Battle of Wills

Chapter Nine

(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.

~*~*~

It's been three weeks since Kaho's wedding.

Three weeks since my mind telling me the truth abut Nioh.

Three weeks since my confrontation with Atobe.

Nioh had contacted me that night and demanded what happened when I left him there with Atobe Mizuko. I knew he was furious because he had been left there with her for more than two hours.

I apologized to him and asked him if he could give me some time to settle my life. I needed time to think. I needed to do something. I was glad once I started working for Saeki. I've been two weeks at the job and already exhausted.

Nioh called once or twice, but it seemed like he had completely backed off. I'm not sure what was going on, but I was thankful for some peace of mind. I saw a couple of times and took him out once with when Yuushi came over and begged me to watch them because an emergency had come up.

I was slowly getting into a new life pace and getting busy, but it all shattered when I walked into my apartment from work and saw both Oshitari and there.

First, I was angry because they had gone into my apartment without my permission. Second, I was worried as to why they were there and finally, I was sad because I realized I missed so much when I saw her. "From the looks on your faces this tells me that you're not here on a social call."

looked at me. 'What has happened to you?" she demanded angrily. was not one to lose her cool so quickly, so I knew whatever was on her mind. She was not happy about it. "You think you can cut us out of your life just like that?"

"I did not cut…"

"Shut up!" she whispered. "You've hurt us all."

I looked stunned. Hurt? "I hurt you all?" I asked. "I was the one hurting," I said. "I had to put up with my son being paraded in front of me all day without him knowing about me. I had to put up with my ex-husband everyday. I'm the one who had to sacrifice a lot of things." I narrowed my eyes. "You have !" I pointed at Yuushi. "You have Jirou," I told .

and Oshitari looked at me speechless.

I took off my business suit jacket and sat down at my kitchen table. I was feeling warm and heated and I just wanted to cool off.

"This is none of our business, ," said quietly. "But, we want you and Atobe to seek a marriage counselor."

Marriage counselor? If today was April Fools day I would've actually thought they were pulling my leg. "Must I remind you that we are divorced?"

"We don't care if you are divorced," answered simply. "You don't hate him and he doesn't hate you. So I think you should both give each other a chance for . This situation has gone out of hands and poor doesn’t even want to be at home anymore. Atobe's away most of the time and Mizuko's very strict with him."

"He is burying himself in work because he's trying to avoid his issues. You know how proud he is?" Oshitari remarked. "Mizuko is being too strict with . The woman scolds him for his table manners, walking etiquette, and what he reads. For god's sake , he's only four years old."

" , you've also gone out of control," Oshitari finally added. "You're working 24/7 and if not, you're spending a lot of time outside with strangers. We are your friends."

"We know he wants to try," said walking towards me. "What I don't understand is why you are being hard headed? You said you would do anything for and this is one of those things."

"You just won't undersa…"

"Listen to us." Oshitari interrupted raising his hand. "We want you to do what we will tell you now."

I stood up and looked suspiciously at them. "What…are?" I asked in a whisper. " I had a feeling I was going to hate it.

~~~

Three Days Later

"I did not agree to put up with this," I shouted furiously at Atobe who walked into my apartment. I can't believe they tricked me into consenting to this. He had four designer suitcases behind him as one of his servants helped him bring them in.

"You think I did?!" he shouted back at me. "I was officially blackmailed! No one blackmails Atobe Keigo," he said dramatically with the flip of his hair.

I could not believe this. When I heard of Yuushi and 's suggestion at first I actually threw them out and told them to come back when they were sane again. They had told me to have a trial phase with Atobe and allow him to live with me for a week and see if we can work out our differences.

I had shouted no. I had screamed no. I had almost beat them with the word 'no'. They had both prepared themselves for the worse of my temper and had actually tricked me into agreeing. I shouted the word Satan and demon at them and that they were inhuman beings, but they said that Atobe would be there in three days and to prepare the apartment.

I clenched my fists. A gesture I had been using a lot lately to control my anger. It was also my way of preventing me to punch someone out and right now I was itching to give him a black eye. "Atobe, why do you have luggage for three months," I hissed. The tremors in my voice were obvious to him that I was controlling my fury so it won't come out.

"Che…I can't be wearing the same thing every day."

I rolled my eyes and ignored him. I looked at the servant. "Put the things in the guest room, please," I ordered calm now. I left Atobe alone and went to prepare dinner.

And so it begins…

~*~*Day One~*~*

Atobe ate in silence as I sat down. All day he had been on the phone and laptop sorting out work. He was still a workaholic. I frowned noticing that he looked really worn-out. Also, I was a bit amazed that he wasn't complaining about the food, for I knew that he was accustomed to gourmet meals everyday.

I was curious about one thing. "Atobe…how on earth did you agree to this?"

He scowled slightly as ate. "I'd rather not go into details."

'You said they blackmailed you," I recalled. "You said you wanted to try and yet they blackmailed you."

He glanced at me. "You should know me by now that if I wanted to do something I do it on my own accord. I won't resort to being blackmailed," he mumbled as he lay his fork down. He removed his napkin off his lap and picked up his plate, placing it in the kitchen.

"Wh…what are you doing?" I whispered. He…he was picking up his own plate.

"My blackmailing came with terms."

"What on earth did Yuushi blackmail you with?" I demanded following him into the kitchen. I could've sworn I saw him wince at the question, but he ignored it. "It’s not important.' He waved his hand.

"And you agreed to do this just like that?" I asked disbelievingly. I didn’t think that he was the type of man to just concur.

"He also threatened me." Atobe leaned against the wall as I washed the dishes. "He said if I didn't then he would handcuff me to you. Knowing Yuushi I know he would do it,' he added. "The bastard actually did it once to me when we were in middle school^(1)."

I didn’t say anything. I finally cleaned up everything and went to my room to check on my cell phone. I was surprised that I still did not hear from Nioh. It was surprising because he had been after me all this time and suddenly no news from him. I was actually worried about him. I decided to call him, but his phone was switched off. That really did worry me.

I sat down on my bed when my own cell phone rang, startling me. I did not recognize the number. "Hello?"

" -sama."

The voice was new and yet somehow familiar. "Um…'

"Yanagi Renji on the phone," he explained.

"Oh."

I heard him fumbling on the phone and I could hear a lot of chaos in his background. "Renji-san," I began quietly. "I am glad you're fine. I was worried about Nioh."

"Masaharu's fine, . Physically anyway," he answered. "Kaho and the others spoke to me about something and I wanted to personally tell you regarding Masaharu. Would you like to meet me somewhere quiet?"

I agreed and hung up. I quickly dressed and picked up my things. I walked out and realized Atobe was there. I let out a sigh, "I need to go somewhere," I said walking to the door. "I'll see you later." Not giving him a chance to say anything.

I arrived at the place where Renji asked me to meet him. It was actually an office when I walked in. "Hi," I said with a smile as he let me in. "Is this a private office?"

"Yes, I'm an investigator. A private one."

"No wonder you're data accessible," I muttered sitting down.

He didn’t say anything. He sat in front of me and folded his arms. " , Masaharu's going through a tough time now," he told me. "He is not someone to show it, but a dear friend of his passed away two weeks ago."

I looked at him with sad features. "This friend…"

"This friend is someone he loved from middle school. She was the captain of the tennis team and got paralyzed when she was with him in a car accident. Masaharu was wild in those days and she somehow helped him to reattribute."

"Why are they not together?"

Renji offered me tea and continued his story. "Her parents moved because they wanted her to settle anew," he explained. "They kept in touch sometimes and she was going to visit him because she was getting better. Even after all these years, they were still fond of each other."

The question I wanted to ask was why he kept…

"You reminded Masaharu a lot of her, ," he finally said answering my unasked question. "The first time I saw you with him, I immediately remembered her as well."

Somehow what he told me made me feel better. I was happy to know that Nioh and I were just two people that needed each other. I was also happy that he had someone that he loved. I was also relieved. "Why are you telling me this now?' I asked forgetting what he had said earlier.

"She passed away, ."

I looked at him and to my astonishment I felt tears slid down my cheeks. "I'm sorry," I said softly. "Oh, poor Nioh!" I covered my face. To lose someone that you love…I remembered Yuushi for losing his wife.

"Genichirou took him to Hiroshi's estate and he's staying with him for a while. I think you know by now that his cell phone's switched off."

I nodded silently.

"It's best that…"

"I think it's best that I don't contact him for a while," I finished his sentence. If I reminded him too much of her then I would only be causing him pain. "Renji-san, Nioh and I we're not like that. I think I only went out with him because he kept pushing me and him with me because…you know…"

"Yes," he agreed. "He is a good friend, . Please keep him as that in your mind."

I stood up. "Thank you for confiding in me," I said thankfully. I walked to the door and stopped my hand resting on the doorknob. "Did…Did I look like her?"

"75%"

~~~

I went back home. To lose someone that you love so dearly, I wonder how painful that is.

Didn't you lose someone as well? It is the same painfulness that they are feeling.

Considering what Renji had told me I actually wanted to speak with Nioh. Should I drive to Yagyuu's estate and see how he was? I thought contemplating the matter.

I made up my mind and turned my car.

I wanted to see Nioh.

I wanted to sort everything out, so there were no mixed feelings. With Atobe around, I really need to settle where I stood with him. I am not planning on going back to my ex-husband, but I want to make sure I don’t lose Nioh as a friend.

I finally arrived and walked onto the courtyard. As soon as I did that, Yagyuu appeared. "Renji told me that you were coming."

That devil! I thought to myself. He set me up, I thought infuriated, but I didn’t let it show me. "Can I see Nioh please?"

"He's by the pool side."

I nodded and walked towards it. I found it weird that the same day my ex-husband was living with me; I had to sort out some things with Nioh. Entering the pool area, I saw Nioh emerge from the pool. He immediately stopped and found me standing there. His eyes clouded for a second and I knew he was seeing her and not me. I walked towards him, "Nioh."

Without saying anything he drew me into his arms and held me. I wanted to scold him for getting me wet and dripping all over me, but I remained silent. I was relieved because all this time he was thinking of someone else. "My condolences, Nioh. I didn't know…"

He raised my chin and kissed my forehead. "It's alright. I'm sorry for not telling you," he apologized. "I like you , you helped me and I know you want me, but I can't give you the Nioh love."

I poked him, "You're really full of yourself," I muttered hugging him again. "I like you as a friend, Masaharu."

"Likewise, babe! Likewise!"

I was happy. We stayed for some time talking and he actually looked better now. I apologized for leaving him with Mizuko the other night and he apologized for stalking me endlessly.

We made our peace with each other. I was not confused anymore about his feelings for me and was finally at ease. When I looked at my watch I sensed that it was late and the drive back will take long, so I excused myself and left. He walked me to my car and kissed my cheek lightly. "Goodbye," he whispered in my ear. "Drive safely."

"I should be telling you that." I winked as I drove away.

~~~

"Did she buy it?"

Nioh turned to see Yagyuu standing behind him. "Yeah," he answered quietly. "She is rather gullible."

Yagyuu walked back with him to the pool. "Why did you do it? You told me you were serious about this one."

Nioh sat down and pulled a cigarette from the pack that was on the table. He figured it was alright to go back to smoking now. "Although Atobe Mizuko hates her, she still admitted that she was the best woman her son had. Plus, they have a kid Hiroshi. I don't want to be the cause of the kid's unhappiness if his parents decide to get together."

Yagyuu watched his friend in amazement. When he had gotten Nioh's call and he told him about his plan. He had refused at first hand, but once he heard of his reasoning. He finally consented to it. He knew it will take a while for Nioh to forget about her, but knowing Nioh he was sure that he would pretend that he was alright.

~~~

When I went back home I found him watching TV. He was listening intently to the news and didn't even look at me when I walked in. However, I should've known that he was more aware of his surroundings. "Where were you?"

Where…where was I? I glared at him. "Excuse me, but you have no right to ask me where I was! You don't own me."

He stood up. "I'm not questioning you; I was just curious where you were all this time…"

"Atobe! Don't start this with me…"

He let out a sigh. " …"

"Goodnight!" I interrupted rudely going into my bedroom. However, Atobe Keigo was Atobe Keigo and I found that he had followed him. "This is difficult for me too," he said bluntly. "You think I enjoy doing this?" he demanded.

"Look Atobe, we can ignore each other! The goal is that we do not kill each other by the end of the week."

He sat down on the bed. "They said that the longer we take to acknowledge each other the longer we'll have to put up with this."

I looked away. "I still don't get why you're doing this. You're a grown man! You can sue them," I said as I picked out my pajamas from the closet. "We don't hurt when we argue, he doesn’t…"

"He knows."

Pause.

I almost fainted if he didn’t catch me. "He knows," Atobe said softly. "We told him this morning…" he added. "He said he got his birthday wish because he wished for -chan to be his mother."

I felt tears. "Where is he?"

"Now is not a good…"

"Atobe, where is he?"

"He's with Yuushi."

I pushed him away and ran towards the door, but he grabbed my arm and stopped me. "No," he said firmly. "You're not seeing until we get through this properly," he told me, but he stopped struggling with me as he saw me crying. " …"

I cried so much. It was so true yet it hurt so much. He finally knew. After all these years, he finally knew. How was I going to speak to him? What was I going to tell him if he asked me why I never told him? "What am I going to tell him if he asks me?" I whispered afraid.

He didn’t answer me.

I was sure he didn’t know what to tell me.

~*~*~Day Two~*~*~

He drank his coffee silently. "Why are you working?"

I peeled an apple and ate it. "Because I'm bored," I replied instantly. "I really have nothing better to do," I added standing up and putting on my jacket. I moved my hair back and tied it.

"When stays with you, are you still going to work?"

I picked up my laptop and eyed him carefully. "Please don't say things like that unless you mean it,' I said leaving the apartment and slamming the door in the process.

I was angry. Although I know he was trying and my son knew I was his mother, I still doubted his true intentions. No one can pull all those mean things and then suddenly want to make it better. I was afraid that if I indulge in this then I'd end up hurt again.  

I went to work and found Saeki waiting. He wisely chose not to comment about my cold attitude that morning. I liked Saeki, for he was very professional. On my first day, I found myself in a meeting with him and Yuuta. I was happy to see Yuuta, he seemed to be doing well and he was content with his promotion.

I helped out Saeki the whole day. As my day ended and I was heading home, I found Fuji by the main door of the office. "Fuji~" I said hugging him. It felt so good to see him. I always welcomed his friendly smile.

"Would you like to do some shopping with me?" he asked. I was going to say yes, but stopped when I remembered a rather annoying being at my apartment. I cursed softly under my breath and apologized to him.

I went back home and scowled as I saw Yuushi in the elevator. I decided to ignore him, but he interrupted the silence. "Don't be like this."

"I'm annoyed," I said irritated. "You've gone too far butting into my life."

"I just don't want you to end up like me, ," he remarked leaving the elevator when the doors opened to his floor.

I felt bad. I forgot about Yui for a second. I let out a sigh and walked in. the minute I did, I could smell burning and the kitchen was in utter chaos. I also found two maids there cleaning. "What the hell happened in here?"

Atobe walked in only wearing pants. "I messed up."

I looked at him and then back at the maids. I calculated what could have happened and narrowed my eyes. "Please tell me you weren't trying to cook!?"

He didn’t answer me sitting on the couch. I didn’t know even know how to react to the news. I ignored the predicament at the moment and picked up a shirt. "I do not want to see you walking half-naked in my house," I said firmly. "My house. Therefore, you live under my rules!" I stated clearly. "Now put this on!" I ordered giving him the shirt.

He snatched it without a snide remark and put it on, but he didn’t bother buttoning it up. "And since you managed to burn everything in the house," I added looking in the fridge to see nothing there. "I suggest you order something and feed us."

"Why don't we eat out till they finish cleaning?"

I stopped. Somehow, it all seemed fishy. "The last time we had dinner, it was a disaster if I may recall correctly."

"Just dress up," he muttered. "It's not like we're going to talk. We’re going to eat. I've been in meetings all day and I don't want to go and eat at Yuushi's. I want something expensive."

"What makes you think I want to have dinner with you?"

He narrowed his eyes. "Fine, then I'll go alone."

"You do that!"

We kept arguing when one of the maids interrupted. "A…Atobe-sama," she whispered. We both looked at her clearly not amused at being interrupted. " -sama," she said bowing. "We will need to do some dusting and airing so you will have to leave the apartment."

I clenched my teeth. "Fine, then I'll go downstairs to Yuushi's."

"You can't," he objected. " is there and we agreed that you will stay away till we sort things out," he explained. "Just get dressed, . One dinner with me will not kill you," he commented going to the guest room to change.

~~~

I wasn't in the mood for him so I just wore black pants with a gold lace tuxedo shirt⁽²⁾. He wasn't kidding when he said he wanted something expensive. He took us straight to the most expensive seafood restaurant in town. I ate in silence. I knew if we even talked, we would end up arguing. He did make small talk, but that was all to it. I did not want to do this.

I had one question though. How was he able to do this with his mother around? Although she wasn't able to control him, I knew he respected her well enough to think about the things she said. "Where's your mother?"

"She's doing her annual shopping in Paris," he answered automatically sipping his drink.

We finished dining and walked out of the restaurant. I suddenly remembered something out of the blue. "Atobe?"

"Yes?"

"Tell me about Yume, please. I want to know what type of person is taking care of my son," I admitted getting into his car.

"She was my nanny."

"Oh." That truly surprised me. I had always thought of her as a young nanny that had more time with my son than I. " is with Yuushi because Yumi's gone to Paris with mother," he explained further glancing at me.

I didn’t comment further. A part of me finally relaxed knowing that. It's not like I was fully at ease. I just figured that the person that brought him up is qualified to take care of my son as well.

We reached my apartment and walked in. the elevator ascended and stopped at some floors allowing people in and out. We were almost to ours when the elevator doors opened again. I was stifling a yawn from boredom because I wanted to get to my apartment. However, something woke me when I heard…

"Mama."

~~~

DeVelicious

Edited by Kashii & Elenniel

~*~*~For Nioh Fans~ I did not write him off. Just be patient with me and you'll see what I have planned~*~*~

___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Note(s):

(1)   This statement refers to a DN that I wrote a while back – called "Battle of the Sexes" – you can find it in the dreams section under Atobe's dreams.

(2)   Shirt from Victorias Secret. [online]