I cannot apologise enough for how long this chapter took. I think it's almost been a year? I'm so so sorry. It's been a rough past year for me, having been retrenched and changing jobs twice, taking on two freelance jobs and on top of it all, dealing (and finally overcoming!) depression and suicide. Honestly, it was tempting to give up writing fanfic, especially after being retrenched from my writing job, I felt defeated as a writer and took a long break from writing. But recently, I found myself wanting to get back into it again and after receiving continuous support despite my hiatus, I finally got the kick I need to keep writing after a recent review left me feeling determined to not give up.

And as such, here's the next chapter. Thank you for all the reviews everyone, and I urge you all to always leave a nice comment to the writer or artist who inspired you or made you happy. Or leave little messages of happiness to those online who you think need some cheering up. You may just give them the push they need to keep going through a rough day.

In the meantime, enjoy the next chapter! Last major buildup before we move on to the second arc of this fic. I changed my initial plan of making this fic have more football strategies as I realise I'm still too weak in making that work. So I decided to play up my strengths and do more character build up. Hope you enjoy!

Laughter filled the private room in the latest Korean Barbecue restaurant to open near the Saikyoudai University. Taking advantage of the opening ceremony's discount of unlimited meat for a set price, one which the owners would greatly regret later on, were a few members of the Saikyoudai Wizards who were there to enjoy one last meal after practice before their one day break and then back to the daily grind of studies and the inevitable Rice Bowl.

The initial discussions of the upcoming game - who they could be playing against and the likeliness of them winning this year, dwindled down to the fact that two members in particular did not join them for much of today's practice, and had left early instead, though at different times with the manager leaving first. That was when one of the Wizards came up with a suggestion that caused the entire room to erupt in laughter.

And that person was not happy with the hilarity he'd caused.

"I am telling you, something weird is going on with Anezaki and Hiruma!" cried Yamashita Hiroki, the new linesman for the Wizards. He'd joined the Wizards just this year and in spite of his small frame, he'd proven to be rather sturdy. "Ever since they returned, they're acting differently, I'm sure of it!"

"You're only saying that because you don't know how they are like at all," said Banba, flipping a few slices of pork on the grill before him. "They've worked together since High School, so of course they depend on each other quite a bit, it's nothing new. In fact, they've improved a lot since they first began working together for the Devil Bats, didn't they, Juumonji?"

Juumonji was taking a sip of beer and almost choked when his name was called. Coughing a little, and with a small smile, he nodded. "Yeah, they were at each other's necks back at Deimon when they were still forming the Devil Bats. But before I knew it, they grew to really respect each other a lot and have always been working together, especially when Hiruma requested Anezaki to help him train the Devil Bats during their third years, even though he couldn't play. In fact... I don't think he even asked her. They just fell into their roles without a word."

"That doesn't mean anything!" said Hiroki with determination. "Even I could see the quiet respect they have for each other and the way they work together when I joined the Wizards. But I'm telling you, there's a lot more tension between them now than ever!"

"Well then, what say you, stand in Captain?" asked Banba towards Yamato, a nickname the team decided to call him since Hiruma left.

Yamato shrugged, but he couldn't stop smiling at the banter that was going on. "Can't say I've seen anything interesting between the two. But that's because I've been busy preparing for the Rice Bowl. As were the rest of us."

A number of heads nodded in agreement, but Hiroki was undeterred. "Taka, you read about things like this!" cried Hiroki. "You agree with me right?"

Taka had been quiet most of the time, eating the just cooked sliced marble beef with disinterest. He was banned from bringing a book to read during meal times with the team so he often preferred to be in his own thoughts. But he did find himself drawn towards this particular conversation. "I cannot say I agree with you, but I do find it odd how easily they brushed off what happened to them when they were away."

"What do you mean?" asked Yamato.

"Even if it is about Hiruma's father needing help, it's a little strange for Anezaki to be the best option for help when Hiruma has many other slaves, and whatever happened took quite a while too."

"There! There! Right there!" cried Hiroki, rising and banging the table in triumph. Something doesn't add up and that's why the two of them are more tense!"

Ikkyuu rolled his eyes at this point, having lost his appetite and feeling rather annoyed at Hiroki's insistence. "That doesn't mean anything. Hiruma's father may be going through something serious and maybe someone like Anezaki really is the best to give some form of aid or support. She is good at tending to wounds and illnesses after all."

A guitar strummed. "You're blind to the possibility of something grander, Ikkyuu," said Akaba.

This pissed off Ikkyuu even further. "Listen, you're all focusing on the wrong thing here! We have a Rice Bowl to win! You know, the one we've been training for all this time? Whatever is happening between those two has no concern for any of us!"

"Admit it, Ikkyuu," said Hiroki. "You just don't want to believe that it's possible that Hiruma and Anezaki may be dating!"

Ikkyuu slammed the table with his fist and stood up in defiance. "Say whatever you want, Yamashita!" he cried at the top of his voice. "But there is no way in hell that Hiruma and Anezaki are dating!"

The room was silent for a moment, with only Juumonji quietly saying, "What happened to your training from Shinryuuji?" but they were interrupted by loud, running footsteps, and the door sliding open with a loud bang.

"What's that you say?!" cried a familiar, petite girl excitedly.

"Suzuna!" cried Juumonji in surprise.

"Ya!" Suzuna waved. "Monjii! It's been a while! I don't think you realise but the Enma Fires are eating at the private room just next door and we couldn't help but hear the most incredible statement from this room! That Yoi-nii and Mamo-nee are dating!"

"That's not what I meant!" cried Ikkyuu, but groaned as a few members from the Enma Fires began to crowd by the door, Sena included.

"You know, I honestly thought the two had starting dating years back," said Unsui, Captain of the Enma Fires.

"How would you know, Unsui?" said Ikkyuu. "You're not a part of the Wizards!"

Riku, in spite of his attempt to seem disinterested, smiled and shrugged. "I don't know, the two of them seemed even closer since they became a part of the Wizards. Well, from what I heard in Enma and past Rice Bowls anyways."

Ikkyuu was about to reply when they heard Monta, who was apparently being tied down as his own cries of defiance could be heard from the other room, accompanied with his screams of, "MUKYAAA!"

They then heard a loud crash and a dead silence fell upon all of them. The cries of Kurita apologising confirmed their worse fears.

Unsui turned pale. "... I think we're going to be banned from this place too," he said as he rushed off.

"Not again!" said Riku as he joined him. "I was really liking the food here too!"

Suzuna giggled and waved at the Wizards. "Well, if you hear anything else please let us know, I'm dying for some news about Mamo-nee and Yoi-nii! I miss them so much! Oh, and good luck for the upcoming Rice Bowl! You're going to need it!"

The Wizards remained silent, dumbfounded by how strange everything had become and at risk of burning the meat, until Yamato burst out laughing. "As stand in Captain, I am forced to say this: We will kill you!"

"Ya! Don't count on it!" cried Suzuna as she closed the door to the Wizards, but turned to see Sena, with an expression Suzuna had learn to know it's a mixture of nerves and deep thoughts. "What's wrong, Sena?"

Sena looked at Suzuna, hesitated for a moment, before saying, "I don't know why, but seeing as Mamori-nee-chan isn't with the team and it's creating more rumours… it's making me worry about her."

Suzuna's expression dropped a little. "Why? Do you think there's something wrong?"

Sena shrugged, looking away. "I'm not sure..." Noting his concern was affecting Suzuna, he quickly changed his expression and smiled. "Heh, maybe I'm just worrying over nothing. Let's get back and see what sort of damage Kurita-"

Suzuna grabbed Sena's hand. He stared at Suzuna, who gave him a soft, supporting smile. "You silly, just say it."

"Say what?"

"That you wanna visit Mamo-nee of course!"

"Erm... I don't know if it's a good idea since the Rice Bowl is-"

"Ah, who cares! She's your Mamori-nee-chan! I'm sure we can see her for just a bit! Come on, I'll join you!"

It honestly didn't seem like a good idea, and he could be wrong about his concerns, dragging Suzuna along with him. It did seem like he could be worrying over nothing… but maybe it really didn't hurt to just see Mamori. Nodding, he said, "Okay. As long as we keep the girly talk limited."

"Ya! I can't promise you that!" she replied with a wink.

oOo

Mamori woke up to a comfortable softness and warmth wrapped around her. It felt a little different than usual, but Mamori didn't think much of it as she hovered over being awake and going back to sleep. It wasn't until she realised this softness was so unlike her bed that her eyes snapped open and she took a good look around in panic.

Then she breathed a sigh of relief. Oh yes.

She stayed over at Youichi's place last night. Probably the first of many more to come in the future, she concluded.

Having exhausted herself from cleaning most of the house until late last night, Youichi insisted that Mamori slept over. Besides, she still needed to sort out her items, seeing as it took the entire day after practice to sort his stuff out, so she might as well stay back and get back to work the next day. Thankfully, there wasn't a lot to go through.

She folded back the futon which was an extra she had at home. Youichi stayed back at practice then drove straight to her place to pick her and these items up while her parents were still away for the weekend. She opened the baggage that included extra sheets, towels, her own clothes and some personal decoration items that she knew Youichi would not approve, but she decided it was necessary to make all this realistic.

After all, she is supposed to be living here.

Youichi seemed to have heard her as he opened the door. "Oi, you better move some of your stuff in my room," he told her, still in t-shirt and long loose pants.

"Good morning to you, too," said Mamori, now aware that she was still in pyjamas as well. "Don't you knock?"

"You're my wife, there's no such thing as privacy anymore," Youichi cackled, despite his insistence that Mamori should sleep separately from him last night so as to give her some privacy.

"I may be your wife but it would do you good to knock, thank you," Mamori huffed, but she giggled as Youichi gave her an exasperated face.

"Yes, your fucking Majesty, just make sure you get your stuff in the main bedroom so we can sort out whose stuff goes where."

"Okay, okay, just let me leave some sheets here for our... special guests... in case they need it."

"Urgh… those fuckers better not complain about this place or I swear I'll just shoot them down." He turned to leave. "I'll wait for you in the main bedroom."

Youichi lived in a two room and one bathroom apartment since he began studying in Saikyoudai. He once told Mamori that he didn't usually need a two bedroom place, but decided upon it when he realised he needed the space now that he's in college.

While his main bedroom was manageable as Youichi slept there so he needed the space, sorting through the guest room took Mamori and Youichi almost half a day as it was filled with football equipment and firearms.

"And where will you put these now?" she had asked him as she carefully passed him a semi-automatic.

"There's another apartment nearby I can put these lovelies in, thanks to the power of my black book," cackled Youichi as he carefully took the gun from Mamori, though he cringed as he investigated the gun further. "Though I suppose I've lost interest in most of these. Looks like it's time to sell these off to the mafia."

Mamori rolled her eyes at the memory. As long as this second bedroom is clean, that's all that matters. For this will be the place the Satos will be staying during their impromptu visit.

Whereas Mamori would be sleeping with Youichi in the main bedroom. The idea of it made her take a sharp deep breath to calm her nerves. No matter how much she told herself that it wasn't a big deal, she still had moments where she couldn't believe she was married. To Youichi of all people.

And the hardest part was making sure that no one close to her knows about it.

She placed a small porcelain bear figure on the side table in the room, her little attempt at making the room a little more friendly to the guests. She doubt it would help, seeing how Sato Kaede didn't like anything Mamori liked, or her at all. But Mamori felt that it was necessary to be kind to Sato Kaede if she were ever to fulfill her mission of getting Sato Kirie's ashes back.

A small thought went to Youichi's father as she wondered if he would ever get his cancer treated. She offered a small prayer for his health as she proceeded to carry her baggage to Youichi's room, and took her phone along the way when she realised she received a text. Opening it, she was surprised to see it was Sena who had messaged her.

Mamori smiled and shook her head at how formal Sena sounded and his terrible habit of apologising, but her expression changed when she realised Sena wanted to meet up today. Of all days!

"Oi, what are you doing standing there with a blank expression?" Youichi called out to her as he could see her from the main bedroom.

"Sena wants to meet up with me! Today!" cried Mamori. "Oh no... what should I do?"

"What do you mean what should you do?" Youichi replied, slightly annoyed as he approached her. "You decide whether to meet him or not!"

"Are you really sure it's okay for me to go? Don't you need me for anything else?"

"Yeah, I need you in my bed later tonight," Youichi cackled as Mamori pouted. "Stop being a fucking saint, thinking you need to be here for me all the time. You've done a hell load for me already. Just sort out your stuff, go out with the Fucking Pipsqueak, then go home and get some rest."

Mamori wanted to argue, but she knew he was right about her worrying too much, and as much as they were married, she was not chained to him and she needed to act as such. He had taken the baggage in her hands and proceeded to bring it to the main room, as she reread Sena's message and proceeded to send him a reply.

She then walked into Youichi's room and began to take some of her clothes out. "What did you say to the Pipsqueak?" he asked her.

"I'll meet him for lunch nearby."

"Good. See if you can draw out some Enma Fires secrets from him."

"Really, Youichi?"

"Kekeke!"

oOo

It was a relief to know that Mamori was willing to meet up with him, especially on such short notice. Sena had wanted to meet up a little later, but with Suzuna's insistence on how busy they will be once the new term starts and the Rice Bowl coming up, it was obvious there wasn't a lot of time and today really was the best day.

"Do you want a bite of my parfait, Sena?" asked Suzuna, who didn't hesitate to order something for herself as they waited for Mamori.

Sena smiled. "I guess a little bit is fine."

"Okay! Say aaaah," she said as she took a scoop of ice cream and held it out to him.

Sena opened his mouth and allowed Suzuna to feed him the ice cream, glad to see Suzuna humming happily. That was when he heard someone giggle behind him.

"Oh dear, did I come at the wrong time?"

"Mamo-nee!" cried Suzuna as Sena did his best to not choke. Suzuna jumped up and proceeded to give Mamori a big hug, to which she returned excitedly.

"It's been so long, Suzuna-chan! How are you doing?"

"I'm great! Please, sit down! Do you wanna share my parfait?"

Mamori laughed as she took a seat. "I don't think I can share anything sweet with anyone, Suzuna-chan. I think I'll order some lunch and then have one parfait for myself if you don't mind. How are you Sena?"

Sena, who had been staring at Mamori with a dumbfounded look since she arrived, finally picked himself up and smiled. "I'm great! It's really so good to see you, Mamori-nee-chan."

"Same here, Sena. I still can't get over how much you've grown! Oh, thank you," said Mamori, sidetracked as the waitress gave her a menu and a glass of water.

Since she came in Sena had been trying to read Mamori's expression, who was undoubtedly cheerful, but there was no denying how worn out she looked to him. Sena knew classes and football practice can be trying even for a manager, but the semester break just ended and she should have gotten some amount of rest, right?

Mamori ordered Japanese curry for lunch as Suzuna ordered Omelette Rice, to which Mamori scolded Suzuna a little for having dessert first. "You gotta live a little, Mamo-nee! How about you, Sena?"

"Huh? Oh, Omelette Rice as well please."

"Got it," said the waitress. "One Japanese curry rice set and two omelette rice set. Please wait for a moment."

As the waitress walked away, Suzuna leaned in towards Mamori. "Mamo-nee, the rumours about you and Yoi-nii are getting unbearable! You have to tell me the truth!"

Mamori looked baffled. "The truth? About what?"

"Are you and Yoi-nii finally dating?"

Sena caught the way Mamori's eyes widened for a slight second, before she burst out laughing. "Come on, Mamo-nee, don't tease me!" said Suzuna.

"Ah, Suzuna, after all these years do you really think the two of us going out would even be possible?" She reached out to grab the glass of water before her.

"Really, Mamo-nee? Not even one little dinner together?"

Mamori seemed a little lost in her thoughts as she took a sip of water. "Oh, we take plenty of dinners together. Together with the rest of the Wizards or surrounded by Football strategies."

Suzuna sighed. She looked at Sena for a moment, who was a little surprised at how Suzuna sobered from her giddiness. "Hey, Mamo-nee... are you really okay with this?"

"Okay with what, Suzuna-chan?"

"Well... just... not being treated like the Queen that you are? Think about it!" Suzuna quickly cut Mamori off before she could protest. "The reason why we could barely meet up was because you're always dedicating yourself to studies and American Football. And that's great! But you deserve to go out on dates, you deserve to have someone look at you and tell you how beautiful you are, you deserve to have some fun for yourself once in a while, you know?"

Sena saw it. He was sure of it. A flash of sadness in Mamori's eyes, the way she turned to look at the glass of water before her as she played with her fingers. Then she giggled and looked at Suzuna, "I hope Sena is treating you that way then, Suzuna, for a long time to come!"

"I..." Suzuna blushed. She looked at Sena flustered, though a little happy, which made Sena fluster as well. "Oh! I... I have to go to the bathroom for a bit."

Suzuna got up quickly and left while Sena sighed and shook his head. "I'm sorry about that, Mamori-nee-chan."

"Sena, what's wrong? I thought you and Suzuna were going out?"

"We are! And I'm sure Suzuna's happy despite the way she acted..." said Sena, though he glanced at the direction Suzuna left. "Actually, this break would be the last time the two of us can date easily. Once the Rice Bowl starts, there won't be a lot of time. And then..."

"Oh, Sena!" Mamori said with concern. "You're not going back to Notre Dame again, are you?"

Sena sighed. "Suzuna's actually really supportive of me, but I cannot really offer her much of a future yet so it gets hard for us to talk about the future."

"It's all right, Sena." Mamori smiled warmly. "You and Suzuna are still young, there's still a lot in life to experience. If the two of you really love each other, then things will work out for sure. So don't fill your head with more worries and focus on the Rice Bowl. You're supposed to beat us right?"

Sena nodded, smiling in return. No matter what, it was good to get some reassurance from Mamori. "But that reminds me, Mamori-nee-chan, I heard that Hiruma-san disappeared and you went after him. What happened?"

Mamori took a deep breath as she shook her head. "Oh, it wasn't anything serious..." she said, though Sena knew her enough to be aware that she was definitely lying. "Hiruma's father is really ill, and he needed help to take care of him for a bit. So I decided to help out."

"I... see..." said Sena, nodding as his worries were confirmed. But he knew it wasn't worth chasing Mamori on this. It didn't sound right to force her when she seemed really guarded. "Then... can I say something, Mamori-nee-chan?"

"Of course, Sena!"

"If you ever need any help at all, please let me know. I know with the Rice Bowl coming up, we'd be rivals and all. But you're still Mamori-nee-chan to me, the sister who has always been supportive of me and my dreams. And I'd really like to offer the same to you."

Mamori seemed awed by what he said, which made Sena stutter the rest of his words. "S-so y-yeah! J-just call me okay? A-as long as it's not about the Rice Bowl!"

This made Mamori giggle. "Darn it. And I so wanted those Enma Fires strategy secrets. Youichi will be disappointed."

The words tumbled out of Mamori's mouth before she could stop it, causing the two of them to stare at each other in horror. Mamori was about to correct herself but the waitress finally gave them their order, and Suzuna was on her way back.

They ate and talked about their studies and how stressful it is, as Mamori slowly reverted back to her old self and seemed to have forgotten about her little blunder. But Sena withdrew himself from most of the conversation as he realised whatever that was happening with Mamori could be a lot more serious than it looks.

And he was certain the former Devil Bat captain was involved.

oOo

Youichi woke up to darkness as his stomach protested at the fact that he barely ate that day. He'd promised Mamori that he would go out and eat after she left, but he wasn't hungry at the time so he ended up going through some final strategies and watching the practice tapes for the Rice Bowl, before finally taking a nap which lasted four hours by the looks of it. He was tired, and though he was certain he could still play well for the upcoming Rice Bowl, he feared he had a little too many distractions in his head.

He proceeded to turn on the lights in the apartment, and stared for a moment at how different it looked now. Mamori had decorated the place a lot more than he expected, with new light green curtains and once bare tables now covered with doilies and table cloths. Lamps were now covered with cream shades that gave the hall a warmer look. He definitely did not approve of some of the decorations, especially with the figures of Rocket Raccoon by the TV, but agreed to let it be though it didn't stop him from sneering at the disgusting creature when he laid eyes on them.

But he would accept it all if it was enough to make her happy. She deserved this much and more after all.

He gave himself one little moment to sigh at the enormous task before him. He must to win the Rice Bowl. Most importantly, he had to protect her at all cost from whatever it is the Satos might do to her.

That was when he heard a knock on the door. His first instinct was to grab a gun, as there shouldn't be any guests at his apartment. But then he realised only one person knew where he lived for now. He opened the door.

Mamori smiled at him, holding two bags before her. "I hope you're hungry! I brought us dinner!"

Youichi felt relieved to see her in a way, but also irritated. "What are you doing here, Fucking Manager? Shouldn't you be at home, resting?"

Mamori walked in and placed the bags on the dining table. "Could you get the plates and cutlery, please?"

Youichi wanted to complain. He wanted to tell her off and leave him alone, but his stomach protested and demanded the curry as the smell wafted into the small dining room. Without another word, he went to get the plates and cutleries as Mamori opened the plastic bags to reveal rice and curry. "The place where Sena, Suzuna and I ate had really good curry, and I wanted to share it with you."

As Mamori prepared the food on the plates, Youichi sat down, staring at her. She gave him his plate of rice and curry, then sat down with her own plate as well. She finally decided to look back at him, determined to ask him something.

"I have three wishes, right?"

Youichi stayed silent for a little longer before replying, "Yes."

"I'd like to make one now."

"Go ahead."

"I want us to have a meal together whenever we can. Just the two of us. With little to no talks about Football, we're just going to appreciate each other's company."

Youichi didn't like this wish at all. They've eaten together a number of times already that it felt like she wasted this one. But he saw the earnest look in her eyes, and memories of how they were always rushing to eat and get back to work flashed before him. It may mean very little to him to just eat together, but it may mean a lot to her to have his company in this manner.

He did promise after all.

"Well then, wish fucking granted."

As they began to eat their meal, Youichi found it awkward at first. He was suddenly aware of the way Mamori sat, the way she chewed, the way she brushed her hair back as she leaned forward to eat. The small smile in the corner of her lips for having her first silly wish granted.

Was she always this pretty?

"So. Did you get those fucking secrets?"

"Youichi!"