Midway through the night, Kaoru awoke with a start. Frowning into the darkness as he tried to get his bearings, he became aware of two things simultaneously; (1) he was still dressed and had fallen asleep in his living room, an 'a la Kojiro' special, and (2) he wasn't alone. A small figure, who should also be in bed, was curled up and tucked into his side. Miya, sound asleep and wearing Joe's oversized shirt, had an arm wrapped around him and his nose snuggled firmly into his warmth.

Kaoru was too tired to be annoyed at the invasion of personal space. Really, what good would it do either of them? Reasoning that he was just as stupid for falling asleep out here, he could hardly berate Miya for doing the same. In fact, it had come as a pleasant surprise that the young man was so at ease in his presence. Carding his fingers softly through the boy's inky hair as he slept, Cherry took in his friend's relaxed face, deciding it suited him far better than the anguished look he'd worn earlier today. Before forcing himself to get up and move, his muscles were protesting too loudly to ignore, he took an extra minute to revel in the simple and platonic show of trust. Damn, he really was going soft.

Securing his hand around Miya's back to pull him closer, Kaoru hooked his forearm under the boy's knees and stood up. With his full weight cradled against him, which was surprisingly less than he'd thought (he'd speak to Carla about monitoring the boy's nutrition in the morning), he carried Miya, bridal style, through his house. Confident in his footing, he knew the route even in this dim light. He paused briefly when they reached the guestroom door, considering his options for just a moment before heading straight on to the master bedroom. Miya had been very vulnerable with him today, but despite that he'd still sought his company, and Cherry wasn't going to push him away now.

Lowering the sleeping teen and covering him with his blanket, Kaoru padded around the bedroom as silently as he could manage. Once he'd put on his pyjamas and brushed his teeth, he gratefully sank into his side of the bed, before stretching out onto his back with a low groan. Confident in their plan of action for the following day, he turned off his bedside lamp and tried to get at least a couple of hours sleep. Just as he was slipping from the waking world, the reassuring pocket of soft warmth returned to his side but, instead of pushing it away, he smiled sleepily and welcomed it closer.

- - -.

Normality hit Kaoru like a slap in the face by the time morning came. Inhaling his coffee as leaned agitatedly against his kitchen counter, he was adamant that last night was a bizarre one off. It had to be. What thehell had he been thinking? Shit, maybe this was the real reason he'd never let anyone sleep over. Kaoru was going to have to compensate for his clinginess and re-establish the boundaries that existing between himself and the kids, Miya in particular.

Wincing at the memory of Miya having used his chest as a goddam pillow during the night, Cherry felt guilty about them sharing the bed, despite knowing the circumstances were completely innocent. Both of them had sought safety and comfort with each other, and his actions were an expression of paternal concern for the boy. Although, it was news to him that he was capable of such fluffy and protective feelings. He'd never once thought of himself as a cuddler, normally he was a selfish sleeper who enjoyed his own space. Such indulgences, while making sense to his sleep addled brain, were best left behind them. He was ice queen Cherry Blossom for fucks sake, and keeping everyone perpetually at arm's length suited him just fine.

Miya eventually emerged and ate his breakfast, seemingly unperturbed at waking in a different room than the one he'd originally fallen asleep in. After he'd cleared his plate, Kaoru had Miya sign the new paperwork before forwarding copies to his own legal and financial counsel. Once the documentation side of their new joint venture had been resolved, he herded the grumpy teenager, who was apparently even less of a morning person than he was, into his car and set off towards their first destination.

The silence between the two of them on the ride over to Miya's residence was comfortable territory for Kaoru, he wasn't one for idle chit chat this early in the day (or honestly ever). However, as they approached the address, guided by Carla's navigation subroutine, he found himself worrying that perhaps Miya wasn't talking because he regretted their hasty decision. Was this going to cause the kid more problems that it solved? Cherry didn't want to wade into Miya's life and start fucking things up for him, the way he already had with his own life.

Parking beside the modest Chinen house, Kaoru turned to Miya and prepared himself for the rejection that he knew was coming. He schooled his features and tried to make this as pain free as possible. "Just so you know, nothing we've done so far has been set in stone. So, if you were having second thoughts about our little plan, we can stop it here and now. I promise that I won't be offended."

Miya snorted. "Is that why you look like somebody died? I said I was in, didn't I. Jeez, I'm just tired Cherry."

To punctuate his point, Miya let out a sizeable yawn and languidly stretched his arms above his head. When Kaoru raised a brow in response, Miya chuckled as he undid his seatbelt and swung open the passenger side door, leaning back across the console to place a hand on Cherry's shoulder. "Aww you don't need worry so much about me."

Kaoru met Miya's eyes, while left unsaid, their shared trauma and concern for each other was new territory for them both.

Stepping out of the car, Miya turned around with a grin. "Love you too Mom!"

Kaoru internally cringed but managed to keep his face impassive, swiftly returning the sentiment with his middle finger.

Laughing raucously, Miya sprinted away as fast as his legs would carry him before disappearing inside the house.

An irritated Kaoru was left behind in the car, wondering where all this giddy energy had suddenly come from. Fucking brilliant, now the wayward child was making fun of him. He was officially a laughingstock. At least there were no witnesses to his disgrace. Pouting to himself, he wondered if he'd ever been that high spirited in his youth. He obviously had and, not only that, but him and Kojiro had gotten themselves into more than their fair share of mischief. Smirking at the memories of their escapades, he retrieved his envelope from the backseat ready to fix to Miya's front door, which happened to include a little present direct from his brush to Ainosuke.

He couldn't blame Miya for his show of exuberance, they were both excited to screw over Adam. Kaoru supposed, on reflection, he probably wasn't that much more mature than the kid. He hadn't yet outgrown his role as the bad influence of the group, leading others astray. Perhaps, to mark the occasion, he should put a few of his piercings back in. Why not? He looked hot with them and the pieces would contrast nicely against his more traditional wardrobe. Damn, he should seriously consider flipping people off more often, it was therapeutic. He'd forgotten how good it felt to feed his rebellious side every once in a while. Today he was feeling pretty damn punk, and he'd like to think teenage Kaoru would have approved.

When he drove them back to his, Cherry had to restrain himself from dropping into a handbrake turn, upping his wheel spin, and leaving donuts in their wake. Although, his sensible wagon wasn't exactly tuned up for that, having opted for comfort and practicality (over street cred) when he'd purchased it. More's the pity, maybe next time he'd treat himself to something with more bite.

- - -.

The rest of the morning passed smoothly and without incident, they both successfully changed and hit the road with Miya's supplies in tow, making it to the exhibition venue with plenty of time to spare. Kaoru had called ahead, explaining his new position as Miya's supporter, so the staff on the front desk were happy for him to sign straight in and accompany Miya as his responsible adult. Kaoru was supplied with a lanyard labelling him as GUEST, MIYA CHINEN which he wore proudly over his pale lilac kimono.

Today was a big day, and his first representing the teenager, so Kaoru had made sure he was as well put together as he could manage. The silk ensemble he'd chosen was one of his most formal, but the pattern was subtle and almost neutral in a way that didn't overtly draw attention. That he also looked damn fine in it was a happy co-incidence.

Politely mingling with the other parents and sponsors, Kaoru allowed himself to relax and enjoy the skills of the young skaters on display as they performed their freestyle runs. There were some obvious talents in the group, although none of them held a candle to Miya's natural ability. Not that he was (too) biased, but skating at S had definitely given Miya a little more grit and resilience over the others. Of course, when it was finally their turn, he gave the young man his full attention and clapped loudly when his routine was finished. Miya had searched for his face in the crowd, board in hand, the young man's grin finally broadening when their eyes met. Not one to be too outwardly enthusiastic, he'd expressed how proud he was with upturned lips and a double thumbs up.

Engrossed watching the remaining skaters utilise the ramp, and waiting for Miya to reappear, Kaoru was entirely unprepared for the firm hand that slid with practised ease along his spine. He had to fight the overwhelming urge to flinch away as the slimy digits caressed his back before rising under his ponytail to fondle the sensitive skin of his neck, dipping below the collar. Adam. What the fuck was he doing here? The transfer documents should have made it obvious that there was no longer a place for him in Miya's entourage. How had he managed to get past the venue's security? No, that was a stupid question, the man next to him had never had a problem winning people over, even against their own better judgement.

Turning his face to the right, Kaoru met the smouldering red eyes of Ainosuke Shindo and gave the merest inclination of his head in acknowledgement. "Ainosuke."

Adam smiled brightly at the frosty treatment, stepping closer to Kaoru and wrapping his arm around his shoulders to pull the pink haired man in close, like the old friends they were. Hip to hip, they continued to face forward under the guise of watching the exhibition, both masters of perpetuating and embodying a publicly respectable and professional air. Although, that didn't keep Adam's wandering hand from finding Cherry's waist.

Kaoru was fucking furious that Adam had his hands on him in such a casual manner and was trying to find a way to extract himself, without drawing unwelcome attention. They were in company, so his preferred method of a quick slap across the face wasn't going to cut it, unfortunately. Before he'd decided what to do, and sincerely missing Carla's calm and strategic instructions in his ear, his assailant broke the silence first.

Adam proceeded to move his possessive grip to Cherry's hip, digging in with his nails. "My dear little Sak-Kaoru, fancy seeing you here of all places! And so lovely and dressed up for me too! Don't tell me this was all for my benefit? Such a youthful colour does set your eyes off beautifully, even from behind those awful glasses. I'm not at all surprised at the glow-up, you always were too pretty for your own good. Although, what's this? Now that I'm seeing the façade up close, it seems that the years haven't been too kind to you. Oh, precious thing, you're looking a little tired and worn out around the edges. Is that why you've adopted that unbecoming mask to skate in? Felt the pressure to hide the gruesome reality from your young fanbase?"

Kaoru rolled his eyes, like he gave a flying fuck what this arrogant prick thought about his face, retorting through gritted teeth. "Tired and worn out you say? You're one to talk, us being the same age and all. I myself have no need to impress children. Is that why you wear yours?"

Adam leant in closer and dropped his voice. "You always did enjoy riling me up, it's your love language after all. Of course, now I see what's really going on. It's all so pathetically obvious. This elaborate scheme of yours to involve Chinen was a ploy to draw me here and tempt me into sampling your charms once again. Unfortunately for you, I've moved beyond your basic and provincial appeal. There are so many more talented skaters on the scene whose lights burn incandescently brighter than your own."

Bringing his hand lower to the pink haired man's backside, beyond thrilled that Cherry hadn't caved yet and was still playing hard to get, Adam licked his lips and whispered. "Still, I'm a man who can give credit where credit's due. This wasn't an inherently bad move on your part, my little Sakura Mochi. Call me a sentimental fool, but I'll admit that I'm not completely unaffected by your beauty, jaded though it is. I still remember how you tasted back then, all pliant and soft beneath me and so very eager to please. I would even consider a short trip down memory lane if you absolutely insisted, for old times' sake. Nostalgia does have its uses after all. You'd just have to be sure to ask me nicely."

To say he was appalled was an understatement. Kaoru's emotions jumped wildly from being insulted, disgusted, to barely contained laughter at the ludicrous thought of his wanting Adam in any way shape or form. Pulling himself together, he gracefully sidestepped the odious man, slapping away the arm accosting him with his fan to put at least a foot of space between them.

Summoning his most withering look, Kaoru slowly raked his eyes down Adam's expensive suit to his shoes, bringing his gaze back up to meet the suggestive expression written across his face. Cherry's stance remained the epitome of cooly unimpressed and, with the fan to his lip, Kaoru lowered his voice to give his assessment. "Oh Ainosuke, please don't flatter yourself. You were never that good."

Adam frowned as he absorbed the cutting words, it would appear that things weren't destined to go his way today. First, the unpleasant news he'd received at Miya's house, and now this disrespectful and positively wanton public display from his old flame. Did his little Cherry Blossom really think he could outmanoeuvre him? He grasped Kaoru's elbow and steered them towards a quieter corner of the room. Drawing from his pocket a daintily folded origami Sakura flower, he held it up between them accusingly. "What is this then, but an expression of wistful longing from my besotted ex-lover?"

Kaoru sighed, putting on a faux-worried expression. "Oh my, was my message lost in translation? I am so deeply aggrieved to hear that."

Taking the flower from Adam, Cherry turned it over to reveal the lovingly transcribed personal note which was, admittedly, some of his most beautiful work to date. Delicately rendered in ornate and stunning letters was the succinct phrase "Fuck You".

Kaoru hummed thoughtfully as he turned the pastel-coloured paper over in his hands a few times, examining it from all angles. "I would have thought this made our position more than clear, even for someone so deluded. A pity, really. You must think awfully highly of yourself to have misinterpreted these words as some sort of invitation. How very embarrassing for you."

Snatching the flower back, Adam crushed it in his palm before pressing his fist into Kaoru's chest, forcing the man backwards until he was caged-in against the wall. "Don't get ahead of yourself and think you've made a fool of me because you're nowhere near my level, and I'm just getting started. I have enough connections to tear you from this pedestal you've built for yourself. Fashions come and go, and so will yours, in time. Don't forgot your place, Kao-ru. You're a sad little nobody with nothing to offer. No one of consequence gives two shits about your paltry studio, or the mediocre art you produce. This jealously you have for true creative artisans like me and Chinen, whose possibilities are still without limit, must just burn you up inside. Not to mention, you failed to get approval for your half-hearted coup, and the Chinen family will never believe whatever nonsense you've concocted to malign my character. In all the excitement, have you really forgotten who I am?"

Sneering, Kaoru went in for the kill. He coyly raked his fingers across Ainosuke's clenched fist until he reached the Shindo ring, ignoring the fact that the pressure to his sternum was starting to hurt and impede his ability to breathe. Cherry stared the man down unflinchingly over his frames as he circled the distinctive jewellery with featherlight and seductive caresses. "Nonsense and concoctions, you say? Hmm, are you absolutely sure about that fact, Shindo-kun?"

Eyes widening, Adam was confident that Cherry didn't actually know what he was implying he knew. It must be a bluff on his part. There was no way his meek little Miya would suddenly turn on him, he'd made sure the boy was enamoured by his tutelage and remained wrapped around his finger. But the unwavering golden eyes and smug face of the man in front of him were far too confident for his liking, not to mention the fleeting look Kaoru had given his ring before pointedly raising a brow. Perhaps there was a slim chance that he was in danger.

Curling his lip and shoving at Kaoru with increased force, Adam attempted to keep his voice steady, "I wouldn't push your luck with me, Cherry dear. You know I'm not one to be toyed with, and people like yourself and Miya are so very… fragile. It would take such little force to break you."

Releasing his hold, Adam pocketed the crumpled flower and stepped backwards. His face instantly switched into a politician-worthy smile as he casually straightened the lapels on his jacket, the timbre of his voice silky smooth. "You'll be hearing from my lawyers in due time to get this put right. You must know that I don't allow any of my precious belongings to be taken from me lightly. Not without a fight."

Kaoru spotted Miya emerge into the crowd along with a few of his fellow skaters. Alarmed, he stepped out immediately to intercept him, positioning himself directly between Adam and the approaching teens. Cherry made sure Miya remained hidden behind him and opened his arms tauntingly wide, baring his teeth in challenge. "By all means Ainosuke, bring it on. I don't recognise you or your claims of ownership. Nothing, not money, not position, not family connections, nothing grants you free rein to take what you want by force."

Turning smartly on his heels, Cherry shot Adam a disdainful look over his shoulder before grasping Miya's hand and leading them safely out of the conference room. He didn't slow their brisk pace until they reached the car.

It was done, their first encounter was over. Theoretically today had gone well but, with his heart pounding wildly and his hands continuing to shake, Kaoru just wished it had felt like more of a win. He'd held his ground back there, but just barely. Adam was clearly the more seasoned predator, like a shark scenting blood in the water.

The two of them were obviously in the right, but Cherry knew that wasn't a guarantee that justice would prevail. As Kaoru drove them home, trying not to get lost in his more morose thoughts, he couldn't shake the feeling that all he'd done was invoke Ainosuke's wrath and his inevitable retaliation. The last thing he wanted was to further endanger Miya. Maybe they should have bided their time? No, now that he knew what was going on, there was no way he'd have been able to sit back and turn a blind eye. Not while Miya needed him.

- - -.