Ichika taking charge, Miku crying, and the man is having a good night out. Continue.

Enjoy.

~~~~~

(FN) and Eito were driving home from Healing Dragon the sushi restaurant. Talking about the good time they had. It was the first quality just father and son time in quite a while. Probably right a good few months and that was because Maria was at a spa. It was nice seeing the two of them on the same page again. Great views, chemistry, and a powerful understanding of each other. 

The two of them laughed. It was just the two of them and Makia as Eito parked his car in the parking garage. It had been a while. And with Makia across the hall at that time of night to rise for the next morning, it was only time they were entering the apartment as just them. Now unofficially running a bachelor pad. Kind of...

"Well Son, mind if I steal the shower first? I'm dying to get out of this suit." Asked Eito unloosening his tie. 

"Go for it. I can wait. I was going to check in on-" His phone just started vibrating. The caller ID said Miku. "Hey there."

< Hey there boy. > Said a voice.

"Woah! Who? Ichika? That you Ichika?" Asked (FN).

< Yes its me. I had to call you to update you on a few things. Is now a good time? >

"Yeah. Just got home. What's going on? She okay?"

< Father came home and screamed at her. The limo driver Ebata ratted you two out to Father and he's angry. Said you're not allowed here or the limo. >

"Damn. She okay though? I don't think she would take it well." (FN) shook his head and grabbed himself a seat. This was going to be a long one. 

< She's getting there. Balling beforehand. But I wanted to let you know what you're getting into. If she asks, we didn't have this conversation. Got it? >

"Got it Ichika. So where do we go from here? My apartment?"

< What about the stepmother? >

He chuckled. "I just found out she's in a hotel until the divorce court date. That's out the window. She'll be back to bartending." Cackling away at the thought. "But if she comes here what do I do about Pops?"

< Is she welcomed at your place? It's down the block right? >

"He said as long as there is no conflict. Maria isn't here. But your father hates my guts by name. So at this point, where do we go from here Ichika?"

< Ah. He said not in his limo or residence that he pays for. The school, your place, and the public places seem fair game as far as I'm concerned. Do I go on? > Ichika giggled because that was an obvious risky loophole of what he said. Modern problem and easy solution. Simple. < So, you understand now? >

"My place and public places. Ordered about but with a modern solution. I get ya. Last question, what happens now with Miku when she's ready to talk?"

< I'll talk to her. So, what are you doing right now? >

"My father is getting in the shower. I'm studying and readying for bed tonight. That's all I'm doing. I'd say maybe a half hour and I'm set."

< That gives me plenty of time. And I want her leading the conversation and telling you. I'm simply giving you a heads up and filling you in. But when she calls you, this conversation didn't happen. Understood? >

"Got it."

< Thanks. And thank you for comforting her. I'll be seeing you. >

"I'll see ya. Have a good one." Click. "Ah ya mother's ass. Pops is a dick. Who knew?" (FN) sat down on the sofa and began to think. I got tests tomorrow man. This sucks. Got that shit going on, Miku's crying, Maria and Maruo are messing up things. I don't know anymore. He sighed and tried to think this through.

Eito came out in a towel a few minutes later. The shower was free. "It's all yours."

"Thanks." He nodded. Trying to feel better.

"Something happened. What's going on?" He was in a great mood after sushi. Now it's all sadness. Sonething just had to have happened.

"Maruo stormed in the house and ripped Miku apart. She's crying her eyes out and I'm forbidden to be in the limo our their home because he pays for it and I'm Eito's son."

Eito sighed. "Maruo Nakano is a definition of toxic masculinity. Here's the deal. Unless he calls me up, I have no knowledge because of the divorce and work." He winked at his son. "In doing so, means she is welcomed here. Makia will be filled in. We know nothing about her being Maruo's daughter to any degree." A wide smirk. "How about it?"

"You sure Dad?"

He chuckled. "I'm a busy man drowning in paperwork." Leaning back with his hand on his forehead. "Oh woah is me. I'm going through divorce, I'm barely home, and there is much work to be done. My son is being catered to by a butler so he can't call me unless its urgent." He sold the soap opera gimmick too well. "Like I said (FN), I'm on your side."

"Alright. Thank you much. She's a timid type of girl. This isn't easy for her." Nodded (FN).

"I've dated a shy guy before. Gramps scared her off. I won't do the same."

"Gramps did," He sighed. "Why am I not surprised. Think he would if he were to visit?"

"No. That's the funny thing."

"Welp. I'll get thinking over hot water. Have a good night."

"You too Son. Breakfast just us two with pancakes?" Offered Eito.

"I'm so down." Now time for him to shower and get ready for Miku's call. This was going to be a little stressful. Just hearing how she is taking it. Her slowly breaking out of her shell and forced back in. How awful can a father figure be? Down right awful if you're just a wallet with a boss mentality that never sleeps.

~~~~~

Meanwhile back at the Nakano establishment Miku showered and cleaned herself up. Still needing to get homework done. Maruo derailed her and it was taking her a little bit of time to get her back on track. Considering she was crying her eyes out less than an hour ago and in pajamas with a snack and some tunes, it was much more settle.

Hmmm. I wonder if he's out and about the shower? Does he know about the incident? Let me give him a call.

< Hey Kiri. What's up? >

"Nothing... How are you?"

Act natural. Didn't have the conversation. < Doing good. My father picked up himself tonight and sushi was good. They all say hi on their end to you. Showered off and reviewing. How about you? >

"Ummm..." Blushed and holding back her emotions.

< You okay Miku? >

"Father came to the house just to scream at me about you."

< Miku, I'm so sorry. This is all my fault. > It hit him good.

"No Babe. It's fine."

< I never wanted you to get in trouble. I was concerned but now I'm really upset about all this. I hope he didn't talk you down too much. >

"He left. I'm okay. I washed up and I'm finishing homework. That's all."

< I hope he didn't make you cry. >

"I can't help it. All he did was come to the apartment to have a tea and address me."

< Uncalled for. Still. Here or any place that doesn't have your father's name we are good right? >

"Your house?" She gasped.

< I'm right down the road. By all means. >

"We can figure that out. Tell me though Babe, tomorrow we have our game time. Is that considered a date?"

< I never thought about it. Is it to you? I think that's what's important. >

"I do. After that we will see how it goes. How's that? I know he's going to find out soon. We both know he doesn't like it."

< Well he doesn't have to. My father has our back and we will figure it all out. Just because we're in our senior year doesn't mean that everything is going to fall apart. Come on Miku. We gotta believe. >

She gigged. "This is why you're the best."

< I try my best at least. But hey tomorrow after my tests how about we go boss raiding? Sound good? >

"You are so on Valor."

< Alright. Let's get some rest. Don't try too hard on homework Kiri. Okay? >

"Okay. Night Babe." They both hung up and he smiled. "He cares about my tears and cheers the same. What a dream. Father can't take him away. I love him."

~~~~~

Oh love. So sweet.

-Rel