A/N: Minna-san, I apologize for the delay of this chapter. A few weeks after I posted chapter 16 my father's health started to go down hill. Plus with the holidays approaching at the time I was swamped with work. Then of course most of you know from my post from the fb page my father passed away. Combine everything together with the stress of it all, I had lost all motivation to write pretty much anything. But I am back and hopefully this chapter will suffice. I also apologize for the fact it is not as long as the previous ones, but I did not want to drag it out. I am motivated again and hope to update a lot sooner. But without further ado, please enjoy chapter 17.

Disclaimer: No ownership claimed over these amazing boys. I do however own a few character who will not escape my wrath! (Insert crazy laughing)….Yeah, I'm still stressed….

Chapter 17: Threats, Accusations, and Offers.

"Watanabe-san, I think you may have competition."

Daisuke looked at Takeda confused, "What exactly do you mean?"

Takeda pointed to his charge whom was currently brushing the mane of a beautiful black quarter horse. The affection in the young man's eyes was not easily missed, "He seems to be rather taken with that one."

Takemoto approached the two with the horses' handler, "Minna-san, I would like you all to meet the animal trainer for the movie, Yasutake Shiro."

Mao's entire body stiffened when he heard the name and he slowly turned around, "Yasutake Shiro?"

Daisuke immediately noticed, "Mao, are you okay?"

Mao didn't answer Daisuke. Instead, he focused on the newcomer, "Forgive me but are you by any chance related to a college student named Yasutake Shogo?"

Yasutake looked at Mao confused, "You know my younger brother?"

Mao nodded slowly, "Yes, he is a classmate of mine in college. I am Hamao Kyosuke."

"Oh! Sho-chan told me about you!"

Mao visibly tensed and Daisuke immediately walked over wrapping an arm around the younger boy's shoulder, "What exactly did he tell you?"

Yasutake's eyes narrowed, "He tells me that you are the professor's favorite and how you have been cheating your way to the top of the class."

Daisuke pulled Mao against his chest wrapping his arms around the younger boy glaring at Yasutake before nodding to Takemoto, "You know my rule." His heart swelled with gratefulness when he felt Mao leaning back against him, he could feel the trust.

Takemoto nodded, "Yasutake-san. Unless you can prove our Hamao-kun has been cheating in his classes at the college you will no longer be allowed on the set."

Yasutake's mouth open then closed several times before he glared at Mao, "My little brother would not lie to me. I have seen his grades."

"Yasutake-san, I have no reason to cheat. I have earned all my grades by studying hard and participating in every class I was physically able to," Mao responded leaning back against Daisuke, "Your brother has started this one-sided fight. I have no quarrel with him. He just hates me."

"If you do not believe him, why don't you contact Kyo-chan's professor and confirm the exam scores with him," Shinnosuke said having stepped in front of his brother.

"And who are you?' Yasutake glared.

"I am his older brother, and I will not allow anyone to disrespect him like that," Shunnosuke spoke up shooting a glare at Yasutake, "Now either we settle this the easy way or the hard way."

"Nii-chan, please, I do not want any fighting," Mao said moving forward so his face was buried in his older brother's back. Shinnosuke had been speaking with Keimiko privately at the talented actress's request and only just now had returned.

Daisuke, however, continued to focus his glare on Yasutake, "My rule still stands. Anyone who badmouths or calls my assistant a liar will not be allowed to work on this set."

Yasutake looked over at Takemoto, "Are you really going to let him boss you around like that?"

Takemoto's own features morphed into a business-like expression, "Morishiku-san and I have an understanding with Watanabe-san. When it comes to his assistant, whatever he says goes. Now you can either apologize to Hamao-kun and continue with your work on this set, or we will find a replacement; one whom will be willing to do their job without complaint."

Yasutake turned to look at Mao who was now peeking out from behind Shunnosuke, "My talents would be wasted on a production if he was involved." With that, he turned heel and started walking away, "As per my agreement I will not reveal the filming locations of the movie, but I refuse to work with any of you after being treated with such disrespect."

"Yasutake-san, if you feel that way we will not stop you," Daisuke spoke up, "But keep in mind Mao is more than just a college student. He is an important member of the cast and crew on this production now."

Yasutake turned fast and stepped forward so he was looking right at Daisuke, "I saw that article. I know the only reason that worthless boy is even here is that he is mooching off you. Do yourself a favor and get rid of him before he screws you over like he did his boss. I would not be surprised if he was bending over for his professor too."

Everyone's eyes widened as Shunnosuke punched Yasutake in the nose. A collective gasp was heard following the punch, "How dare you say that about my brother."

Yasutake's watering eyes focused, or rather attempted to focus, "How dare you! Do you know who I am?"

"Not worth our time, not anymore." Takemoto said before turning his attention to Mao, "Hamao-kun, along with temporary filling in the role of Yuto, would you be willing to assist with the horses on set as well?"

Mao's eyes widened, "Um, well, if it will not interfere with my classes then I would be honored."

"You are going to trust a no good cheating student like that to-"

Takemoto turned to Yasutake, "If I recall, Yasutake-san, you are no longer a part of this production, therefore, your opinion is officially null and void."

"Shall I escort Yasutake-san off the premises?" Hinosaku asked.

Takemoto nodded, "Yes. Make sure he reaches his vehicle safely."

Once Yasutake was out of eyeshot, both Daisuke and Shunnosuke turned to look at the younger man; both with one thought in mind, "Explain," They said surprisingly in unison.

Mao's brown eyes widened before closing, "There is nothing to explain."

Shunnosuke stepped forward, "Kyo-chan, someone is accusing you of cheating. That is not something you just brush off."

"He is right Mao. He had no right to threaten you, but we need to know why he did." Daisuke continued, "We already have Leiko to worry about, the last thing we need is someone coming in and stirring up even more trouble."

Mao turned so his back was facing the others, "This is why I did not say anything. I do not want to be a bother, and do not say I am not because I know I am."

Shunnosuke slumped his shoulders and looked at his brother dejectedly, "Kyo-chan, you are not a bother and you never will be, so stop thinking that."

"He does this with me too," Daisuke said, "Started it as soon as I helped him."

"To be honest, I am not surprised," Shunnosuke shook his head, "It is a habit he needs to break."

Mao turned back around to face the two older men but turned too quickly resulting in his feet tangling themselves up. His balance was thrown off course and he found himself falling forward.

Daisuke, being closer ran to catch then younger man, "Are you okay?"

Mao's cheeks darkened as he clung to Daisuke for a brief moment before straightening himself out, "Thank you."

Shunnosuke watched the display and immediately saw the look of love and care in the handsome actor's eyes. He had heard Daisuke's words about his feelings towards his younger brother. But seeing it on full display was something else entirely. Shunnosuke could tell that Daisuke was not acting. The man's feelings were entirely genuine.

They all fell into silence before Mao's head shot up and he turned to face his brother, "Nii-chan, don't you have some business you need to take care of?"

Shunnosuke looked at his watch and his face paled, "Yes, I need to get going, but please update me on everything," he turned to Mao, "I will meet with you for dinner tonight. We will talk more then. Watanabe-san, I hope you will join us."

Daisuke smiled, "It would be my pleasure, and please, it's Daisuke or Dai-chan, I insist. But Hamao-san, may I ask how you plan to travel?"

Shunnosuke stopped. He honestly had not planned that far ahead.

"Well Nii-chan I might have a suggestion," Mao spoke up, "I plan to stay with Dai-chan until we meet for dinner tonight, so if it is okay, perhaps my bodyguard could give you a lift to your destination."

"Your bodyguard?"

Takeda, who had been silent this whole time observing everything cleared his throat, "Yes, bodyguard. I normally am unwilling to leave my charge alone but seeing as how young Mao will be in the presence of someone he trusts and Hinosaku is here, I see no reason to ignore his request. Just tell me where you need to go."

Shunnosuke nodded, "Very well. Daisuke."

Daisuke's head turned fast, "Yes?"

"Please take care of my brother for now," With that Shunnosuke followed Takeda off the set.

Daisuke turned to see Mao with a look of relief on his face, "Just because he has left does not mean I am letting you out of giving that explanation."

Mao's expression changed from relief to disappointment in a manner of seconds, "Why does it matter?"

"It matters because you are being hurt," Daisuke argued.

Mao opened his mouth to protest but stopped. He had hoped to keep this particular problem to himself. It was mediocre compared to most of the hassles they were currently facing. But it seemed fate had decided to intervene and not in a helpful way, "Okay, I will tell you but I do not want to repeat myself so either I tell you and you tell my brother, or you wait until we meet with him for dinner tonight and I explain it to both of you."

"I think it is best if you explain it later tonight to both of us," Daisuke answered, "For now, Takemoto-san I am sure will not mind if we spend a little longer with the animals. The longer you spend time with them the more comfortable I am sure they will grow around you," He glanced down to see that smile from earlier appear once again on the younger boy's face. If he had to list the things he loved about this boy, his smile would no doubt be on the top of the list, "You really love animals don't you?"

Mao nodded still smiling "Ever since Roku came into my life, animals have always held a kinship with me and I with them."

"I could tell when you were admiring Yami," Daisuke said glancing over at the beautiful black quarter horse.

Mao looked at his roommate confused, "What do you mean?"

"I was told Yami is the most temperamental horse they have for this movie," Daisuke explained, 'But he took a shine to you almost immediately."

Mao laughed softly, "Maybe I am the horse whisperer."

"With you anything is possible. After all, you are the only person I know who can train their cat to give thanks for their meal," Daisuke answered before pulling out his phone upon hearing it chiming the notification for a new message, "Hmm, it's Keimiko, she wanted to let me know she is going to be going to Kyoto for a few weeks to film her next drama."

"Is she leaving now?" Mao asked.

Daisuke sent the text with Mao's message. Seconds later he received an answer, "She will be later tonight, why did you want to see goodbye to her?"

Mao nodded, "Please? Unless you still had something to do on the set?"

Daisuke glance over at Takemoto who in return shook his own head, "We will be doing a full script read the day after tomorrow. But tomorrow Hamao-kun after your classes will you be willing to meet Watanabe-san and Shimomura-san? Since the three of you will be the main cast that will be interacting with the horses, I want to make sure all three of you will be comfortable in your positions."

"I have no other plans, so that should not be a problem. I only have two classes tomorrow and they are both in the morning," Mao said, "Um, would it be all right if my brother joined us?"

"I will have to speak with Morishiku about that, but I will give my consent. But I will require him to sign an agreement claiming he will not reveal the location of this movie set." Takemoto said, "But once filming begins he will not be allowed on the set, cast and few only."

"My brother's a businessman. You can trust him. But he will want to discuss that with you," Mao said, "And do not worry he is only going to be in town for the next few days I think. But he is very protective of me."

Takemoto nodded, "I could tell."

Daisuke cleared his throat, "Since we have that taken care of, did you want me to accept Keimiko's invitation for a quick lunch? She just messaged me asking if we wanted to join her."

Mao did not bother to hide his enthusiasm as he nodded smiling.

Daisuke found no reason to hide his own smile as he chuckled, "I will contact her and see where she wishes to meet."

Mao nodded, "I am going to see Yami again." With that, the college student headed towards the stables.

Hinosaku watched the younger boy glancing between him and his charge, "Watanabe-San, may I ask you a question?"

Daisuke, having almost forgotten his shadow nearly jumped, "Yes?"

"I apologize if I am overstepping any bounds, but may I ask what the relationship between you and Hamao-Kun is?"

Daisuke sighed audibly, "I will tell you only if you promise I have your complete confidence."

Hinosaku nodded, "Of course."

Satisfied Daisuke answered, "Well I have developed feelings for Mao, feelings he refuses to believe I harbor."

Hinosaku raised an eyebrow, "He does not believe you care for him?"

"Oh no, he does, he just refuses to believe-" Daisuke could see the look of confusion on the bodyguard's face, "Mao knows of my feelings but he refuses to believe I harbor them because he doubts himself severely."

Hinosaku glanced in the direction of the stable, "I do not understand why."

Daisuke sighed again, "I do not either. He claims he will believe me if I tell him my reasons for feelings. But it is not something I can pinpoint. I have so many reasons for how I feel and I just-" He shook his head, "I'm sorry I did not mean to go off on that tangent."

Hinosaku smiled, "It is okay, Watanabe-San. But no matter what I will support both your decisions in life. I do hope after this movie you will allow me to continue to work with you if our future permits it."

Daisuke returned the smile, "I look forward to it."

"Mao calm down she will be here," Daisuke said when he noticed the younger boy was fidgeting, "Her flight is not until 7:30 it's only 3:30. And after all, she was the one who invited us."

"I know, I am not worried about that." Mao said, "I am worried about my brother. Leiko saw him with me at the train station and-"

"Leiko does not know about him and he is not going to. I will make sure of it," Daisuke spoke reaching over to grasp Mao's hand, "He will be safe, I promise."

Mao offered his roommate a smile, "I wish I could understand."

Daisuke looked at Mao quizzically, "Understand what?"

"The reason behind your feelings for me."

Daisuke's eyes dropped, "Do you want to?"

"Of course he does! He is just scared to, right?"

Both boys looked up to see Keimiko standing there with a bright smile on her face.

Daisuke stood up noticing all the onlookers and gently pressed his lips to his 'girlfriend's'. The three of them knew it was an act.

Keimiko returned the kiss before pulling back, "I am so glad you two accepted my invitation to join me for lunch. A bit late lunch I admit but I have not had the chance to eat since breakfast this morning, thanks to all the planning and preparation." She glanced over at Mao noticing he was averting his own gaze, the younger boy's cheeks slightly darker than normal.

"Well, Mao insisted on saying goodbye to you," Daisuke explained, "And I am glad he did. What kind of boyfriend would I be if I did not see my girlfriend before she left for who knows how long?"

"I only wish the two of you could visit. But filming will only be taking place over a period of two weeks. Then I am expected for a photo shoot," Keimiko explained, "So it will be about three weeks total."

"Once Dai-chan starts filming we will be pretty busy ourselves," Mao pointed out, "And until they get a new actor for Yuuto, I will be filling in." He reached under the table, grasping Daisuke's hand giving it a gentle squeeze. He did not know why but felt the need to perform the gesture. He made sure it was not in the line of vision of anyone nearby though.

Keimiko smiled noticing the blush on her 'cousin's face, "Yes, that is right. Are you excited?"

Mao nodded albeit reluctantly, "I do not know if I will be any good."

Daisuke shook his head, "You will be just fine, Mao. We mainly need a stand-in and you will be perfect for that. However, if they are unable to find anyone in time for the scenes, will you be willing to stay in the movie?" He returned the gesture feeling grateful for it. He knew Mao was trying to understand and accept his feelings so Daisuke was taking all he could get.

"Will that be a good idea?" Keimiko asked.

Daisuke raised a quizzical eyebrow, "Why wouldn't it?" His eyes widened when Keimiko gave him a 'look' that stated they needed to talk in private and now. He knew there had been another reason for her invitation. But he also did not want to leave Mao alone. Glancing around he noticed Hinosaku a few tables away doing his job. He jumped when he felt his phone buzz and read the text before quirking an eyebrow and shooting Keimiko a quick look. Luckily for him, Mao was looking at the menu so he did not notice the exchange.

Pretend you need to make a call and leave the table. I will excuse myself to the ladies room. I need to talk to you without Mao. Hinosaku knows to watch him right?

Mao looked between the two, "Is everything okay?"

"Everything is fine. I just need to step away for a moment. I need to make a quick call. Will you be okay? Hinosaku's just a few tables down." Daisuke said.

Mao picked up the menu, "I will be fine. If you have business to attend to, please take care of it."

"Good," Daisuke said before leaving the table stopping by Hinosaku's table briefing him on what was going on. His bodyguard nodded after hearing his charge would only be a few feet away but still in his line of vision, but out of Mao's.

After a moment Keimiko smiled, "Mao, please excuse me. I need to use the ladies room." With that, she stood up and headed in the direction of the bathrooms. As soon as she was out of eyeshot of Mao she did a quick look around and saw Daisuke waving to her.

"Okay, what in the world is going on?" Daisuke asked as soon as Keimiko was near, "Is this about what you were talking to Shinnosuke with earlier?"

Keimiko should have known her friend would catch on, "Yes, Shunnosuke was rather eager to help figure out a way to assist us in finding Leiko." She held up the note, "And this is why. I found this taped to the door of my stage apartment this morning." Because of what had happened with Leiko, Keimiko had two separate residences, a fake one and a real one. Although she was no longer a target her manager was not taking any chances.

Daisuke read the contents and looked up at Keimiko confused, "Wait, what? Who in the world is he talking about?"

"I do not know. But what I am more concerned about is the fact that he knows about the movie. No one besides the cast and crew is supposed to know." Keimiko pointed out.

Daisuke sighed and he crunched the paper in his hand, "Think we have a mole?"

"I do yes. But I can't imagine any of the cast. I mean you have told me everyone in the cast auditioned for the role they were given, right?" Keimiko asked.

"That is what I was told," Daisuke answered. He jumped when his phone went off. He read the screen before his eyes widened, "We gotta get back to Mao. Hinosaku just texted me. There's trouble."

With that the two of them raced back to their previously occupied table stopping abruptly when they saw a boy who looked remarkably like Yasutake, being held back by Takeda, "What is going on here?" Daisuke demanded, "Who are you?"

Keimiko immediately ran to Mao who was on the ground nursing a now swelling cheek. Her eyes turned to the restrained boy, "Did you hit him?"

"He deserved it! He stole my brother's job! And he will not stop spouting crap about-"

Mao stood up fast ignoring the wave of dizziness that started to overwhelm him, "I have not said anything! You are the one who came over and punched me!"

The younger Yasutake wrenched himself from Takeda's grip and charged towards Mao only to be intercepted by Daisuke, "What are you doing? Why did you stop me?!"

Daisuke shoved the college student towards Takeda again who this time made sure his grip was ironclad, 'If you dare go near that boy again…" He let the threat hang in the hair. There were so many things he wanted to say and do to this boy but he kept himself restrained. Instead, he turned to Hinosaku, "Will you accompany, Mao and myself to the station? I have a restraining order to file."

Hinosaku nodded but his expression was that of a puppy preparing to be whipped, "I am terribly sorry Watanabe-Kun. I failed in protecting him."

"What exactly happened?" Keimiko asked.

"It is actually my fault," Takeda said keeping a tight hold on Yasutake, "I had called him for an update on you and Mao."

"I had only glanced down at my phone to answer but it was enough time for that young man to attack Mao," Hinosaku explained.

Yasutake kept struggling, "Who the hell are you guys! Why are you bothering Dai-ch-"

Daisuke's eyes narrowed, "I do not recall ever giving you permission to call me that."

Yasutake's eyes widened and it was obvious he was trying to look vulnerable, "But, but I am your fan club president! I am the closest-"

"That is highly unlikely considering I have already met the president of my fan club and I happen to be dating her," Daisuke said nodding in Keimiko's direction.

Keimiko, who had been supporting Mao smiled at her 'boyfriend', "Dai-chan is correct. I am the official president of his fan club, and he is mine. And if you dare come near our Mao, Dai-Chan's threat will seem like mere child's play compared to what I will do to you."

"Mao-kun are you going to press charges?" Takeda asked, "He did assault you."

Mao looked at Yasutake who in turn was glaring daggers at him as if to say, "Try it and you are dead." He walked over to Daisuke leaning against him knowing the older man would know he needed the comfort and support, "I see no reason to waste my time with you."

Yasutake struggled against Takeda again, "You are nothing Hamao, nothing. And nothing is stopping me from-"

"I would think twice before finishing that sentence young man."

A/N: Cliffy, yes, why? Because I can. Do not worry I have most of chapter 17 planned out as long as things work out in my head the way they're supposed to. If you all enjoyed this chapter please let me know! As per usual 3 (detailed aka ore than just "I loved it!" or "Update please!") reviews= chapter 17!