Kyoya should have known it was too good to be true, how calm everything felt in the following weeks.

Kakeru went back to school, and while Kyoya knew he had always been good with his studies, he was still surprised to see just how much Kakeru's grades went up. Usually, Kakeru was good to make high C's and low B's, so to suddenly see Kakeru making high B's and near perfect A's made the older wonder just what else it was Kakeru had been holding back in, due to their former living situation.

The change bled into Kakeru's Blading skills as well. Gone was the teen that Kyoya hadn't even realized had been holding back. A new fire was in his eyes, his power rising to a peak Kyoya was only determined to help hone and bring to a new level.

Kyoya, meanwhile, was quickly learning the inner workings of the WBBA. He was a fast learner, especially under Tsubasa's teachings. Ryo and Hikaru were also helping, making sure he was settling in and the three of them were always checking in on him, ensuring his comfort in his new surroundings and Kyoya was still struggling to understand how to feel about that.

Nefertiti had suggested therapy, and when Kyoya mentioned it off handedly to Ryo one day, and the next day, Ryo said he'd hired a professional therapist for him, all expenses paid. It turned out, the director hadn't even thought of hiring a therapist for any of the agents of the WBBA, let alone the Legendary Bladers (who, out of anyone who needed it, they certainly did).

Then, came the day that the peace came crashing down.

"Kakeru!"

The morning was going routine enough, as the brothers had finally figured out a pattern to follow to get them out the door by the times they needed to. Kyoya had to be downtown by seven, and Kakeru at school by six thirty, which now lead to the both of them being up at five and out the door by six.

"I'm coming, I'm coming, sheesh!" Kakeru shouted back, heavy boots thumping on the wood floors of the hallway as he came swinging around the doorframe and into the kitchen. He looked slightly ruffled, his school tie hanging around his neck, and uniform blazer unbuttoned under the leather jacket he wore, "Is my-"

Kyoya handed him a metal thermos, already full with coffee.

"Thanks," Kakeru unscrewed the top and took a very much needed swallow of the hot liquid. "What's on your agenda today?"

"Paperwork," Kyoya grumbled.

"How boring," Kakeru deadpanned, then grinned. "Come on, tough it out! Soon you'll be out doing missions and field work in no time, I'm sure!"

"Yeah, yeah, laugh it up," Kyoya rolled his eyes and ruffled Kakeru's hair. "What about you? Don't you have a test today?"

"English," Kakeru mumbled. "I hate English. Why do I need to learn English?"

Kyoya shot him a look, "You do remember how much traveling I did with the World Championships and searching for the Legendary Bladers, right?"

"Okay, true, but honestly, when's the next world ending crisis going to happen?" Kakeru asked, as he swung his backpack over his back, "Or, for that matter, a World Championships?"

"Hopefully, never," Kyoya replied, as he gathered up his keys and wallet from the counter top. He grabbed his own jacket and swung it on, "As for the World Championships..."

Kakeru perked up as his brother trailed off, "Yeah?"

Kyoya smirked, then, "You'll just have to wait and see. Now, let's get moving, we're already going to be late!"

Kyoya yawned, stretching, and squinting at the coffee pot that sat on the counter of the breakroom. The liquid dripped slowly into the pot.

"A watched pot never boils," Tsubasa commented, sitting at the table behind him.

"Yeah, yeah," Kyoya mumbled. "Paperwork is boring."

"One of the downsides of working for the WBBA," Tsubasa smiled, lightly. "Don't worry, I hate it too, but it's a necessary evil."

Kyoya mumbled under his breath, but was saved from actually saying anything when his phone buzzed in his pocket. He pulled it out, noting it was Kakeru who had messaged. Glancing at the time, he noted school had got out just a half hour ago, and the younger of the Tategami's had taken to coming to the WBBA when school was over with. Sometimes, he brought his friend, Platina, other times he came alone.

Kyoya opened his messages, and felt his blood freeze.

Kakeru
Mom's in the lobby.
Can you come down? Please? Or have someone come bring me up? I don't want her to see me. Not alone.
I'm with Platina, but please, I'd just feel better.
3:55 PM

"That damn bitch!" Kyoya hissed, and started for the door.

"Kyoya?" Tsubasa looked up from his phone, "What's wrong?"

"Kakeru's in the lobby and apparently so is my mom!" Kyoya barked out, his only explaination as he rushed out the door and booked it for the stairs.

It seemed, Kyoya wasn't the only one who had got the message about Kana Tategami showing up at the WBBA HQ. When he got down to the lobby, he was greeted with quite the scene.

Kakeru and Platina, he knew were down here. He knew his mom was there, knew that she was probably raising hell and trying to take Kakeru away. He expected the security guards, and the secretary that manned the front desk. He was hardly surprised to see Nefertiti there. What he did not expect, however, was Hikaru, Madoka, Gingka, Chris, Christina, Bao, and Aguma of all people to be there as well.

Now, Kyoya knew full well that in recent weeks, Chris had been often spotted with Bao and Aguma. The Leone Blader chalked it up to the fact they'd worked together with Nemesis, that they had probably become friends, or at least aquaintances, during their time together. Christina was Chris' sister, and Kyoya had heard rumors about how apparently she knew Bao's sister, so it made sense she was often seen with the three other teens.

Gingka, Madoka, and Hikaru, however, was a surprise. Hikaru normally worked on the top floor with Ryo. Gingka and Madoka had supposedly been out for the day, the redhead having finally got Pegasus back and Madoka wanting to test Pegasus' repairs.

Kana Tategami said something that Kyoya didn't catch, and reached out to grab at Kakeru. Said teen stepped back, instantly becoming flanked by equally determined looking Platina and Christina. Nefertiti stepped in front of him, blocking Kakeru from their mother's view.

"One last time, Mrs. Tategami," Nefertiti said, her voice calm but holding an edge to it.

"Leave now, or be escorted out by security," Hikaru stated, eyes narrowed.

"Not until- Kyoya! There you are!" Kana caught sight of Kyoya striding over, and set her furious gaze on him, putting on a charming smile, "Why don't you and your brother come home for a nice dinner? These people seem to think-"

"They know," Kyoya deadpanned, putting himself shoulder to shoulder with Nefertiti. He towered over his mother, and for once in his life he didn't feel like shrinking under her glare, "They know, Kana, about your habits and just how the hell you treated us."

"And like hell am I ever going back home with you, you bitch," Kakeru hissed, peeking out around Kyoya's shoulder.

"Shh, Kak, let me handle this," Kyoya murmured, stepping to the side to block him from view.

"Hmph!" Kana tossed her nose up, "You've both always been imaginative. Whatever you told them, I'm sure you only embelished with some creative tale! You've both needed to be disciplined!"

"You-" Nefertiti inhaled sharply, lips pulled back in a snarl, "You call hitting your son with a fucking glass bottle 'discipline'?!"

Kana blinked, "Well, no-"

"He needed thirty stitches in his arm!"

"Kakeru's always been clumsy- he most likely cut himself and then told you that tale to get attention," Kana sneered. "Both of them are just that- attention seekers. Especially Kyoya, with those stories of saving the world!"

"Kyoya's done more than that," And wow, Gingka was getting mad, the last time that had happened had been in one of his first battles with Ryuga, a few years ago. The redhead stepped forward, now, golden eyes dark with anger, "He's looked out for those who needed looking out for, he's supported his friends, his real family, and been there every step of the way. He may be rough around the edges and tough to get to know at first, but if there's one thing Kyoya is, it's loyal."

"Friends?" Kana sneered, "Hah! Kyoya's never had friends."

"He's got eight standing right here," Platina spoke up. "And more in the building, I'm sure."

"I certainly consider him a friend," Tsubasa appeared out of nowhere, and with him was Ryo. "Our apologies. I hope we're not too late."

"And I certainly consider him and Kakeru as my sons," Ryo said, voice a comforting presence. "Now, Mrs. Tategami, I'm certainly glad you're here, this makes getting these papers to you so much easier." Ryo pulled an envelope out from the inside of his suit jacket, and handed it to Kana.

"What's this?" Kana's eyes narrowed, as she opened it to read through the papers.

"A transfer of custody, for one," Ryo began. "Kyoya and Kakeru Tategami are now wards of the WBBA, at least until Kakeru turns nineteen. Also, you'll find a restraining order in place for both your sons, and should you ever violate it, you will be facing criminal charges."

Kyoya's lips curled, satisfaction blooming, watching the emotions flicker over his mother's face. Shock, horror, confusion, denial... He watched as she settled on cold, calculative fury, as she folded the papers up, and placed them back in the envelope. She looked up, and Kyoya felt a chill go down his spine. He instinctively straightened up, and pushed Kakeru back a few steps.

"Now, Mrs. Tategami, let's not make it any harder on anyone here. Please leave the building and-" Hikaru never finished.

Kyoya stumbled back as Kana lunged for him, screeching, hands stretched out towards his throat. His eyes went wide as he threw his arms up in surprise. There was shouting, but then there was a blur of red and blonde, and suddenly Kana was yelping in pain and hitting the floor, hands cupping her right cheek.

Christina Cadelle stood in the middle of the chaos, towering over Kana Tategami with a hunting knife in her hand. The very tip of the blade glittered red, before a single drop of blood dropped to the tile floor.

The silence was thunderous, as everyone stared at the blonde girl.

Christina lowered her arm, flipping the knife around. She raised her right foot, and placed the knife back into her boot. She shoved her hands into her hoodie pockets, and leaned down towards Kana. With a sweet smile that didn't match the venom of her tone, she drawled, "Now, l'il darlin', ah do believe you've used all your alloted time up! Best be goin' before somethin' else happens, don't'cha think, hm?"

Face white as a sheet, the only color from the thin cut on her cheek, Kana stumbled to her feet and all but ran out of the building. She didn't look back once.

"... Quick question," Kakeru spoke first. "You were a blader for hire, right? Have you ever considered a career in being a mercenary for hire, cause I'd hire you in a heartbeat."

"Absolutely not," Chris said, horrified. He whipped around on Christina, "What the hell, Crissie?! You could have killed her!"

"Oh, please, bro, if I wanted her dead, she would have hit the floor the moment we walked in the building. I learned that much back home, or are you forgetting you're talking to the best damn shot in five counties?"

"I-" Chris deflated, "Just... I... Christ, why are you like this?"

"I was raised like this, Chris, I don't know what you're talking about," Christina tossed her hair over her shoulder, and turned to Kakeru. "You okay, Kaka?"

"Yeah," Kakeru rubbed the back of his head and looked down. "Just... a bit embarrased... and shook up, if I'm honest. I wasn't expecting her to show up." He glanced to the side, "Kyoya? Hey, bro, you okay?"

"I'm fine if you're fine," Kyoya answered, stepping towards Kakeru. "Are you okay? I came down as soon I read your text but-" He cut off, frowned, and looked up, "Why were you all here, anyways?"

"I came for a study session with Kakeru. He needed help on English, and none of my family was home today, so we came here," Platina answered.

"I was discussing things with Shiro," Hikaru gestured to the security guard, who Kyoya now recognized as the head of security. "When we saw her come in and confront Kakeru and Platina."

"Eheh," Gingka rubbed the back of his head. "Chris and I were battling at the park, so Madoka could run some tests!"

"Aguma, Bao, and I just tagged along to watch," Christina scratched her cheek. "We all came in, not long before you came down, actually."

"Kakeru texted me," Nefertiti crossed her arms.

"I'll be sure to tell my team to keep an eye out for your mother, and make sure to let them know she's to be escorted away on sight," Shiro tipped his head, as he walked away. "You kids stay safe, and let me know if anything changes."

"Thanks, Shiro," Ryo smiled. He turned to the group at large, "Well, I suppose that's enough excitement for one day! Kyoya, why don't you take the rest of the day and tomorrow off, spend it with Kakeru-"

"When did you do all that?" Kyoya asked.

Ryo blinked, "Pardon?"

"The custody and restraining order thing. When did that happen?" Kyoya frowned.

"Oh, that! We started getting it together the day you came to us, of course!" Ryo said, smiling broadly, "It was just completed a few days ago. Really, your mother showing up here may have been unfortunate, but it sure saved the time to send it through the mail, and delivering it to her personally was certainly a joy."

"I'll say," Nefertiti muttered. She glanced at Christina, "You should have scarred her for life."

"Don't tempt me," Christina said, dryly. "I kinda wanna go hunt her down and put an arrow through her eye."

"Please don't," Chris groaned.

"That was incredibly badass," Bao commented, eyes wide. Next to him, Aguma shot him an unseen look.

"Thanks, your sister said the same thing when I cut a guy who wouldn't take no for an answer," Christina smirked.

Bao answered with a smirk of his own. Aguma grinned, highly amused. Chris looked ready to kill a man.

"Now, as I was saying, Kyoya," Ryo cleared his throat. "Why don't you take until Thursday off? I know you've been working hard since you started hear, and I believe after today, you deserve a needed break."

"I..." Kyoya hesitated, then glanced to his left, to see Kakeru looking up at him with puppy eyes, "Oh, fine."

"Yay!" Kakeru cheered, pumping his fists.

"Oh!" Nefertiti suddenly smiled and clapped her hands together, "Why don't we all go out for dinner together? It'll be my treat!"

As the rest of the group began to talk amongst themselves, Ryo pulled Kyoya and Kakeru away, his smile dropping to a more serious expression.

"I want you boys to know, that you're both wards of the WBBA until the day Kakeru turns nineteen. Yes, that's a year after you're legally an adult, Kakeru, but it's for both of your safeties, should your mother try something. If she does, WBBA's lawyers will be at your disposal. The restraining order is up to five hundred yards, for all her life. If she violates it, she can be arrested for breaking the order or stalking and be sent to prison," Ryo told them.

"Awesome," Kakeru breathed, eyes wide.

"Why are you doing all of this?" Kyoya asked, bewildered, "Haven't you done enough already?"

"Like I said earlier, kid," Ryo smiled again. "I consider you and Kakeru my own sons, just like Gingka already is."

Kyoya felt his heart sieze in is chest, even as Kakeru allowed a few tears down his cheeks, "Thank you... Thank you so much, Mr. Hagane."

"Call me something else, kid," Ryo laughed and ruffled his hair. "Mr. Hagane makes me feel old."

Abruptly, Ryo grabbed both Kakeru and Kyoya into a tight hug. Kakeru's tears came faster, a smile on his face as he returned the hug. Shakily, Kyoya also wrapped his arms around the older man, ducking his head and burying his face into the redhead's chest.

For the first time in a long, long time...

Kyoya felt like he was home.