "Involved."

There was a stagnant silence, which had yet to be filled up over the course of several minutes. Tora still sat there, in the same position he'd been in since he'd first sat down, and likewise, Mr. Heisuke Michiyo was also sitting down in a seat of his own, behind his desk he had his arms crossed along its flat surface, and a curious sort of look on his face - he seemed to be wondering what course of action to take, and Tora was patient enough to wait.

"Fine. You may proceed with anything you have to say, though I doubt you will be able to convince me to do as you wish about the matter."

That was all that Tora had needed to hear. With a nod of understanding, he slowly reached back to his pocket, and from it, he pulled a black leather wallet.

"Well then, Mr. Michiyo." He lowered his eyes, and his lithe fingers began to carefully pick a few hundred notes from the wallet - and then a few more - and then a few more. "I would like," He pulled another five hundred from the depths of his wallet. Mr. Michiyo's eyes were practically bulging out of his head, as he watched the Igarashi heir only continue pulling out more and more of the valuable pieces of paper, as if there was an endless supply of it.

Finally, Tora raised his gaze to meet that of the other man's. He had enough notes held between two fingers and a thumb, to give several greedy men heart attacks. "To buy your cooperation."

A/N: I really dislike words that you can spell in more than one way, like cooperation/co-operation, cufflinks/cuff links, blonde/blond, & fiancée/fiancé -_-

How'd you like the chapter? ^_^ I worked on it for hours. I happen to be home alone, so I was able to get into my zone. And when in my zone, I usually get the results that I'm most satisfied with.

Reviews would be wonderful! :3

CK:*

p.s- this chapter was originally going to be much longer, but I was just too excited to get an update out to you guys .-.

Oh also, I've been a bit over-zealous as of recently, so the next chapter will probably be up pretty soon! This one was up within another 17 days, so let's say the next one will be... hmm well I might just do it tomorrow, once my brain is refreshed. I'm just in a writing sort of mood lately,

AND I REALLY WANNA GET THIS STORY COMPLETED SO THAT I CAN START A NEW TORA FIC! XD I'm not gonna lie, I've already drabbled (quite a bit) for the new fic I came up with, and I also made my very first, very own story cover for it! And it looks rather good, I think... but maybe that's just because I spent 2 days figuring out how to make it look good (I don't normally draw stuff on a computer, or use Paint to draw) I am so much better at just drawing things out on paper. Maybe I should have just drawn what I wanted and scanned it into the computer, and then edited it online... that would have saved me so much time and effort, now that I think about it...

Anyway! I'm getting waaayy too excited about it, (my next Tora fic) because I've decided it's going to be a lot better than this one. Because I've learned how to better develop characters, and I've played around with some scenes between the OCs I've come up with already, and I've re-associated myself with Tora's character, and decided in my next fic he'll be a bit more... delicious. ;) Maddeningly so.