Battle of Wills

Chapter Four

(Note) :Nioh is portrayed after Kyoh-sama's "Lu:na" dream novel from the Gackt theme. I loved the bad boy Nioh in that dream and I thank her for allowing me to use the personality she created for him. You can access the dream novel "Lu:na" by going to Minus Zero.

~*~*~

Apart from the fact that I enjoyed the engagement party last night, I was still annoyed in the morning when I woke up. We had stayed late and Nioh had stuck close to me all night. Although he left me once the dance was over, but he was in my range of vision every time I conversed with someone. I wasn’t sure if he was doing it on purpose or if it was pure coincidence. Fuji was just the best; he even invited me to the beach the week after as he was having a barbecue in honor of his brother's promotion.

I stepped out of my bedroom and decided that today was going to be a good day. I left sleeping on my bed and peeked in on and to my surprise I found him reading on the bed. "Good morning," I said cheerfully, walking into the room and standing next to him. "What are you reading?" I asked casually as I leaned down a bit.

He looked up and blushed as he saw me catching him reading. "Um…I am reading this," he admitted showing me a comic book. Now I understood why he looked embarrassed. I knew if Keigo found a comic book among his things, he would throw a fit. I patted his head tenderly. "It will be our little secret," I whispered playfully as I winked.

He smiled genuinely and nodded.

"Do you want some breakfast?" I asked as I opened the room's curtains a bit to allow some light in. I didn’t want him reading in the dark. I turned back and found him absorbed in his comic book. I smiled, walked out, and found a sleeping Jirou walking out of the guest room rubbing his eye. "Your one and only?"

"Sleeping," he muttered wryly as he walked to the kitchen.

I followed Jirou into the kitchen and began preparing breakfast. It was starting to be a daily chore for me, but I didn’t mind.

The rest of the day went smoothly. I was grateful for and Jirou's company. They were a blessing and the children loved them. Jirou was exceptionally good with kids. He even took them out to the park so and I could have some free girl time together. "So?" began as she chopped some vegetables for dinner. We were both in the kitchen preparing a Chinese dinner. "You never told us who you went with last night."

"A man I met."

rinsed some carrots and began chopping them as I soaked the noodles in the pot. "A man we shall see more of?" she asked curiously. I looked at her. "We're not like that," I explained quietly. "He is already in a relationship and we are only friends."

"I'm sure if you spend some time….."

"He's in a relationship with a man."

"That's nice," she remarked absently as she chopped, then stopped. "I hope you know what you're doing," she said softly as she looked at me. "What are you doing spending time with him then?"

"I know you're not fond of same-sex relationships," I said as I boiled the noodles. "Please don’t judge him like that because he is one of the best guys I've ever met," I said truthfully. I was appreciative that she did not push the matter any further.

"Jirou and I will leave tomorrow, ," finally spoke breaking the silence. "We're going to Yuushi's house to meet Kabaji and will probably spend the night there."

"And Kabaji is involved because?"

She smacked me lightly on the head. "Silly! Did you forget the Kabaji owns a movers company?" she reminded me, exasperated. "He offered to send some of his boys to help Yuushi with the move," she explained as she prepared the ingredients for spring rolls. "We're going to pack some of his stuff since he gave us solid instructions."

"Do you guys need help?" I offered.

shook her head. "Nope," she answered shaking her head. "You tend to the kids," she ordered, looking at me. "Now tell me. Did you meet anyone interesting last night?"

When I heard her question, Nioh's face immediately popped into my mind. I groaned inwardly as I shook my head. "No," I answered curtly. "I did not meet anyone that interested me."

If my tone of voice indicated anything, didn't question me further about it. We talked more about many things and prepared the dinner table for us and Jirou and the kids when they get back. Today was indeed a good day.

~~~

Several days went by and the depression phase has almost passed. and Jirou had left and the kids were back to their own homes. Yuushi had finally moved and seemed better since she lived below me. She'd come over sometimes and just stay over. I knew she missed her mother and I knew she just wanted to be with someone. Keigo had even offered to take her in during the weekends so she could spend it with , but Yuushi declined graciously and said he'd rather keep with him so they can spend the weekend together.

I was now home alone. I pursed my lips trying to think of what to do. I didn’t really work; money was not an issue to me because I did work and invested a lot when I was younger and made a huge profit. Since I was also 's mother, a settlement went into my account as well, but I never touched it. However, it was there for backup. I did make money by selling my paintings as well. In my spare time, I paint on silk and sell them off to some galleries if they are interested.

Now I sat on my sofa, bored. I tapped my chin trying to think of what to do when my phone interrupted me. I picked it up without even bothering to check the caller ID. "Hello?"

"Found you."

I froze in place. As if by reflex, I immediately hung up. I stood, clutching my hand, and was going to walk away when it rang again. I hesitated, but picked it up. I didn’t say anything though.

"Don't you know it's considered offensive to hang up just like that?”

The comment angered me. "What the devil are you doing calling me?" I demanded. "And how the hell did you get my number?" I snapped rudely at him.

He chuckled. ". . ," he murmured softly. "Did you really think I was going to let you get away?" he asked nonchalantly. "Anyway, to answer your question, we have a rather open source for data if we want anything, but it comes with a price. So you should be privileged that I actually had to cough up some things to get your number."

"Privileged? How can you stalking me be a privilege?" I asked angrily, wanting to slam the phone, but his next comment stopped me. "Che… you really are unappreciative.”

I raised my eyebrow. "You don't even know me," I hissed as I hung up the phone. I picked up my jacket and purse and left the house immediately ignoring the ringing telephone. I was fortunate that he did not have my cell phone number.

~~~

I spoke too soon. He got my cell phone number.

He called me once or twice, but I always ignored his calls. I was so perturbed that I just didn’t know what to do. What did he want from me? Was he doing this so I would keep thinking about him? Even as I changed for Fuji’s beach barbecue, I was still thinking about him. I actually wanted to confide in someone, but they would think I was overreacting. I even thought of telling Keigo when I was at Yuushi's making lunch for him and , but I coughed up my tormented mind and told myself I did not want to give him anymore ego boosters.

I finished dressing and picked up my beach bag. Since the venue was at the beach I knew I needed a towel, slippers, extra clothes, and other things that I might need. For my own peace of mind, I decided to leave my cell phone and not take it with me.

The drive to the beach took me well over half an hour. I was also being careful as I drove, for it was dark already. The barbecue was in the evening. When I arrived at my destination, I liked the fact that it was secluded. However, I could see a brightly lit spot as I walked and as I got closer I found a lot of people around. They weren’t a lot, but at least 50 had occupied the area.

"!"

I breathed in relief as I realized it was Fuji that called me.

"Hey~" I waved cheerfully as he hugged me lightly. Fuji Syuusuke was now what I called a close friend. Although we had known each other for only a short period of time, we clicked immediately and had full respect for each other. He took my hand and pulled me. "Come. I want you to meet Yuuta⁽¹⁾," he said, referring to his brother. As I whizzed by others I noticed that there were really a lot of people. Finally when Fuji stopped pulling me, I found myself in front of a rather younger man. He was talking to someone in a hostile manner.

", this is Yuuta." Just as he said it the other man stopped and looked at me. His glaring eyes softened and he actually smiled. "Hello," he said casually, "Thanks for coming."

Astounding transformation! I thought at the sudden change in his eyes. "Congratulations," I said sincerely. "I still don't know yet what you were promoted to…" I admitted as I glanced at Fuji. "He didn't tell me," I said accusingly, as I hit his shoulder lightly.

Yuuta rubbed the back of his head in embarrassment. "I've been promoted to the Sports Manager in my organization," he said sheepishly. "I handle the entire sports event in this region."

I was awestruck. "Impressive," I whispered with a smile and my comment only made him go redder. I spent a good hour with him asking him many things. I also found it hard to believe that he and Fuji were siblings. They were so different, and yet so alike. Finally, he excused himself and I walked around. I didn’t really recognize a lot of people and Fuji was nowhere to be found. I was also feeling a bit insecure walking around in my swimming suit, so I decided to tie a sarong around me.

"."

I turned and found Fuji. He was standing next to another man with a unique hair color. It was silver and black. "This is Saeki Kojirou, a childhood friend of mine," he said. "Saeki, this is ."

He extended his hand and shook my hand firmly. I realized that Fuji had interesting friends. Or it showed that I lacked proper friends. All his friends seriously had accomplished something and it was commendable to praise them. After conversing with Saeki I walked away a bit to a secluded place. Although I tried to socialize I was still a loner at times, for I needed my space and quiet time. I found a nice little hill and walked up to it, but stopped when I saw three familiar faces. "Oh."

"-sama." Yukimura Seiichi smiled as he recognized me. He was on the hill with Kaho and Renji. "Did you come here to escape as well?" Kaho asked moving her hand through her fiancé's hair as he lay with his head on her lap. Renji was just sitting there reading something and holding a flashlight since it was dark.

"I'm sorry, am I intruding?"

"The more the merrier," Yukimura stated as he sat up. "Join us," he said as he scratched his hair lightly. "This is really the only time we can relax," he explained, "So we are taking full advantage of this place."

I chuckled softly as I took a seat next to Renji. "I'm not really into crowds so I needed some space as well," I confided as Kaho poured me a drink and handed me a glass. I took it and thanked her. "Fuji's really popular though."

Kaho nodded. "Yes."

"According to my data he does have around fifty two friends here and they're all close to him," Renji said with a frown. Kaho rolled her eyes. "Yanagi, do you mind not stating data at this hour? I swear… Give it a rest. Why do you always have to know everything?" she asked wryly as she lay down on Yukimura's lap now.  

I laughed at that, but suddenly remembered something. "Data?" I whispered recalling what Nioh had said to me earlier.

<we have a rather open source for data if we want anything, but it comes with a price. So you should be privileged that I actually had to cough up some things to get your number>

"Do… Do you charge people for information?" I asked nervously, looking at Renji. "If they were desperate enough," he answered straight away. Kaho watched us and smiled. "Interested in someone…?" she was going to ask me, but I interrupted. "You're the one who gave HIM my number." I felt my anger mounting.

Renji turned his head to face me. He rubbed his jaw in puzzlement. "You mean Masaharu?" he asked as he looked at me curiously. Kaho sat up straight. "Renji, you gave Nioh 's number?" she demanded, half amazed and half irritated at that new piece of information. "You know you don't do that to nice ladies," she scolded. She let out a sigh as she saw Renji’s indifferent look. Turning to me, Kaho smiled weakly. "Just ignore him, ."

Yukimura sat up. "Come on, Kaho," he said. "Masaharu's not like that." he remarked, "I apologize if you got a bad impression of him, -sama," he said sincerely. "Nioh has a bad way of showing his feelings when he first meets someone."

I thought of what he said, but I had to say it. "I'm sorry, but that man was rude to me and not only me, but you as well." I told Kaho softly. "It's none of my business, but I just found it disrespecting."

Kaho watched me. "That's normal, ," she said. "I'm sorry if I made him sound bad as well, but he is like my little brother. He was having a bad night as well," she explained.

"Masaharu's two years older than you, Kaho," Renji added.

She looked at him sharply. "You know what I meant."

The men went quiet while Kaho and I talked about a few things. Keigo did come up a few times, but every time we both instantly changed the subject.

After some time together, I walked back down and decided to mingle. I couldn’t help think about what they told me about Nioh? Did I judge too fast? I thought as I looked around for Fuji when I bumped into someone and caused the man's drink to spill over his t-shirt. "Oh my god! I'm so sorry!" I said frantically as I pulled out a handkerchief from my beach bag and dabbed at the stain that has formed already.

The person grabbed my wrist, stopping me. 'We're at the beach," he said as I looked up at him, but I couldn't see his face. "I'll just take it off,” he explained as he removed his shirt. When the head emerged from under the shirt, I saw a mass of long blonde hair. I saw striking dark eyes watching me. "You look like ."

I stopped wondering where that comment came from. "And you know me from…?"

He laughed softly and introduced himself to me. "I'm sorry. I am Tachibana Kippei, a friend of Syuusuke's. I just assumed you were her because I remember him describing you."

I wrinkled my nose at his comment. "Why would Fuji describe me to a complete stranger?" I asked him bluntly. He looked at me in surprise and smiled, "We were discussing women and he said you were the first one he asked out, so I was curious."

I crossed my arms and looked at him. "Why are all of his friends so honest and why is Fuji discussing women?" I asked suspiciously.

Tachibana laughed again and rubbed the back of his head. "You’re indeed out of the ordinary, ,” he complimented me as he walked away. I watched him as he walked off and thought how peculiar he was. I spent the rest of the evening mingling with everyone, eating, and finally it was time to go home. I thanked Fuji for a wonderful evening as he walked me to my car. "I really had fun," I admitted. "It was a nice change for me."

We stopped by my car and he looked up. "I can't help feel that your smile was not a true one all night," he said out of the blue. "Anything you want to talk about? How's life?"

I surprised him as I smiled. I walked closer to him and hugged him. "You're starting to sound like my other friend. You worry too much about me," I said appreciatively, as he hugged me back lightly. "I don't let my problems bring me down," I told him. "In the past, I might've let it affect me, but not anymore."

He placed a hand on my shoulder. "Good girl."

We talked a bit more and finally I got into my car and left. I admired him and his care free way. He really did worry about me. I drove back home and went into my dark apartment. The first thing I saw was the blinking of my cell phone. I pursed my lips in annoyance and walked towards it. Picking it up, I found many missed calls. One from from Nioh. Three from Yuushi and some other ones. I also noticed one message. I opened my inbox and my eyes widened as I read it.

"Spend a day with me. If I'm intolerable, I won't ever bother you again. A fair deal, don't you think?  Nioh XD"

I narrowed my eyes at the message. Sincere as he sounded, I had a hard time believing it. I deleted the message and switched my phone off. It was late, past midnight, and I wanted to sleep. I took off my clothes and changed into my pajamas. I decided to wear something heavy tonight, for I was feeling a bit chilly.

~~~

Morning arrived faster than I expected. The doorbell woke me. I yawned lazily and sat up. Scratching my hair lightly, I walked to the door and opened it. "Well, you sure are a fright when you wake up."

"Shut up, Yuushi," I grumbled as he walked in with . "What do you want? Its 9 o'clock in the morning," I complained as I fell onto my sofa. walked up to me and kissed my cheeks with a good morning as Yuushi made some coffee in the kitchen. As went to the TV room, Yuushi handed me a cup of coffee. "You promised to take care of today."

I took it and sipped the bitter coffee. I hated coffee, but I knew it was the only thing that would keep me awake. "Hmm… You've been going out a lot lately," he remarked as he took a seat next to me.

I glared at him. "Did you move into my building to keep tabs on me?" I demanded loudly. He chuckled at my comment and stood up. "I'm leaving. I have meetings."

"You might need to invest in a babysitter, Yuushi. I'm not always around."

"I know ," he nodded in understanding. "Just give me some time - refuses to be with someone she doesn't know. She doesn’t like to stay with Yume either," he said, referring to 's nanny.

I stood up. "Yuushi?"

"Yeah?"

I hesitated, but asked. I had to ask. I had the right to. "Whenever you're free, can you tell me about Yume?" I murmured so quietly that I knew he could barely hear me. "Of course," he said as he left me alone with . I let out a sigh and walked back inside. "?" I called out. She ran out of the room and looked at me, "I'm going to shower and change. How about we do some shopping today?" I asked her.

"YES!" she said overjoyed as she ran back to the TV room.

I showered and changed into jeans and a shirt. Since we were going to be shopping, I decided to dress casually. I picked my cell phone and turned it on. I placed my bag and jacket in the living room and was about to call when my doorbell rang again. I looked at the clock and frowned. Did Yuushi forget something? I thought to myself as I walked to the door. I opened it and…

"You don't give up, do you?" I asked exasperated. I was partially annoyed at him. He was literally stalking me. "Don't you work nor have anything better to do?" I demanded as he invited himself into my apartment. He looked around and whistled, "Nice place."

"Nioh!"

"Che…" he whispered. "You really think I'm the type of person to take orders from someone?" he asked as he leaned against the wall and crossed his arms. "I'm a freelancer and a very bored freelancer at the moment,” he said as he watched me while he blew at his nails, "You, my lady, interest me and I won’t hesitate to make you fascinated by me."

I placed my hands on my hips and narrowed my eyes. "So I'm just a body to keep you entertained because you're bored?"

He shrugged. "Yeah why not?" he muttered, studying his nails. He looked around. "Anyway, don't flatter yourself. I'm not a stalker," he remarked. "I'm here giving out your invitation."

"Invitation?"

He took out a card and handed it to me. I looked surprised at the fancy envelope in my hand and opened it. It was a wedding invitation. To Yukimura and Kaho's wedding. "Couldn’t you just mail it?" I asked suspiciously.

"And not have fun by delivering it personally?" he smirked as he watched me carefully. I was going to say more when we were interrupted. "-chan," whispered softly.

"Is this your daughter?" Nioh asked as hid behind me and hugged my leg.

He walked up to and leaned down. "What's your name, angel?" he asked as he patted her head gently. The closer he got, the tighter clutched my leg. "I'm not a bad man."

I looked down at and then at Nioh. I don't know why, but Yukimura and Kaho's words came back to me. Is he really nice or is it an act to make me like him? Nevertheless, I put my hand behind 's back and pushed her forward slightly. "Sweetie, introduce yourself."

looked embarrassed, but nodded. "Oshitari ," she said, politely.

Nioh smirked, "Yuushi's daughter?" he asked, casually. He took 's hand gently and kissed it. "I am Nioh Masaharu."

She looked at him shyly and I rolled my eyes as I stepped in between the two. "Thank you for delivering the card to me," I said flatly. "You may leave now, we have plans."

He walked closer to me and angled his lips over mine. I took a step back, but he stopped me with an arm around my waist. "Will you accompany me to the wedding?" he asked softly. I placed my hands on his chest and looked at him. "No, thank you for inviting me, but I decline."

Nioh rubbed his jaw with his free hand. "You really hate me, don't you?" he questioned. "You need to give me a chance before you actually send off hate vibes," he remarked, "I don't know what that ex-husband of yours did to you, but not all men are asses."

His remark was spot on. Did Keigo really screw my thoughts up? I mean I was fine with some men, but I had never really dated anyone since my divorce - Fuji didn’t count. I frowned at the thought. I really did hate men. I wasn’t ready to be vulnerable again, especially since my emotions were still unstable. Is he the one to help me break it? I thought as I returned Nioh's gaze. "What makes you think you're the one to help me? You were very rude and crude when I first met you."

He shrugged. "Bad day, really."

"So am I to assume you're going to act like a jerk when you're having a bad day?" I asked out loud. I looked down and found eyeing us curiously. "It won't work," I said softly. "I have so many things going on, it just won't work."

"One day."

I looked up at him. "Huh?"

He looked at me. "Spend a day with me. That’s all I ask."

I was going to shout no, but he sounded so sincere. I hesitated, but looked at him. Again, I remembered his friends’ previous remarks about him. I asked him the same question I had asked Fuji, "what do you wish to gain from me by one day?"

He grinned, and leaned forward and kissed me lightly. It was a gentle kiss, lips barely touching and before I could push him away, he pulled away. "We'll just have to wait and see how it goes." He remarked slyly. "I'll text you." he added as he walked out.

~~~

Later

I looked guiltily at the shopping bags in our hands and let out a sigh. I remembered promising myself to never go shopping when I was upset. I wasn't upset, but shaken. Damn him for kissing me. And damn him for coming into my life. However, when I saw 's joyful face as she carried her toys and clothes, I was happy. We had spent the whole day shopping, playing, and had finally settled on some food. I drove us back home just as Yuushi called. "I'm home now," he said over the other end of the phone. "I'll drop her at your apartment then."

He thanked me and said goodbye. We walked to their floor and I found the door open already. "Yuushi?" I called as I walked in.

"I'm here," he said as he walked in dressed in casual wear. He had changed out of his suit and was only in trainers and a sleeveless T-shirt as he watched us.

"What have you two been up to?" he asked, eyeing our purchases. "Did you leave anything for the city, ?" he added dryly.

I rolled my eyes and handed him a bag. "What's this?" He asked as he looked at it.

"Your dinner," I answered as I went to the kitchen and took out some plates. "You always forget to eat."

"You need to stop babysitting me."

I put my tongue out at him and went to check on . She was busy putting her things away with a smile. "Sweetie, let's do this again, okay?"

"Yes," She nodded as she hugged me. "Thank you."

I patted her head gently and suddenly remembered something. "Let's keep what happened to me today our secret, alright?" I said softly to make sure that Yuushi didn’t hear me. I did not want telling him about what happened today. looked at me. "Nioh-san?"

I nodded and kissed her forehead as she agreed. I walked back out and found Yuushi eating. "I'm heading back," I announced as he watched me and nodded. "Thanks, , and you don't need to spend so much on her."

I waved goodbye. "I live to spend, Yuushi," I smiled as I walked to my own apartment. I walked in placing my things on the floor when my cell phone beeped. I checked the message and read…

"I'm picking you up at 10 AM tomorrow. Dress casually and get some extra clothes with you.  Nioh XD"

I read the message repeatedly. I stared at it, dumbfounded, and immediately without even stopping to think, I replied his message. When did I say I'll go out with you I thought to myself?

"Excuse me, but when did I say yes to you?"

He replied back to me instantaneously.

"Earlier today if I recall correctly. Just get ready in the morning"

I stopped to think for a second. The idiot was really serious. I was resisting the urge to swear at him.

"I never said yes"

 <Beep>

"You did"

I replied back.

"I didn’t"

<Beep>

"You did"

I wanted to throw my cell phone away, but let out a defeated sigh as I text-ed him again.

"Let's say I say yes now, where are you taking me?"

I walked back to my room and decided to put away my new things tomorrow. I wasn’t in the mood to put them away now. As I lay on my bed, I heard the familiar beeping again.

"It's a surprise XD Don't worry Nioh"

I threw my cell phone aside and pitied it for all the brutality I put it through. I set my alarm clock for 9 AM and closed my eyes. I was too tired to change or make myself comfy. I slept and let my dreams take over for the night.

~~~

DeVeliCious  

Edited by Kashii & T-Zone

___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Note:

(1) I was talking to Summer when I was writing this chapter and she was telling me that Yuuta doesn't get enough story time XD so I decided to add him into this chapter and he will make more appearances as well.