A/N: Wow. It's been a while, hasn't it… To be honest, focusing on school caused me to lose momentum among other things life had to throw at me. I can't promise the completion of this story, but I am trying. This chapter has been semi-finished for a looong time and after this last quarter, I felt I needed something therapeutic to do during my holiday break. Forgive me if this gives you guys false hope, but I do feel like I owe you this much. I truly appreciate that this story continues to receive support despite not updating for quite some time. Thank you all :')

Warning! Time skip! Two years to be exact. Hope you enjoy this chapter and remember to leave a review!

"Shintaro-nii-cchi! Daiki-nii-cchi!" Ryouta cried as he all but slammed the bedroom door open.

A tanned arm waved off the golden haired toddler. "Go away..." mumbled the five year old from under the blankets, his tone rough from sleep.

"Don't waste your time on him, Ryouta." Shintaro walked into the room, fully clothed in his light blue long sleeve button up and bright yellow cap. "It's his fault if he's late for school."

"Still..." the three year old looked to Daiki's bed hesitantly. Then, big fat tears began to form in his eyes as he looked up to his green haired brother. "Does that mean he'll never wake up..?" Shintaro attempted to calm the youngest's crying only to be left dumbfounded as Ryouta ran out the room in search of his mother.

The eldest let out a sigh and placed his hands on his sides. Shintaro spared a glance at his slumbering sibling before promptly aiming his slingshot at Daiki's head and released the ball with a bruising snap! He made a mental note to thank Oha-Asa for its ever useful predictions.

Daiki shot up from the covers with a loud yelp, holding the red mark where the ball hit his forehead. "Ouch!" Navy blue eyes glared at Shintaro as he rose from his bed. "You're gonna be sorry you did that!"

"Did what?" the soft and soothing voice of their mother asked, entering into the room with Ryouta propped on her hip.

"Daiki was talking in his sleep again," Shintaro swiftly answered. He looked to the fuming second-eldest with a devious look in his eye. "Right?"

If it weren't for their mother in the room, Daiki would already be at the other side of the room reeking havoc on Shintaro's collection of lucky items. "Right..." he grumbled.

Tetsuki seemed to accept the excuse and turned to wipe away the remaining tears from Ryouta's face. "See?" she said to the blond. "Daiki-nii-san is wide awake now." Setting him to his feet, the blue haired woman walked to the closet and fished out Daiki's uniform. "Come get dressed now, Daiki. Otherwise you'll miss breakfast." The tanned five year old stumbled out of bed with eyes drooping closed and stood before his mother.

"Aren't you too old to have Okaa-san change your clothes?" Shintaro scowled, watching as Tetsuki removed Daiki's sleeping shirt and slip on a white long sleeve.

Daiki stuck his tongue out in the greenhead's direction. "You're just jealous because Kaa-chan doesn't spoil you enough," he retorted with his nose held high.

"Now, now," Tetsuki intervened as she held out Daiki's beige shorts for his legs to be inserted, his hand holding onto her shoulder for support. "I try my best to treat you all very much equally."

"But you like me the most, right?" whispered the fully clothed five year old before another ball made impacted with his skull. "Hey!"

Shintaro pushed his glasses higher upon his nose. "Don't look at me, my hands are clean." To emphasize, he waved his empty hands for Daiki to see, leaving only one other suspect in the room. Ryouta giggled innocently and hid the slingshot behind his back.

As smoke fumed from Daiki's head, Tetsuki rose from her knees and ushered all the children out the room. "Last one downstairs walks to school alone," she hollered. Not a nanosecond passed before her three children rushed past her legs and loud footsteps filled the house.

Tetsuki smiled to herself as she moved to follow the colorfully haired boys. Two years have passed since she moved back into her childhood home and she could say with complete sincerity that every day filled her with joy. Now at the age of twenty-seven, Tetsuki had matured into the supportive mother she had always hoped to be.

Breakfast was spent with adventurous dreams from Daiki, Shintaro's expanding knowledge of lucky items, and scolding Ryouta for clinging to his mother. As a result, the blond three year old remained quiet the whole walk to the kindergarten sniffling a pout. "Daiki," Tetsuki sighed. "What did I tell you about teasing your brother?"

"It's not my fault he cries over everything!" argued the tanned boy. When he received the look from Tetsuki, Daiki gave in without question. With a twitch in his eye, he roughly grabbed Ryouta's hand in place of his mother's and walked ahead. It was a gesture Daiki would do to let the youngest know of his wordless apology, whom would forgive him each time.

While Tetsuki found the sight heartwarming, Shintaro was bittersweet. "He's as fast to forgive as he is to shed a tear," he tsked.

The blue haired woman smiled. "There's nothing wrong with that," she said, looking down to the megane. "You need to cry in order to forgive. That's what makes you stronger."

Shintaro's eyes glowed with wonder at her words, causing her to ruffle his hair gently and bring him closer to side as they soon approached the school. And like every other morning, Ryouta would begin to cry upon arrival.

Burying his face into the back of Shintaro's shirt, Ryouta secured his arms around the eldest in attempt to make him stay. "Don't go Shintaro-nii-cchi! What if I don't see you again?"

"Baka!" Pulling—in a delicate manner—the golden haired toddler off of his body, the greenhead dug into his pocket and dropped a tiny pig eraser into Ryouta's hand. "As long as you have this, you will see me again." A faint blush formed from under the frames of his glasses as he tried to conceal them by lifting his glasses higher. "Not that I care to..."

The chimes of the first bell rang throughout the hallway, indicating the start of classes. "Go on now," Tetsuki ushered the two once they had put on their indoor slippers. "Have a good day and promise to be good."

"I will make sure Daiki won't cause trouble, Okaa-san."

"Hey!"

Just as one of the school attendants came to close the doors, Shintaro and Daiki placed a kiss to Tetsuki's cheek before rushing inside to their classroom. The twenty seven year old wasn't sure when it became a tradition but found no complaints to the gesture. With morning worries swept away, Tetsuki turned to Ryouta. "Shall we go grocery shopping?"

Eyes that shined as bright as the sun answered all as Ryouta dragged her by the hand, excited for another day to have his mother all to himself.

Tetsuki deadpanned as another splash of water landed on her face. In the back of her mind, she continued to pray for the day to come when she'd no longer have to bathe with her three boys again. I'd give anything to have a peaceful bath again, she thought with a sigh.

But alas, there was always something to admire during bath time. With her back against the end of the tub, her three boys had just enough space to fit. Daiki would indulge Ryouta by playing with the youngest's bath toys since Shintaro had difficulty seeing without his glasses. Thus, he would fill the space between Tetsuki's legs as she brushed through his growing locks, relaxing his entire form.

"Tetsuki?" the voice of her older brother called from outside the door.

"Oji-chan is here!" Daiki and Ryouta cried in unison. Not caring of their current state of nudity, the two climbed out of the tub and raced towards the door.

"Ah," deadpanned Tetsuki as a splash of water promptly hit both her and Shintaro right in the face.

Chihiro was backed into the wall and landed on his bottom, water beginning to soak his newly pressed suit, courtesy of his two very wet and naked nephews.

"Okaeri, Nii-san." Tetsuki appeared at the bathroom door, wrapped in a towel with her hair placed in a messy bun. Shintaro stood beside her engulfed by his favorite quilt-like towel and glasses fogged up from the steam of the bath. She handed him one towel for him to dry himself as she ushered Daiki and Ryouta away from the grayhead. "You're home early," she commented with a tilt of her head.

Standing to his feet, Chihiro lightly pressed the towel to his chest. "This is probably a bad time to tell you but—"

"Tetsuki," the familiar voice of her boyfriend came from the end of the stairs where, lord and behold, Akashi stood with a smirk on his lips.

Tetsuki mentally slapped herself on the forehead. How could she have forgotten Akashi's habit of showing up without notice? She looked down at herself, to her semi-soaked brother, her two naked and one half-blinded children, and back to her state of undress.

Without warning, the blue haired woman swiftly ignite passed her brother two more towels before shutting herself in the bathroom to change. She would have to leave her brother in charge of dressing up her kids this time. Wiping the mirror until she could see her reflection, Tetsuki was greeted by reddened cheeks that only served to further remind her of her unexpected company.

"Out of all the times to come," Tetsuki mumbled to herself with a smile. Even if it was spontaneous, she couldn't say the idea was all that bad.

Meanwhile, Akashi waited patiently upon the living room couch when he heard the rushed footsteps of the children echoing. The first child to greet the redhead was none other than Ryouta. The blond toddler seemed to fear him the least, as he was but a innocent baby when they first met compared to the other two who were aware of the authoritative aura Akashi emitted. It took time, but over the course of their relationship, the chairman gained the trust of his girlfriend's children.

"Akashicchi!" exclaimed Ryouta, hair freshly dried and fully clothed in a striped onesie. He ran as fast as he could to the redhead and propped himself against Akashi's crossed legs.

"Hello Ryouta," greeted the twenty-seven year old. Normally, a smile forming along an Akashi's lips served as a warning sign to anyone who crossed him. And yet, the chairman had wondered when it was that his gestures became more and more gentle each time he saw a child. Though it seemed he knew the answer all along.

Shintaro and Daiki entered the room soon after. The greenhead huffed at the sight his youngest brother, once again, clinging onto another adult. "Show some respect for our guest," he scolded. Ryouta pouted, reluctantly letting go of Akashi's legs and dejectedly went to search for his mother. He didn't get far as he was stopped by a tanned hand gripping onto the back of his onesie, preventing him from climbing the stairs.

"What did Kaa-chan tell you about going upstairs by yourself?" Daiki reminded the blond, his hold tightening when Ryouta tried to free himself.

Defeated, Ryouta was released and fell to his bum on the floor. Tears of frustration seeped from his golden eyes and rolled down his face. Just as he was about to seek refuge from his uncle, hands lifted his tiny body from under his arms and placed him against a broad, suited chest. "Now, now," Akashi soothed the toddler. "Even I know a limit to teasing."

The two eldest children watched with dismay as Ryouta had, once again, won attention. Happy to have someone on his side, Ryouta snuggled his face into Akashi's shoulder with delight.

Silent footsteps followed as Tetsuki finally joined the group. Her hair had dampen the collar of her oversized sweater that she wore over an old pair of basketball shorts. "Thank you, Akashi-kun." She held out her hands, offering to take the toddler which Akashi denied with a smile.

"What happened to first-name basis?" The redhead supposed he could have his own fun in teasing his girlfriend.

Tetsuki's face remained unfazed though mild embarrassment filled her system. "Gomen, S-Seijuro-kun." The chairman seemed content by her response and placed a kiss to her forehead, a groaning sound coming from Daiki below them.

"You have yet to tell me the reason for your visit, Akashi." Chihiro entered the room, changed in his sleep attire for the night. He took the liberty of removing Ryouta from his grasp and setting him to ground to join his sibling.

"Must a man have a reason to visit his girlfriend?" The gray-haired sibling deadpanned, waiting patiently for his friend's answer. Akashi grinned. "If you must know, it is about our upcoming business trip."

Tetsuki turned to her brother. "You had mentioned that the other day. A week in Osaka, correct?"

"Yes," confirmed Chihiro. "Partnerships, national and international, are gathering for an assessment of the company's growth that takes place every five years."

Akashi continued on the subject, a grin upon his features. "That be said, I want to invite Tetsuki and the children."

Blue eyes blinked once. "Is such a request even allowed?" she asked, skeptical.

The redhead merrily widened his smile. "All partnerships of the company attending are granted one extra room for any guests they wish to bring," Akashi explained. "What do you think that means for the chairman then?"

"I see..." Tetsuki trailed off, processing the information. "Well, it is the children's spring break..." Her thoughts were interrupted by three pair of arms wrapping around her body and eyes glowing with anticipation. Giving into their will, the mother sighed. "I supposed we should start packing immediately."

Daiki and Ryouta shared an expression of utter excitement while Shintaro tried to brush it off, failing as his smile was seen from beneath his hand. The three children turned to Akashi and bowed. "Thank you Akashi-san!" they yelled in unison before pulling their uncle away from the couple, insisting he should them pack at that very moment.

"You spoil them," Tetsuki said with a silent sigh as she watched her brother being dragged away. "It's no wonder they are so fond of you."

Taking advantage of the moment of privacy, Akashi took her by the hand and placed a gentle kiss to its back. "There's no harm in treating my future wife and children to a little vacation."

"Eh..?"

"It's the truth," the chairman admitted, heterochromatic eyes never losing its fiery flare as they met hers.

Ocean filled eyes widened by a fraction. "Seijuro-kun, that's..." The bluenette paused, for she was unsure how to respond. She knew her boyfriend was bold by nature, but never did she think such a commitment would be proposed to her. Especially for the second time.

Speechless, Tetsuki was spared with a firm grip on her shoulders. "All in good time, my dearest," assured Akashi, placing a light kiss to the Tetsuki's lips. "All in good time."

When traveling with the mighty Akashi Seijuro, you can expect nothing less than the most luxurious accommodations during your stay. Shortly after their arrival to Osaka, the party of six were directed to what Tetsuki believed to be a modern day castle. The hotel reached up to thirty floors high with three smaller towers beside the tallest. On top of the exterior radiating its prestige, the hotel lobby was just as breathtaking. From marble flooring, imperial furnishing, and large windows showcasing greenery that put her plants at home to shame—the bluenette began to wonder what god did she serve in a previous life to receive such luxury.

It didn't help that her brother and boyfriend were indifferent to the whole experience, and merely crossed the manor as if it a simple stroll through the park. Tetsuki, overwhelmed, eyed the young bellhop as he pushed the cart with their endless luggage. Blue eyes turned to her companions; her two eldest following behind Akashi with awe while her brother listened to Ryouta's ramblings. Well, she thought with a inward smile, as long as their enjoying themselves. "Does Okaa-san know her baby boy lives like a princess?" Tetsuki couldn't help but tease, face straight but voiced laced with amusement.

Chihiro tsked, cheeks lightly tinted with embarrassment. "Just get in the damn elevator, brat," he grumbled as he held the door open for his sister.

"Mind your language," joined Akashi, clearly entertained by the sibling interaction. "There are children among us." Tetsuki covered her month to hide her smile as her brother sighed in defeat.

"Akashicchi, Akashicchi, what floor are we going to be on?" Heterochromic eyes cast downwards to the little blond's eyes filled with curious wonder. The chairman offered a smile and placed a hand upon the golden locks.

The bellhop bowed with a polite grin towards Ryouta. "You will be staying on the highest floor, young master." With a turn of a key, the man pressed the newly lit button at the top of the selection, causing the elevator shaft to ascend.

"Top floor," repeated Tetsuki, letting the information sink in. After putting two and two together, the young mother looked to her boyfriend questioningly. "And here I was, believing my own boyfriend would not flaunt his wealth around so obviously."

Said boyfriend flashed her grin. "It's all about investment, dearest. Claiming ownership is but a mere extension to being absolute."

"It ensures authority and thus order, so the saying goes," added Chihiro. He glanced at Akashi, who in turn shared a knowing glance before following the bellhop out of the elevator cart.

The party was lead to what Tetsuki assumed to be the only room on the entire floor. The bellhop placed a keycard into the slot and opened the engraved double doors to reveal a luxurious suite. A wide view of the city acted as a greeting upon entry and stretched across the entire flooring of the suite. On the left, was a single king sized bed adored with neatly pressed sheets and a variety of multi-colored pillows. There were two doors along the wall adjacent to the main bed, most likely separate bedrooms of the similar designs. Following the dark striped carpeting, the right side of the suite presented the lounging amenities with a widely stretched sofa, footrest, and a large flat screen television upon the wall. As if there was an endless amount of space, the suite continued into a corridor, one side led to office while the other led to the biggest bathroom Tetsuki had ever seen; mirrors encasing most of the walls, a clear shower room, and a bathtub the mother of three just knew her kids would spend most of their time in.

Alongside her children, the bluenette overlooked the city of Osaka. The experience was all too overwhelming, that all she could make out was a single, "Sugoi."

"You'll get you used to it," chided Chihiro from beside her, only to receive a jab to his left rib. "Ow!"

"We hope you and your family will enjoy your stay with us, Akashi-sama." The bellhop bowed to the redhead and took his leave. Akashi bowed in return, before turning to join the others in their window gazing.

Daiki watched the lively city and gulped, both in awe and fear of the height. "Do you always live like this?" the tanned five year-old asked Akashi.

"With my family background, it is only custom to be placed at the very top."

The greenhead cast his eyes downwards. "Seems rather lonely from up here," he mumbled, hugging his lucky karate bear closer to his chest.

Akashi was quiet at the remark. Akashis don't experience loneliness, not when business associates are surrounding his presence on the daily. The heir never gave business trips a second thought, for they were nothing more than just business. Never did he indulge in the special services or paid heed to the interior decor of his own hotel room. Looking at the city now with company seemed to bring a newfound fascination for traveling. Had the world always seemed so close yet so far?

It was strange, he thought, that a child's words could cause such an effect on him.

Blue eyes caught the momentary stiffness in her boyfriend's posture. Tetsuki reached out to take his hand in hers, causing his focus to shift. Akashi blinked once and the bluenette swore she saw his golden eye flash red for the second time since their time together. "It doesn't seem so lonely when you're with family," Tetsuki said as she rested her head upon his shoulder. If the redhead inclined his head, he would be able to see the faint blush upon his significant other's cheeks. Boldness wasn't Tetsuki's strong suit, but it was welcomed nonetheless by the redhead.

The heir smiled with eyes closed, intertwining his fingers with the hand that held his own. "No," he said a moment later. "I suppose it doesn't."

"You will do well to remember your purpose for being there, son. If it weren't for my health, I'd be there with you to make sure you don't get into any trouble."

"I heard you the first time old man," growled the man on the other end. "And don't think I don't know you got your men tailing me everywhere I go. What's the matter? Think I'll actually run away this time?"

"You brat! Watch your mouth, or else this will be the last time you step foot in another country. The only reason you're there is because that bastard Akashi let his son walk over him and take the company right from under him. As my representative, you need to teach that kid he's not the only youngshot to rule an empire."

Split brows furrowed. "Already on your deathbed and you're still spitting nonsense."

A rough, chuckle sounded on the other line. "Nonsense, you say. Isn't that what what you told me three years ago when you decided to go against me? Looks like the apple doesn't fall far from the tree."

"You son of a—!"

"Behave," came the single command one the other line. "Useless rage is not becoming of an heir. Act as a Kagami should."

Close to crushing the smartphone in the palm of his hand, the man swiftly ended the call and shoved the device into the inside pocket of his suit jacket. The man let out a long sigh as he brought a hand to his face. After three years, he had finally returned. Nostalgia would be in order under different circumstances, but not when the purpose of this trip was strictly business. Besides, it's not like he'd even get a chance to…

Not long later, the car came to a halt and the man vaguely heard the announcement of their arrival from the driver. As the door opened, the dark redhead placed his facade he had come to perfect throughout the years.

Stepping out with one foot after the other, the suit clad man of six-foot-three exited the vehicle with a sharp look in his eye. Walking towards the hotel's wide entrance, the man didn't spare the employees a second glance as they simultaneously greeted, "Welcome to Osaka, Kagami Taiga-sama."