Akane shielded her eyes from the morning sun and shivered in her coat. How Markus could stand the cold would always be a mystery to her. At least she had his warm body to cling to. She wrapped her arms around his left, and waited patiently for the bus.

About five minutes later, the bus arrived, and the pair climbed on. Taking seats near the rear, they got comfortable and watched the scenery whiz by.

Akane closed her eyes, as her headache was arrogantly refusing to leave. As she sat there, she reflected on the past three days. Had it really only been three days? Three days since she had first seen this American. He had been guided into the shop by Hanako, who had remarked how polite he had seemed initially. When she first laid eyes on him, she had hesitated to go into the room. Not due to fear, but because she had been struck by his disarming smile. It seemed so genuine, so calm. How his smile seemed to be just for her. Here is a man that knows how to move within life, she had thought. As the afternoon at Kitscho continued, she found herself thinking more and more about his smile, and how it would be if she were to truly have that smile for herself. She had also found herself thinking more impolite things regarding him, but she did her best to push those thoughts down. He was still just a customer, and it was unlikely that she would ever see him again after his meal.

Akane smiled as she thought about just how wrong she had been. Getting the text from him had been quite the shock. She didn’t remember…

“Markus? I have a question,” she asked suddenly.

“Hmm? Yes? What is it, Akane?” he replied.

“Don’t think me ungrateful, or anything, but just how did you get my number?”

“Oh, that. Well, Lucifer gave it to me as we were leaving. Said you wanted for me to have it. I took him at his word, and decided that since my life had already changed for the better, why not try to add the icing to the cake?” he replied with a lopsided grin.

Akane smiled up at him, happy that he had done exactly that. Still, she couldn’t for the life of her remember giving her number to anyone. She had definitely wanted to; make no mistake. She just couldn’t remember actually doing it. For that matter, she couldn’t remember seeing the two of them leave the restaurant.

”What’s going on, Akane?” Markus asked, his face radiating concern.

“N-nothing, Markus. I’m just remembering the day at Kitscho. That’s all. I don’t remember giving out my number to Lucifer-sama, or seeing the two of you leave. It’s just weird, is all,” she replied, leaning her head on his arm.

Markus swallowed. “It was a whirlwind of a day, to be sure. I don’t remember leaving, either. Just standing outside, waiting for Atsuki to show up,” he said, his stomach tightening in a knot.

He knew he couldn’t explain it any further. He wasn’t sure of the penalties, but he knew he had to leave it there. He felt Akane nod against his arm, and slowly released a breath he had unconsciously been holding. Hopefully, the question wouldn’t return again.

He felt his phone vibrate in his pocket, and pulled it out. There was a message from Lucifer. Markus clicked on it and read it.

I need to let you know that there will be a meeting between myself, Chaos, and the CEO today. Your attendance isn’t mandatory, but would be helpful if we are to put all of this behind us, and to hopefully prevent any future unpleasantness. What do you say?

Markus stared at his phone in shock. A meeting with the CEO? He could meet the mastermind behind all this? When would he ever get the chance again?

Sure. I’d like to be there. What time, and how will I get there?

Markus hit send, and sat there, bouncing his leg.

Noticing the repetitive movement, Akane looked up at Markus. “Is something wrong?” she asked.

“Hmm? Oh. No, nothing is wrong. There is to be a meeting today about what happened last night. The CEO of my company has requested that my boss and the woman from last night be there, as he’s going to try to make sure her company will not attempt to take me. I’ve been invited as well, and I want this resolved to my satisfaction. I think I’m going to attend, but I need to know when,” he replied with a smile.

Akane nodded and closed her eyes again, readjusting herself against his arm. Markus looked at his phone again, seeing the reply from Lucifer.

Noon, local time. I will get you from Hanako’s. Don’t ask. Just know that I can easily know where anyone is at any time, so don’t ever try to lie to me, young man! （＞ｙ＜）

Markus sent a positive reply, and tucked his phone into his pocket. Life was sure to get more interesting, now.

“The meeting is at noon. My boss said that he would pick me up for it around 11:45. I think he installed some sort of tracker in my phone. I guess the whereabouts of their employees is serious,” Markus said.

Akane nodded. She’d heard of things like that before, for some really serious companies. Of course, if a manager could afford to rent out a place like Kitscho for an entire day, they must have some serious money.

Curious, she looked up at Markus, “I don’t mean to pry, but how much are they paying you?”

Markus smiled and shook his head. “A lot, Akane. More money than I’ve ever seen, if I’m honest. Let me look up a conversion real quick,” he said, then tapped on his phone.

Markus eyes opened wide in shock. “Is this a lot? I don’t know,” he asked, turning his phone so Akane could see it.

Akane squinted her eyes and tilted his phone so the sunlight wasn’t reflecting in her face. When she registered what she was seeing, she turned to Markus, her mouth open.

“Markus… You’re going to be rich!” she said brightly.

“Bah. I already am,” he said, wrapping an arm around her.

The tale has been illicitly lifted; should you spot it on Amazon, report the violation.

Akane giggled happily and snuggled into his warmth, her questions forgotten.

A few minutes later, they arrived at Hanako's apartment. They were greeted by a bleary-eyed, but smiling Hanako, who led them in, motioning to the couch, where the Kimura brothers and Yamato sat, playing a game on her XBox.

“Come in, and have a seat. I was about to make breakfast. Would you like some tea?” she asked with a yawn.

“Please, senpai. Markus?” Akane said, shrugging her coat off.

“If it isn’t too much trouble,” he said.

“Nonsense! You’re practically family. You make my kouhai happier than I’ve ever seen her, you’ve brought two amazing men into mine and onii-chan’s life, and you’ve shown me that you will do whatever it takes to make sure we are safe and happy. No, Markus. It isn’t too much trouble,” Hanako said, cupping his cheek.

Markus reddened and dipped his head in acknowledgement. Hanako patted his cheek and walked off to the kitchen, leaving the five of them alone in the den.

Looking around, Markus found a spot next to the couch, and sat there against the wall. Akane smiled mischievously and settled down in his lap. He responded by wrapping his arms around her waist and hugging her.

Hanako served tea, and then went back to make food, returning about a half hour later with a steaming tray of six rice bowls, topped with a raw egg and some seasoning.

“Here we are! Breakfast for the hung over,” she said softly.

The boys stopped their playing, and passed the bowls around, digging in happily. Markus looked at his, curious as to how to eat the mixture. Peering around Akane’s shoulder, he watched her stir the mixture until it created a yellow, creamy rice mixture, so he did the same.

The flavor was quite different to what he was used to, but it was still good. He ate his rather quickly, making sure to eat each little grain. It wasn’t difficult, as it was quite delicious. He set his bowl to the floor beside him, with the chopsticks resting on the rim.

“That was amazing, Hanako. Thank you. I’ve never eaten rice quite like that before,” he said.

Hanako smiled and nodded. “Thank you, Markus. It’s a standard breakfast here in my home,” she said from her chair. “So! What have the two of you got planned for the day, kouhai?”

“Very little, I’m afraid. He has a meeting this afternoon about the incident last night. His manager will be picking him up from here a little before noon, I think. Right, Markus?” Akane said.

“Sad but true. I don’t know how long it will take, either. I think they want to make sure something like that never happens again. I certainly hope that it doesn’t,” he replied.

Akane reached down and patted his leg. “Me too. I don’t ever want to see that woman again. She terrifies me,” she said softly.

“In that case, let’s just play Smash Brothers for a while since his manager will be here in a couple of hours. Some fun and relaxation for us all,” Hanako said, displaying the game case.

The boys on the couch agreed, and Hanako got things set up. Akane shifted in her spot, and leaned back on Markus, planting a kiss on his cheek.

“Ready to lose, Kuma-kun?” she asked.

“I’ve already lost my heart to my Usagi-chan. Anything else she takes would be trivial,” Markus said softly.

Akane’s breath caught in her throat. She swallowed and nuzzled into his neck, happy to simply be with him. From their seated position, they watched the other four play until there were only two left.

The controllers were passed to them, and they began a best two out of three match, resulting in a tie-breaker where they got randomly assigned a fighter.

Markus resumed his stance, leaned forward, his attention solely directed at the screen. He wasn’t used to using the Duck Hunt dog, and it seemed Akane was having the same issues with Game & Watch.

After ten solid minutes, several narrow escapes, and one final miscalculation, Markus’ fighter was knocked from the arena.

“I won! I did it!” Akane crowed.

“Good job, Akane! I’m proud of you. That was a hard-fought game. I don’t think I’ve ever been pressed that hard before. Not in my favorite game, at least,” Markus replied, beaming at her.

Akane giggled, and scooted over to rest her head on his arm. Markus responded by picking her up and settling her into his lap, wrapping his arms around her waist. Akane readjusted herself, and felt Markus’ breath on the back of her neck. He leaned forward and kissed the back of her neck, then relaxed against the wall once more. Akane failed to repress the pleasurable shudder that rippled through her body.

She leaned back and whispered, “If you do that again, Kuma-kun, you will not make it to your meeting.”

Markus squeezed her gently, his warm hands gently caressing her tummy. “I thought you wanted to wait?” he murmured softly.

“You are making it awfully hard,” she replied quietly.

“No, I think that’s what you’ve been doing, my love,” Markus replied quietly.

At her confused look, Markus simply pointed at his lap, where she was slowly, incessantly, rocking, and grinned.

As Akane realized what she had been doing, she suddenly went still, her face turning a bright crimson. Markus smiled and caressed her thighs.

“No need to be ashamed or embarrassed. It’s just how you are, my Usagi-chan. I’m absolutely fine with it,” he murmured in her ear.

In response, Akane stiffened and shuddered violently. After a moment, she excused herself to the restroom. Markus sat there patiently, checking his email. A few minutes later, Akane returned, and resumed her seat in his lap.

A moment later, there was a knock at the door. Hanako went to open it, finding a very familiar, rather tall man waiting patiently.

“Lucifer-sama,” she said, bowing respectfully. “I had thought that you would call first. Please forgive the state of my humble home,” she continued.

“Think nothing of it, my dear Ichikawa-san. Your home is filled with beauty and love. This is enough to turn even the smallest coffin hotel into the grandest of mansions. I envy you, in truth,” he said smoothly.

Hanako smiled and leaned over to look around the corner, seeing Markus, with Akane on his lap. “Markus? He is here,” she said.

Akane sighed and stood. She reached down and helped Markus up, certain his legs were a little weak after supporting her added weight. She walked with him to the genkan, where she helped him put his shoes on.

“Lovely to see you once more, Ikeda-san. I trust you are taking good care of my newest employee?” Lucifer asked.

Akane’s face turned crimson as she felt heat suffuse her body, but bowed respectfully. “Hello, Lucifer-sama. I am glad to see you are well,” she said, straightening and placing an arm around Markus’ waist. “I am doing my best to take care of this wonderful man.”

Markus chuckled uneasily and looked over at Lucifer. “I am ready whenever you are, Lucifer,” he said quietly.

“Excellent! Let us be off, then!” Lucifer exclaimed happily.

Akane tugged Markus’ hand, and brought his head down to hers, kissing him deeply. She looked him in the eyes and whispered, “I love you, Markus.”

“I love you too, Akane. I will message you with where I am once we are done,” he said softly.

Akane nodded once, giving his hand a squeeze before he walked out the door.