"Hello Hiroto." Looking up from his desk, he froze, documents and folders in hand.

"Mitsugi Aiko." Her lips drew into a smile. 

"Long time no see stranger." He grew cool, his face reflecting a neutral calm.

"What brings you?"

"It's been a while and I wanted to come by and see how you were doing." 

"Where's your half sister?" 

"She's somewhere in Germany visiting a friend." 

"I see."

"She was really heart broken about your dumping her but hey, what can you do about it?" 

"I am sure you never thought your plan would have failed."

"Look, that was fifteen years ago Hiroto-"

"Iwase to you." She smiled. 

"Iwase...I came by to apologize. We're all older now and it's time to leave the past in the past." 

"Mm."

"I was young and stupid and I admit plotting to set you up with my half sister was a dirty thing to do. It was the only way I could surmise to still somewhat be with you."

"We were never together." 

"Well, I thought it appropriate to come make amends with you anyway. I'm married now with a son on the way so I wanna fresh start ya know?"

"It's not me you should be apologizing to. Rae's the one who deserves your apology." She smiled to herself. 

"You haven't changed one bit."

"..."

"...Well, at least I tried to come by. I guess I better go now. It was really good to see you Iwase-kun." In the blink of an eye, she turned and left through his doors, leaving him to exhale rather loudly. She had some balls to come see him after what she had done. Steeped in teenage jealousy, her actions could have destroyed them. He wasn't so sure if Rae would be as forgiving or nice as he.

Glancing outwards towards the street, he sighed as he spotted her getting into a car way down below. How strange for her to visit after all this time. He hadn't seen Mitsugi Aiko in over fifteen years and so easily she had been able to come to see him. What was the purpose of this little visit he wondered. Not one ounce of her appeared too terribly remorseful but for that he could care less. He had done his job and tried to warn Kiko of her ways. As long as she stayed out of their lives, he determined that there would be no problem. Licking his lips, he slid on his glasses, sat back down and began to read some paperwork.

***

 

 

"Rae-san?" 

"Yes sweetheart?"

"Is Oniisama coming by today?"

"Would you like him to?" 

"Mm." She reached up and rustled his hair. 

"Okay. Let me call him." Getting up, she stepped into the hallway. Calling him, she waited until she heard a rich hearty voice.

"Iwase speaking." 

"Hey babe." The monotone instantly turned warm. 

"Hey pretty lady."

"Busy?"

"I always have time for you baby. What's up?"  She blushed and smiled to herself. 

"Well, I'm here with Kyouta and he was wonderin if you wanted to drop by later on." She could practically hear the smile in his voice as he laughed softly. 

"I'll try. No promises though."

"Kay."

"Everything else there is going well?" She nodded. 

"Mmhm. All of our kids are doing so well at Ayako. More of them have been able to attend school and connect with loving families."

"That's amazing!" 

"Yep. Thought that'd make you smile." He sighed into the phone. 

"The sooner I get done with all of this, the sooner I see you." 

"Trust me baby, I ain't goin nowhere. Handle your business and I'll be there when you walk through the door."

"Mm."

"I better go. See you later?" 

"Mm. I love you." She smiled to herself. She loved when he said I love you in Japanese. The way his voice grew soft and whispery always sent chills run down her spine. 

"Love you too." The line clicked and she was met with silence. Licking her lips, she cleared her throat and re-entered into the main playroom. Coming to sit by her favorite little munchkin, she grinned at him. 

"So, guess what?" He looked up, lips in a small smile. 

"Oniisama said he'd try to come by." The boy's eyes lit up and he hugged her, forgetting about the toys or colored pencils he'd been occupied with. 

"Thank you Rae-san!" She wrapped her arms around the boy and held him tight. 

"Don't thank me honey.." Soon, he let go of her and began to play again, asking her to help him color. Looking up at his small face, she felt her heart melt into a thousand suns. She didn't want to say it or admit it... but she found herself falling in love with this boy. In the little world that they had created, she kinda wanted a part of it to be only his own where he too could create worlds too. 

***

"Mr. Iwase, why don't you call it a night?" Face aglow by the light of his laptop, he continued to type. 

"Mr. Iwase..."

"Thank you for your concern Ninao-chan." The woman had peeked her head into the office as she found herself doing out of habit. Always around this time, she kindly reminded him to put work to bed until the early morning. But, there were always more things he could get done before the first light. Sleep could come later. 

"Mr. Iwase..." He sighed and slowly removed his glasses. 

"Okay. Alright." She sighed in relief and stepped in gingerly. 

"Um... Mr. Iwase?" Getting up from his desk, he looked up at her. 

"What is it?" 

"Um..."

"What's wrong?" She shyly avert her gaze. 

"Do you think it would be possible to take me home t-tonight?" His brow furled and he stood straighter, sliding hands into his pockets. 

"What happened to your transportation?" She swallowed audibly and took a breath before looking up at him. 

"I don't have any. I've been walking." He blinked in surprise. 

"Walking? That's not possible."

"If it's an inconvenience, I'll go now. I'm sorry I a-asked." He swallowed and tightened his jaw. 

"Wait a minute." Nearly out the door, she paused. 

"I can't let you walk home. I will take you."  In the dim light of the office, he could see shiny eyes turn to look at him and slowly, she bowed. 

"Thank you...thank you so much." He smiled to himself. 

"It's no problem. Let's make our way down okay?" 

"Mm." 

***

Snow softly covered the streets, the quiet fall soft and peaceful in the dark night. The night was unusually clear; different shades of azure and indigo. Above, tiny white lights twinkled across the expanse of the sky. Soot from chimneys and exhaust from the cars traveled through the air. It was far too quiet but it was welcome.

After dropping off Ninao, he got on the freeway and took the long way home. Sighing heavily, he slid fingers through his hair.  The appearance of Aiko bothered him the more he thought about it. There was absolutely no reason for her to have shown up. The topic of Kiko left a bitter taste in his mouth. For now, let it go. Pulling into the private driveway, he shut the car off and groaned. So tired. Straight to bed it was. Shivering, he quickly headed upward. Opening the door, he stepped in to the smell of meat cooking. His stomach growled loudly and he blushed. 

"Hiroto?" She called from the kitchen. 

"I'm home..." The sound of her small feet coming towards him made him smile and she threw herself at him, arms around his neck. 

"Welcome home baby." He sighed against her hair. 

"Good to be home." Gently, he kissed her before letting her down. 

"I thought you'd be sleep by now. It's really late." She shrugged with a small smile. 

"The very least I could do was make you dinner right?" His stomach accepted her answer gladly and he smiled to himself as he slid off his shoes into house shoes. The smell of food beckoned him and he came into the kitchen.

"Smells delicious."

"Mmhm...gon get comfy. I have it ready when you come back."  

"Yes ma'am." He replied with a grin. The tv droned on in the background as he went to change. Taking off his wet clothes, he hung them out to dry put on warm bed clothes. He put a headband on, sliding the hair back from his face. Sighing, he came back into the living room. 

"Babe?" He heard her call from the kitchen. 

"Yeah?"

"Could you help me please?" He obliged, coming to see her on her tip toes, reaching for some seasoning of some sort from a cupboard higher than her. The sight melted his heart and he couldn't help but chuckle. 

"So cute..."  She sucked her teeth and pursed her lips. 

"Shut up..." He bust out laughing, drawing a deeper purse from her.

"See who gon be sleepin by himself tonight." 

"Aw don't be like that..." Sticking out her tongue at him, she huffed and tried again but to no avail. He came behind her and reached up above her to grab a bottle of spices. Handing it to her, he sighed with a small smile as she thanked him, purse in full effect, before seasoning her food.  

"How was your day?" He asked, bringing his arms around her.

"Good. Saw Kyouta and went to chat with some ladies from other up and coming businesses." 

"Ah... Kyou-kun! I forgot about him today...I was so busy!"

"That's okay. He understood."

"Hm..I'll have to make it up to him." Things grew quiet between them. 

"Rae?"

"Yeah?" 

"Aiko came to visit today." 

"What?"

"She wanted to apologize for what she did." 

"For?" He pulled away from her.  

"Being a conspirator in the match between Kiko and I." Anger blossomed on her face but she kept quiet as he continued. 

"She had been in cahoots with my mother and Kiko's family. If we had married, Kiko being her half sister would have brought her along for the ride and made her Iwase by association." 

"Aw hell nawl. That bitch grimy." 

"Rae," 

"If I see her, she ain't gettin nothin out of me but a punch to the throat."  He lifted hands to caress her shoulders. 

"I knew you wouldn't be as nice as I." 

"Damn right. Okay enough about her insignificant ass. Dinner is done. Ready to eat?" He found himself grinning suddenly and at that, she pursed her lips. 

"Don't know why I even asked. You greedy as hell. Come on man, let's go to the table." 

"Yes ma'am."

 

***

"Hiroto Iwase was my lover." The face of a woman showed on the television screen, her lips painted the deepest shade of ruby. 

"I loved him in my youth and even now...feelings still remain." The woman looked down at a few sheets of paper she held before continuing. 

"Though he is now with another woman...I've waited so long to revisit the feelings in my heart. While I knew him physically, I would like to think I knew him in every other aspect as well. The other woman will not stop me from rekindling what we once had." Placing the paper down, she cleared her throat. 

"That's quite an explosive way to end this evening's episode of Letters of Truth...considering Iwase-san recently got married to his high school sweetheart...I do hope the unnamed woman respects their decision to be together if in fact she desires more. In the end, we should all remain truthful. Will you? Good night and see you tomorrow night. I'm Ayu Sanaka."  Smiling, eyes watched as the program went off. It was almost time to make the move.

 

***

"Good morning ladies and gentlemen." She licked her lips nervously and smiled, urging herself to press through. 

"I wanted to bring before you a new proposal. With so many new and exciting things happening for Shoutoii, I think it is time for us to take off and soar with our mission." She laid individual presentations before the small board. 

"I'd like to introduce to you a proposal for Shoutoii's newest sector: Hinansho. Like the name implies, this goal is to provide a haven for our young people. Specifically, my role would be with the young girls and women. Hinansho will enable those who have been abused or discouraged to receive counseling, medical treatment free of charge and an opportunity to attend school. Also to be noted, Hinansho will be a global initiative, aiming to shelter in need children from all walks of life. What say you on this proposal?"  Everyone was silent as they continued to look through the informative pamphlets she had prepared and she resisted the urge to shift her feet as they finally looked up at her. 

"What purpose would it serve to separate the genders?" The door to the office opened before she could answer, in walked Hiroto. They all stood and bowed. He said not a word, only bowed and took a seat, fingers crossed. She swallowed and stood straight. 

"I believe that there are things that only a woman can teach and show other women and girls. Narratives that are uniquely our own. In a way, I would like to think that by my mentorship of these future businesswomen, scholars and intellects, I hope to have a direct impact on their foundational molding. It is my desire to guide them to a better path, a fruitful path of healing, restoration and increase." 

"And do you have the direct support of our CEO?"

"She does." Hiroto spoke, fingers steepled.

"May we ask why you support?" 

"Don't we all need a safe place to run to when we are lost?" Some of the executives started to take notes while others sat stone faced. 

"Mr. Iwase is fully on board and is open to serving as a mentor if you will to the young boys and men..."

"If I may ask Mr. Iwase...are you not showing favoritism to her because she is your wife?" She froze, glancing at the woman who had dared to speak. He too turned to look at her, calm and neutral. 

"My approval has nothing to do with the fact that we are married. My wife works just as hard as the rest of my staff and she is a very valuable part of Shoutoii. She has earned her position of COO all by herself and should be respected for her contributions. Has she not done right by this company? Has she not changed lives?"  All was quiet. 

"Instead of criticizing her, we should be thanking her. She has a heart for both the Japanese people and that of the world. It is my wish that you approve this, I truly believe that it can and will inspire change and growth not just here but abroad. Meeting adjourned." The members stood and bowed before filing out of the office. He slowly stood and smiled at her as she took a large sigh of relief. 

"I knew they was gone do that."

"Do what?"

"Bring up the fact that we're married. All they seem to do as of late is underestimate me."

"If they never accept you it is their loss. What is important is the heart you have and how you allow it to touch others. That in itself will speak louder than the other things you've mentioned." She blew some of her hair up from her face. 

"I guess..."

"I'm proud of you Rae. You did well today."

"Thanks..."

"Your Japanese is getting so much better too..."

"Aw shucks...well I got an amazin teacher." He blushed then, cheeks delightfully rosy. 

"Let's go sneak away and grab a bite to eat."

"Kay. Wanna see if  Tobu wanna tag along?"

"Mm. His complementary training course should be over by now."

"Leggo."

***

In the cold night, there sat a long car, unmarked and black as the blanket of darkness that covered it. A lens quietly extended outside the window, located specifically on a man. Eyes watched as the hands of the man came to wrap around a woman, much smaller than him. Not only was their size difference significant but so was their physicality. Not common but not extremely rare, the man leaned down to whisper something into the brown skinned woman's ear and she proceeded to playfully hit him on the shoulder. She started to laugh and he grinned before lifting her easily into his arms. So, this was the infamous son of Iwase Shou? Quite a peculiar mate he had chosen. But, as eyes watched their lips meet, the lens grew closer. Soon, the watching would have to end for tonight but perhaps this would prove entertaining after all.

***

Lights flashed as feet headed towards the vehicle. Tie loose, the man sighed as he made his way across the employee parking deck. Another night late at the office and he was more than ready to get in the bed. As he walked in the near empty parking lot, something soon caught his attention. The sound of heels was loud, echoing throughout the enclosed lot. Dim from the above lights, he came to a slow stop. The heels stopped. Fists and jaw tight, he looked around. Nothing. Swallowing tightly, he continued to his car, every sense on alert. There, the heels started up again and he knew he was going to meet the owner sooner than later. As he came to the door, he reached into his pocket and pulled out a pack of cigarettes. Bringing one to his mouth, he brought it to life and slowly exhaled. Unlocking the door, he slid inside. Waiting. Soon, a black figure approached his car and the door opened. Sliding inside, eyes turned to his and he grew still. 

"After all this rime...you still smoke."  

"What are you doing here?" The woman smiled and reached across to grab the cigarette from his fingers. Bringing it to her mouth, she inhaled deeply. 

"You know why. I'm here to finish what we started."

"Prison hasn't taught you anything has it?"

"Not when all my thoughts were consumed with you." 

"I was waiting until you showed up. It was only a matter of time." Her smile was slow and calculated and she leaned over to place the cigarette back in his mouth. 

"It's been such a long time Hiroto." He was quiet as she climbed over into his lap, wrapping arms around him. 

"I missed you." Anger lit his veins on fire and he wrapped her wrists, pushing her back against the steering wheel. 

"Let me make something very clear to you Emi." He looked her dead in her eyes. 

"If you harm Rae, I will end you." She laughed softly, pulling his gaze to hers.

"Enough with those same old threats."  He lifted the cigarette and tossed it out of the window, blowing the last remaining bit of smoke in her face. Reaching up, he gripped her hips as they had started to move. Lifting a hand, he encircled fingers around her neck. Slowly squeezing, he brought her face closer, air in her lungs now limited. 

"Whatever my parents told you about me was a lie. If you want an re-introduction to who I really am, I'd be glad to make that happen." He squeezed her neck tighter, making her gasp for air. He didn't let up, reaching to the side of her to open the car door. 

"Touch a hair on her head and I promise you...prison will be the last thing you will worry about. If you're wise, you'd let this be the last time we see each other. Go crawl back into your hole like the dirty little rat you are." He shoved her out of the car and slowly closed the door. Starting the engine, he drove away, leaving her gripping the ground. 

*** 

The way he kissed her was different. His whole demeanor was different. The minute he'd walked through the door, she could tell something was off. But, what bothered her the most was the smell of perfume that wafted across her nose as he took off his jacket. Watching him pull off his shirt as he walked into the bathroom, she licked her lips. He smells like a woman. A woman who wore a scent she didn't own. Opening the door, she stepped into the bathroom and leaned back against the wall, watching him as he showered in silence. 

"You ain't speak when you came home. Somethin up?" He sighed tiredly and pushed his hair back from his face, letting the water pelt him. 

"I don't want to talk about it. Not right now." Lips in a purse, she crossed her arms. 

"You awfully tired tonight." She observed, bringing her eyes down the length of him. 

"I've been at work all day. I should be." 

"Came home later than usual too." 

"Rae, don't sound so suspicious."

"I will if I want to." 

"What is there to be suspicious about?" She ran her tongue over her teeth but when she spoke, it made him grow still. 

"You smell like a bitch." He turned to look at her from within the shower. 

"Excuse me?"

"I ain't stutter." He turned off the water and slowly stepped out of the shower, gaze intense. 

"Run that by me again." She looked him square in the eye, cheeks flush with anger. 

"I said you smell like a bitch." 

"You want to know if I fucked her right?" 

"Don't get that tone with me."

"No, I'm just curious to know what conclusion you've come to Rae." 

"Tell me what to think Hiroto. You come in here smellin like another chick and the first thing you do is hop yo happy ass in the shower. Don't speak or nothin. Tell me what the fuck I'm supposed to think." He grew closer until he had pressed her back against the wall, hands flat behind her. She stood tall, even as he brought his gaze eye level. 

"You should know me and where you stand by now." She rolled her eyes and turned her head, focusing on nothing in particular. 

"Look at me." Seriousness radiating off of him, she tightened her jaw but slowly brought her gaze back to him. 

"Don't ever do that." 

"Don't ever??"

"To think that I would ever cheat on you is insulting and frankly, it's pissing me off." She looked down but the fingers that caressed her cheek were gentle and once more he made her look at him, the gaze within angry but tender. 

"When I vowed that you would be the only woman I'd ever be with before God I meant it. Don't let silly jealousy get in the way of you and I. Do you understand me?" She sighed heavily, the last remnants of anger turning into tears that welled up in her eyes. 

"Yeah...I-I understand."

"There are going to be nights when I come home smelling like perfume Rae. Accept it. But know that you're the only one I have eyes for. I shouldn't even have to say this shit."  She lifted her arms to pull him closer, fingers gripping his back. 

"I'm sorry baby...I just...I see what been goin on. Bitches comin out the wood work ever since we got married and I don't like the shits. I don't be knowing how to handle it." He kissed her temple and lifted her face, fingers curled underneath her chin. 

"Worry about how you're going to handle me." Anger quickly left her and his touch seemed to travel through her veins to her womb. He felt it too and kissed her, softly groaning against her mouth. Pulling her towards him, he lifted her into his arms and slowly began to lift her pajama shirt. 

"Let's try again..." He breathed, lips trailing down her neck. 

"Roto..." 

"How was your day..." 

"Good...h-how was yours? 

"Thought about you all day." 

"Yeah?"

"Mm."

"What'd you think about?"

"The way your hair comes out of your bun in the break room. The way your lips form my name when you speak. The way you sound like you're singing when you laugh." Her fingers found their home in his hair and drowned in his deep chestnut eyes. 

"No one can compare or come close to you and they shouldn't even try to. You're the only one who can turn me on and piss me off at the same time."

"Shut up!"

"See?" He grinned against her, coming to grip her cheeks. 

"You irritate me so much Hiroto. Damn."

"What else do I do?" He breathed lowly, coming to kiss a breast. 

"You already know..."

"Apparently not. So tell me." She slowly moved her hips against him, bringing a rumble from him.

"I'd rather show you." His fingers tightened on her cheeks and without another word, he pulled her from the wall and made his way back into the shower. 

*** 

Chills flooded her body and she stared at herself in the mirror. He still radiated power and it was enough to bring her to her knees. Something about the fact that he could break her into a million pieces sent heat straight in between her thighs. That always had intrigued her. He had the face of an angel and yet was so deep, intense and dangerous. Slowly, she fingered a picture of him from long ago. Still in his high school uniform, he stood straight and formal. That little whore stood next to him, her arm around his waist. There, the makings of a grin began to take hold of his mouth. She knocked it off of the table. Now that she was freed, she'd risk going to hell if it only gave her one last taste of him. It was time to go to war... for the last time. 

 

 

***

"Mrs. Iwase, would you like me to take you back to Shoutoii?" 

"Yes, I would appreciate it." 

"Right away." The door opened and she stepped inside. Having finalized her preparations, she was ready to get to work on her new initiative. With the counsel's approval, she was eager to start. She had carried it like her baby and as excited as she was, she was also hella nervous. Running her fingers down her braid, she looked out of the window as they passed green fields and city cars.  Maybe Kyou could benefit from this too and her heart could stop breaking every time she had to leave him. Glancing down at her watch, she sighed. By now, Roto should be wrapping up his meeting and she hoped that they could grab lunch. As soon as they pulled up, she stepped out. 

"Thank you."   Stepping into the building, she pressed the elevator button and waited until the doors opened. Pulling out her phone from her clutch, she didn't look up as another person stepped in. A few more floors until the elevator stopped. Glancing up, she stepped out and looked around, not sure of the floor. Damn. Shoulda been payin attention. She turned around and pushed the elevator button but the light turned off. Frowning, she swallowed. 

"Hello? Can anyone help me?" Strange that it was so quiet on this floor. Huffing, she went in search of someone. 

"Excuse me? Can anyone help fix the elevator? The lights have turned off." Still nothing. A feeling of dread started to work its way into her stomach. Now, it was starting to get creepy. 

"...Hiroto! Wait for me you jerk!" Hearing what sounded like her voice, she froze. What the hell? 

"...you're a slow poke! Come on...hurry Rae." Where was that coming from? Eying behind her, she saw a source of light come from one of the offices. Tightly gripping her purse, she followed it as the sounds changed drastically. 

"I hate you..." His voice hissed in a quite uncharacteristic tone. Throat tight, she came into the office and felt chills go through her entire body. There, displayed from a projector, Emi  moaned underneath him as his hands tightly gripped her strands. 

"Show me...show me how much you hate me..." Eyes took everything in, the brutal way he came into her, the wild sounds that erupted from her, the emotionless zone he had existed in. All of it so different than now. The scene changed. A woman she'd never seen before laid underneath him, her hands pinned above her head. He rocked against her in an almost robotic motion before it changed again. Yet, another scene with that filthy ass bitch. But this time, it was different. Instead of no emotion on his face, pleasure had worked its way into his cheeks. Emi glanced up at him, a disgusted look on her face. 

"You're imagining it's Rae aren't you?" Heat flushed her but she couldn't help but look on as he grabbed her throat. 

"Shut up." 

"If it'll make you come, imagine it's her. Fuck me like you'd fuck her." She inhaled sharply as he came into her nice and slow, a groan coming from his lips. Soon, he crashed into her and for the first time, he grew still as he released, breath heavy. 

"That's...the first and last time...I ever do this." He quickly separated from her. 

"Rae's not like you." He leaned down and pulled her up by her hair, ignoring the whimper that escaped her. 

"You deserve to be fucked like the dirty whore that you are." Shoving her away, he went to grab what she guessed were cigarettes. Leaning back against his desk, he lit one and inhaled deeply. 

"Get the fuck out." 

"Even while he was deep inside me. I knew he wished it was you." Fingers balled up into fists, she turned to face the woman she never thought she'd ever see again. 

"I couldn't understand why he found you worthy. Worthy of tenderness and grace. You didn't deserve shit." 

"You put this little show on? You shouldn't have, I'm flattered Emi." 

"My my, arrogant aren't we?" 

"Even way back when then my man knew knew the difference between me and you." 

"The difference was that you sucked his dick a little bit better than me." She sucked her teeth and rolled her eyes so hard she couldn't see. 

"I ain't have to suck his dick. You did. You tried to get him to fall in love with you through sex. As you can see, that wasn't required of me." Those lips same as in the past were painted red, her hair still glossy and bone straight. But, her soul was gone and she looked lifeless. 

"How's it feel being his bedwhore?" 

"I should be asking you that." Emi grew quiet and turned eyes onto the scenes playing back to back. 

"I'm not giving up."

"You should."

"No.." 

"Ain't nothin else you can do that's going to break us. You've been put on wash rinse and repeat and now boo all you are is washed up. Hella washed up."

"You talk a good game but we'll see if you can back it up." 

"We're not doing anything. What you're going to do is walk away. You already lost the fight. Don't know what's with y'all chicks out here but y'all be doin the most." She turned to look at her. 

"Little street rat got a taste of privilege and now she thinks she's the Queen of the World." 

"Call me whatever you want ho. I don't give a damn." Sighing, she couldn't do nothin but shake her head. 

"Have fun with your pornos down memory lane. I have to find my husband." Smoothly grabbing her clutch, she glided right past her into the hallway. Suddenly, the lights came on to the elevator. Getting in, she waited until the doors were closed until she felt her knees buckle. Shit. Her head began to spin and she swallowed, trying to gather herself. The strangest thing happened. Those scars that rested on her belly began to sting. Something that had never happened before. The elevator dinged as it brought her to the top floor but she stood still as the doors opened. She heard voices talk and laugh, typing and the smell of coffee but still, she was stuck. 

"Rae?" Looking up slowly, she peered into Hiroto's face, his friendly expression soon growing worried. 

"What's wrong?" 

"N-nothin..."  

"Takahashi-kun, pardon me for a moment." He bowed. 

"Baby, you look pale." He stepped inside the elevator just as her legs decided to finally give out. He caught her tightly and scooped her up into his arms, cradling her to him. 

"Mr. Iwase, should we call an ambulance?" 

"Will Mrs. Iwase be okay?" 

"Yes, thank you. I will take it from here. Should I need assistance, I will let you know."   He carried her down the hall until they made it into his office. Closing the doors, he set her down on a small couch. The stinging intensified and she gripped her stomach. 

"Talk to me baby... what's hurting?" She swallowed and lifted her gaze. 

"Those wounds Emi gave me...they stingin for some reason." He knit his eyebrows. 

"Stinging?"

"Hiroto, that night you came home smelling like perfume...was it from Emi?" He grew still. 

"Rae,"

"Was it?" He swallowed thickly. 

"Yeah. She followed me to my car and tried to come on to me."  She inhaled through her nostrils, though flared and glanced past him. 

"Now I get it." His hands brought her gaze back to his. 

"Get what? I'm lost..."

"Bet you ain't know she filmed y'all all them times y'all had sex." His cheeks grew red but his eyes held a mixture of shock and anger. 

"What?" 

"Yeah. I just had a front row seat. Bitch grimier than I thought." He stood and tightened his hands into fists. He said nothing as he went over to his desk.

"Tanaka, send security around the building." 

"Yes sir."

"Anything suspicious report to me as soon as possible."

"Yes sir." He slid fingers through his hair. 

"What'd she say to you?" 

"She still thinks you're some living blow up toy."

"I'm not surprised."

"She said every time y'all used to do it, all you thought about was me." He grew quiet, listening intently as she continued, 

"She clearly hasn't grasped the fact that you are a human being and were very much tortured at that point in your life. I know you didn't mean it... bein so rough with those girls Hiroto... all of it... was a cry for help. And nobody answered." Their eyes met. 

"I could see past it all...it was like your heart was coming through the film and it was weeping...screaming." Lifting shaky fingers to her hair, she gripped her stomach. 

"I told that bitch I ain't have to trap you between my legs to make you love me. I'm damn proud of that." He came from around the desk and gently curled his fingers under her chin. 

"That's something she'll never understand. " 

"I could see how much you loved me... even then." He smiled softly, pulling her against his stomach. 

"I'm glad that spoke louder than everything else."

"Hiroto..." He leaned down, brushing his lips against hers. 

"Yeah babe?" 

"I love you." 

"I love you too." Lips softly kissed her and she devoured his breath. Emi was a hating ass ho and she'd let her stay one. 

"Let's go home early today...call it quits..."  He pulled back from her, fingers sliding away from her chin. Clearing his throat, he pressed on the intercom. 

"Haruki-kun, I'd appreciate it if you took over. I'm going to take Rae home."

"Is she all right?"

"Mm. Some rest and I think she'll be just fine."

"Take care of her Iwase-kun. I can take over for you with no problem."

"Thank you."

"Mm. Have a great rest of your day."  Standing back, he smiled. 

"Let's get you home babe."

***

 

"Oniisama?" Eyes turned down to see a young face peering up at him. 

"Mm?"

"What is it about Ms. Ebere that makes you smile?"  

"Hm?" Those same eyes drifted to the woman in front of them. 

"She's different than everyone else...that I know. But, for some reason...I haven't minded any of it." 

"Ah..."

"She always has something good to say even when I don't feel that way. She's really girly and pretty. Her laughter is nice and her hands and hugs are always warm." He smiled and gently placed a hand on top of the boy's head. 

"Kyou-kun...what do you know about love?" 

"Love?"

"Mm."

"...I don't know much."

"How do you feel when you're around her?" 

"...I feel warm and safe." His smile grew deeper.

"I see." He knelt down and made him look at him. 

"My heart once hurt a lot... like yours. I felt alone, useless and abandoned. But Ms. Ebere helped me see that I was worth having happiness. With her, I learned I never had to be alone again. She's very special to me." The boy opened his mouth to speak but instead declined. The two of them watched as the woman of their discussion laughed as she stood amidst a small group of girls. 

"I see."

***

"Found it!" He looked down, arms and body draped over her, chin on her shoulder. 

"Found what?"

"Our next place...for now."

"Oh?"

"Mm. It's a perfect compromise. It's located 40 minutes away from Kyoto and is still within reach for us to get to work." Interest peaked, he looked on as she went through pictures of the place. 

"I knew we was gon find it. I was tired of arguing with you over this."

"More like demanding me."

"I was not." He grinned as she continued to go through the photos. 

"I don't have a problem with staying here. But as you know, my father is growing older and I want to be able to take care of him." She lifted fingers to rustle his hair. 

"I know baby. I want to make sure Shou is taken care of too."

"Let's make a date to go check it out."

"You want to?"

"Mm. Why not?" She let out a yell and turned to tackle him. 

"YES!" Laughing against her hair, he opened his eyes to settle them on her face. 

"Rae..." She met his gaze, red starting to paint her cheeks. 

"Yeah?" 

"I've been thinking..."

"About?"

"Adopting Kyouta." That got her attention. 

"Wow...that's...that's a big move."

"I see the way you interact with him and it's obvious you love him."

"Well...yeah. I love all our kids at Ayako."

"Not like that." She nibbled on her bottom lip for a while before sitting up. 

"How do you feel about him?" Getting up, he wrapped an arm around her shoulders. 

"I don't see him as a child at Ayako. Honestly... as of late... I've started to see him as a son." She turned to look up into his eyes. 

"You're all he talks about Roto. He's madly in love with you."

"And you."

"Nah..."

"Believe me... you have the love and tenderness he is both lacking and needing." She lifted her fingers to drift them through his. 

"Okay...we both think he would be happy here... with us. But, the question is when do we go for it? I mean... Hinansho hasn't taken off quite yet and with you about to go to Paris, it don't make sense to rush it." 

"True." He spoke against her temple. 

"I say we play things out by ear and see where it goes. Either way... no matter how long it takes... Kyou will eventually become apart of our family."

"Mm."

"You ready to share our world with him?" He glided his lips down her cheek. 

"Our world will always remain with the two of us. Now, we have to create another one in which he exists. For that day, I'll gladly wait." 

"Kay." 

*** 

Fingers drifted across the pages of an old aged letter. If there was any chance of finalizing the work she couldn't complete, she'd take it. Time and time again, she had failed and he'd put her in her place. But, perhaps if she teamed up with her, things would turn out better. Two were better than one. Smiling with a sigh, eyes drifted upwards to the most recent picture from their latest photoshoot. Quite an odd couple indeed. But hell hath no fury like a woman scorned.

***

"Onii-sama?" Eyes found young but beautiful brown ones looking at him. 

"Hm?" 

"You look sad..." Licking his lips, he smiled and lifted to place a hand on the top of the boy's head. 

"Mm..." He shook his head, eyes gentle. 

"You are sad about something... Is it Rae-san?" He looked at Kyouta, smile struggling not to falter. 

"Why do you say that?" 

"Onii-sama...I might be young but I'm not stupid. I see with my eyes..." Pulling the boy against him, he chuckled softly. 

"Yes indeed you do. Okay...so Onii-sama is sad... why do you think that is?" Kyou sighed and shrugged. 

"I don't know...but I don't want you two to be sad." 

"Don't worry about any of that Kyou. Rae and I will be just fine." He pouted and nodded. 

"Okay good. Now, let's go have fun today... you and me. Hm?" 

"Mm." Helping the boy into his coat and his winter boots, they left Ayako into a car. 

*** 

"I'm home." 

"Hey babe." Stepping into the foyer, he slid out of his shoes and came into the living room, briefcase hanging behind his back. 

"I'm tired as hell." Smiling, she got off of the couch and went to pull the briefcase out of his hand. 

"Gon get settled and comfy. I wanna hear about your day."

"Mm..."  He disappeared into their bedroom and soon re-appeared and sat down next to her on the couch. 

"So?" 

"I spent a couple hours with Kyou-kun."

"Oh really?"

"Mm. He is quite the inquisitive child."

"What he do?" 

"He asked about you." He said, gently laying a hand on her knee. 

"Me?" She blinked, uncurling her legs to place them across his lap. 

"Yeah. He said I looked sad."

"Aw babe..."

"Yeah. I told him not to worry." 

"He's too young to think about adult things."

"Yes that is true."

"Are you sad?" He sighed heavily and lifted his hand to drift through his kempt hair. 

"Far from sad."

"Then what?" 

"Angry."

"Emi?"

"Yeah."  She licked her lips. 

"Truth be told, I'm mad as hell about the fact she really tried it. But, what can we do?" 

"I have an idea but you have to hear me out on it."

"Shoot."

"Without question, I am going to up security. I don't want to let the rat wander where she's not supposed to. I want you safe." She nodded at the passion in his voice. 

"I thought about postponing my trip to Paris. But, I've decided against it." Her eyebrows lifted. 

"Word?"

"Kuribahara Emi doesn't deserve that much control and influence in our lives. She's watching us so let's give her something to watch." She was quiet as he lifted her foot to his mouth. 

"I want her to watch you and I be successful. I want her to witness the great things we are and will do together and I want it to destroy her." Breathless, she could only nod again. Kissing her arch, he put her foot back onto his lap. 

"My idea is that while I go to Paris, you resume business as per usual. I don't want you to think that I am acting as if I am your father but I will not allow her to harm you. That's out of the damn question." Clearing her throat, she schooched closer and played with his hair. 

"I ain't complainin baby. You gotta do what you gotta do and so do I. Whatever decision you think is best, I'll support it." He relaxed some, leaning his head back against the couch cushion. 

"Then it's settled." 

"I'm glad you got to enjoy time with Kyou. He really appreciated it I'm sure."

"Mm. Seeing him is truly a pleasure." She smiled and leaned in to press a gentle kiss to his lips.

"Welp, now that that's what we doin, I guess we can relax some huh?"

"Mm." 

*** 

Everything carried on as per usual and it was driving her crazy. It was if her actions didn't mean a damn thing and it was infuriating her. She thought she was so fucking perfect bcause she had gotten him. It was beginning to feel as though she was losing her mind. If it was for Hiroto, then so be it. 

*** 

The next couple days before his departure from Japan had been some of the busiest yet and she wasn't ready to let him go just yet. But all the while those damn scars man... they had been burning her something fierce. Quite strange that after her ambush they had started up. Never before had they burned and it was alarmingly growing more and more intense. She snuggled against Roto's back, bare and warm. Sighing, she smiled and lifted fingers to touch the deep line that rested down his back. Her big sleepin baby...he'd been working mad hard.  

After everything that had happened with Emi, there had been a noticeable change in him. Ice had crept back across his heart completely and unless they were alone... he was cold and emotionless. It made her sad. She knew that he tried to keep composure and that he did very well. But the emotional distance just made her heart ache. Emi didn't deserve that either. She wanted the warmth to come back... just a little bit. Sighing, she kissed the smooth skin underneath her. She was right to want it to be only them two. The world still was not ready for them. 

She swallowed and slid away from him. Truth be told, Emi was all she could think about lately and it was driving her nuts. It didn't make any God given sense. A part of her wanted to track the bitch down and dump her in a remote lake. But then again, she understood that Emi would probably consider that triumph. Fingers eager to touch, they reached forward and pressed against his skin. She'd pretty much kept quiet about it all... she didn't protest as he upped security and made sure someone was with her at all times while at work. She kept quiet as the media outlets started buzzing once again, tryna get the next big scandal out of them. But, inside she was brimming with emotion and sooner than later it was going to explode. 

Getting up from him, she slid into one of his shirts and left him to sleep. There was something she had to do about all this cause it was going to make her go crazy. Keeping it together for the kids was one thing. But, she needed to let it all out. A good cup of tea and phone convo with Amee was straight ahead and long overdue. 

 

***

His day had been going well. He didn't know why it had to be ruined in such a cruel way but it most certainly had been and there was no going back from it. Having from lunch, he had just gotten settled in his chair when it happened. 

"It's been a long time Hiroto." Looking up from the documents he was reading, he felt his blood grow cold. The woman formerly known as Iwase Eri stood in front of him, a devious smile painted on her face. 

"What are you doing here?" 

"I can't come to see my own son?" 

"You know as well as I that you are not welcome here." 

"I missed you Hibiki." He slowly stood from his desk, smoothly sliding hands into his pockets. 

"Don't call me that. It's not your right." Her eyes traveled down him. 

"You look identical to your father in his younger years. I've done well." He swallowed tightly, the faintest trace of annoyance on his face.

"You are wasting my time Mizu Hada." The woman laughed mirthlessly. 

"So now I am simply Mizu Hada. Frankly, you could call me an old bitch for all I care.  However, no matter what you call me, I will always remain your mother. Don't you dare forget that." He was quiet as she looked around his office. 

"You've done so well for yourself Hiroto. I'm so proud of you."  

"Surely, I am making Obaa-chan proud." Not what she wanted to hear, she twisted up her lips, settling eyes on the ring on his finger. 

"I see you finally married that little black girl."

"And you are still alive to have heard about it." 

"Kiko wasn't enough?"

"She didn't deserve the crown or the throne." She snorted, rolling her eyes. 

"You are a man of your word." 

"The promises I made you I will fulfill." She laughed, clucking her tongue. 

"My, what bite you have in your voice Hiroto."

"Enough. If you are done, I advise you to swiftly return to your point of exile."  The woman smiled once more. 

"Spoken like a true Iwase. It's sad things had to come to this point...but I want you to know that everything I have done as your mother....everything I have sacrificed... it was all and only always for you. You are my son and I love you."

"You forfeit that title when you tried to murder me." The woman he observed had grown frail once again but dressed in a rather fashionable skirt suit. She hadn't lost her touch nor grace. Hair salt and pepper, it had been pulled up into an elegant coif. For a moment, it seemed as if exile had never happened and she had never left his side...a fragment of a reality built on lies. 

"Hiroto...son..."

"We're done here." His gaze didn't waver as he met hers, the expression within his cold as ice.

"I am not sure who allowed you to roam free but rest assured it will never happen again. Return to your sentence."

"Before I go I would like to say this to you: Proceed very carefully in the near future."  He frowned deeply, eying her as she sighed, once more looking him over. 

"Excuse me?"

"Goodbye Hiroto. For now." Without his knowledge, his hands had curled into fists and they began to shake. What did she mean by that? What was she planning?