CHAPTER TWENTY-THREE: GAME SET.

Returning from the phone call, I head back to my seat next Jon who doesn't turn around but is clearly looking at me.

"What?" I ask as I take my seat next to him.

"Haha, nothing." He smiles slyly, returning his stare to the stage.

"They look stuck."

"I think they are. It's an unconventional question after all. We expected they'd ask questions on this topic but with it still being just largely based on theories and hypothesise giving an answer is seemingly hard. Everything you say is right, but knowing which one gets you the mark is the only downside. In other words, it's a trap." Sighing, Jon rubs his neck looking from our group to the judges.

"Have a little faith man." I say tapping his shoulder, with a light chuckle.

"I have hella faith. I'm also at ease since the contracts already signed but as a scientist and educator, I want my students to be the best of the best."

"I get that." I do, but I couldn't bring myself to feel uneasy after all my girl's on that stage. The other schools give their answers and it's finally our turn. Everyone looks calm but I can tell they're all nervous.

"What's she saying to them?"

"Huh?" Following Jon's gaze I see Atlas talking from behind the group. They've covered their mics so you can't hear them as they listen in, nodding as she speaks, their eyes fixed on her.

"Academy competitors, what's your answer?" The announcer asks and the room falls silent. Myles nods at Nicole and everyone seems to finally relax, smiles swimming across their faces.

"I guess they weren't joking about giving her the questions they couldn't answer." I say, and he laughs.

"I guess not." I can't help but smile. Despite being on a single long table she's still somehow managed to move her chair away from the table practically hidden behind the others. Moving her chair closer she leans forward and begins to speak. Clear. Confident. Utterly beautiful. The auditorium goes quiet as she puts everyone in a trance; myself included. Silence. Like the first time we met. This woman truly is remarkable.

She finishes her statement moving her chair back, the slightly muffled sounds from her shuffling around echoes through the mic, was the only noise to be heard. And that's how Atlas Winters makes the world bow to her. This woman is a witch. Smiling, I nudge Jon beside me who's gone completely silent, and his gaze settles on me, his mouth agape in shock.

"Close your mouth and stop gapping at my woman." I say glaring at him.

"What was that?!"

"That was Atlas Winters."

"I'm serious!"

"So am I." Laughing our eyes meet and I wink at her. A small smile tugs at her lips briefly before it disappears, "She reads a lot." I say jokingly as my gaze fixates on the girl on the stage. She really is beautifully amazing.

"Ugh. Can you not sound so whipped dude?" He says, hugging his shoulders and shivering playfully.

"Impossible." I grin, shrugging as I continue to stare at her.

"Well, then ladies and gentlemen. Today just may be my greatest day on the job." The announcer says breaking the silence. Excitement evident in his voice.

"Indeed. Great minds are always a treasure when found." A male judge chimes in. Hushed voices fill the auditorium as the audience starts chatting amongst themselves and I couldn't feel any prouder at this point. Looking around I spot the man sitting at the back, our eyes meet, and he smirks, before nodding towards Atlas. Really Wil? Scowling at him I excuse myself again and head round the back.

"Does dad know you left the office?" I ask teasingly, a smirk playing along the side of my face as I approach him.

"Is that how you greet your big brother whom you haven't seen in months?" He smiles warmly standing up to hug me. Returning the hug, I help him sit back down minding his leg and he winces slightly.

"How's the pain these days."

"Same old. Fine in the warmth, hurts when it's cold." He says shrugging it off.

"You know for someone older than me by five years, you look pretty old. Like dad level old." I say playfully and laughing he punches my leg and I fall into the seat next to him.

"Is that how you talk to your onii-san?" He says pouting. The gap between his looks and personality, sometimes still shocks me. This damn bro-con.

"Ewwww, don't call yourself that you pervert. But for real, what if the media catches you here?"

"What can they say? I'm here to support my little brother's school." He says indifferently, shrugging.

"Thanks for coming." I smile and he ruffles my hair.

"No problem. Anyways, why were you looking for August Ingram?"

"I need him for the ending of something."

"What have you gotten yourself into Jay? I know you're too smart and cheap to fall into a money trap… knowing your record, it has to be a woman."

"Why does everyone make me sound like such a playboy or something?" I say annoyed, rolling my eyes as I scowl at him.

"Well, because you are." Smiling boyishly, he angles himself so he's looking at me but he doesn't say anything. He's waiting for me to tell him on my own. He's always been like this.

"It is a woman." There's no point in lying or hiding.

"Is it the one I think it is?" He asks, arching his brow knowingly.

"Yes." We both look to the stage as the announcer leaves the stage to talk to the judges again. Everyone's talking amongst themselves, but Atlas is silent and just sitting there. God, that girl's so antisocial, yet I can't seem to take my eyes off her. Sat still as she stares off absent-mindedly to God knows where, she's statuesque in both attitude and beauty. Her long legs elegantly crossed as her fingers drum to an unheard tune against her knee.

"I've always questioned your type but this time I have to ask, why Jason? I know you don't really have a type she wise but, a high school student?" His eyes narrow as he stares at me and I swallow nervously.

"If I knew why I wouldn't be so confused by myself either. And don't worry I won't get arrested, she's legal." I sigh and look away but I could feel his eyes still on me.

"I see. How old is she?"

"Nineteen."

"Still risky. Have you..."

"Don't ask questions you don't want answers to, Nii-San." I wink and he chuckles shaking his head slightly. "Now, what does she have to do with the Ingrams? If father knows we helped their son come back secretly, he'd disown us both." We laugh again but the mood silences it as soon as it comes. It's not my place to tell but he's involved now so he has to know. Lowering my voice, I turn to look at him.

"She's Nolan Ingram."

"What?!" His head snaps in the direction of the stage again and he stares at her before looking at me again.

"The. Nolan. Ingram? Daughter of..." Glaring at him, he shuts up covering his mouth.

"Yes."

"Holy fuck! Didn't that little girl disappear? A lot of people still think she died after her surgery from what I've heard." He says, looking at her in suspicion, disbelief obvious on his face.

"Well, she's not. She changed her name and moved into the care of her grandmother."

"Grandmother? You mean..."

"Yup."

"Jason. What's going on?"

"The old man's trying to close shop."

"But where does she come in?"

"What better scapegoat than the daughter of the woman who basically founded it?" I ask, shrugging nonchalantly.

"There's no way he'd do that." He looks at me incredulously.

"Why not? When's the last time the chairman's made a public appearance in terms of the Academy?"

"He's had parties recently. Even da and I attended."

"Those were for his company and him showing off his money and friends. They all had nothing to do with the Academy itself."

"So, you expect me to believe he's trying to shut down the school, while using his own daughter as a scapegoat? That he purposefully didn't let his heir inherit for what? Some petty revenge scheme?"

"Petty, yes. But I don't think a father would go that far. He may have his reasons, but I refuse to believe they're purely revenge based."

"I see. So that explains the favour you asked for." He says, nodding along in understanding.

"Thank you by the way." Smiling he shrugs, standing up and I help him to his car in the underground parking lot.

"Just promise you'll stay safe and out of trouble." He says seriously staring me in the eye.

"I will." I straighten, returning his gaze.

"You know you'll always be my little brother." He hugs me before getting in.

"I thought I was a pain in the ass?" He laughs at the question but the look in his eyes was serious.

"Oh, you are. But you're still my little brother. I owe you for these." He looks down at his legs and I frown.

"I've told you not to mention that incident."

"And I've told you, till the day I die I'll keep paying you back. The one fact I stupidly hated about you is the very thing that saved my life." Smiling, he waves, as the car takes off.

"Damn punk. Only bringing up bad memories. Sighing, I head back to the auditorium, before suddenly being tackled as I turn the corner onto the corridor leading backstage..

"Oof!" I exclaim while steadying the body that slammed into me. I freeze, as their scent hits me.

"Atlas?! What the hell?" Pushing her away slightly, I look down at the girl before me.

"Yu...? Ah. Sorry, but I have to go."

"Eh?! Why? What happened?!"

"Something went wrong, I have to get back to the Academy!" She struggles to get out of my grip but I hold her still. My hand leaves her shoulders and I cradle her face, in an attempt to calm her down.

"Please breathe. Calm down." Her breathing slows and tears form but don't drop.

"Please, Yu. I have to go." Her voice hoarse and pleading.

"Come with me." Taking her hand in mine we head back to the parking lot.

"Yu?" Her voice breaks and my jaw clenches.

"I drove here, remember? Also think, out front is filled with reporters and competition attendees. What do you think will happen if you all of a sudden rush out there, especially in your current state?" Her hand relaxes in mine and I help her into the car, buckling her in before heading round to the driver's seat. The fact that she doesn't complain about me doing it alone proves that somethings off. We leave the parking lot but the silence between us lingers. Asking her to tell me would only make her revert to being panicked, I have to wait.

"How is he?" Her voice breaks the silence and I turn to see her on the phone; her calm mask back on.

"I'm heading back now so I'll meet you there... Yes... I understand." Ending the call, she sighs, pinching the bridge of her nose.

"The head had an accident last night."

"What? What the hell are you talking about?"

"Someone broke into his office; he gave chase and fell. He's in a coma." A few tears drop but she seats them away furiously.

"Why haven't we heard about this?"

"Anthony is keeping it out of the press. If word gets out, investors are going to pull out of the project. No one can know the Heads in hospital, and if it's leaked, we can't let them know how serious it is or what really happened." She says, her voice low.

"Atlas." Looking towards her I could see the fury in her eyes. The chairman. That bastard.

"I didn't think he'd go that far. I get he wants me to fail but to... Fuck!" Punching the dashboard, she screams and I swear inwardly knowing I can't pull over for the next couple miles. Moving one hand from the wheel I take her hand in mine, kissing the knuckles that had gone red, one bleeding slightly and as I lick off the blood she flinches as her ears flush and I chuckle to myself.

"Please calm down A-Kun." I know it's taking her every fibre in her body not to go straight to him and beat him to a pulp, but she needs to calm down. I have a feeling he's expecting her to retaliate immediately.

"Do you know if they got anything?"

"It doesn't look like anything important. Irvin came just in time, it looks like. He wasn't meant to be there, so he interrupted their plan."

"That's good then. We'll check when we get there."

"There's no need. He didn't get any of my work. I'd never been so stupid to leave them with that forgetful old man; even if they're in a safe." She says flatly.

"Eh?"

"At most, they'd have some early day proposals and paperwork but nothing with substance. He knows this, so it wasn't about the files..." She trails off, staring blankly outside. If he wasn't aiming for her giles, then, why?

"He wanted a scandal." The words leave my mouth dry and I exhale in annoyance.

"Yes. News of a break-in and theft at a school that's meant to be strongly protected is enough to start shit but it's worse when the mayor's daughter and countless politicians and businessmen send their kids there."

"Your old man really is a bastard."

"It didn't go as he planned but it's still in his favour. I can't finish this without Irvin." Sighing, she squeezes my hand slightly closing her eyes as she exhales in exasperation.

"What do you mean?"

"There are still things I don't understand. I need him for things I can't do yet and since brother isn't here..." she sighs again, and I couldn't help the relief that washed over me. You haven't lost yet A-Kun. Please wait a bit longer. Shit, this means that he'll have to face her sooner than I expected.

"Yu-San?"

"Huh? Ah, yeah? Sorry."

"I asked why you were outside. I thought you'd left when I didn't see you backstage... I got scared."

"Scared?"

"I thought you'd left." God, I really wish I could hold her right now.

"Hey if I said I really wanted to kiss you right now what would you say?"

"I'd say please do." Fuck it.

"Unbuckle your seatbelt and come to me A-Kun." I say firmly, taking my eyes off the road to stare at her momentarily before returning my gaze to the road.

"W-What?!" She looks at me in surprise, her entire face flushing.

"Right now!" I turn my head in her direction and she flinches.

"... right now…?" I smile warmly at her and she studies me briefly.

"Keep your eyes on the road." She says frowning slightly.

"Will do." Unbuckling her belt, she brings her feet up into her seat. Bracing herself on the dashboard and the back of my seat she brings her lips to my cheek, softly planting her kiss. Before she can withdraw, I take the back of her neck and hold her in place bringing my lips down on hers. She gasps and I take the moment to drive my tongue in. I want her. Fuck I want her so badly right now. Breaking the kiss, I pull away to stare at her. She's panting; lips still apart, her tongue slightly sticking out, eyes closed. This is bad, I sigh inwardly as I feel myself tighten.

"Did we die?" She returns to her seat, her eyes still closed and I chuckle.

"You're not getting away from me that easy missy." I say, smiling as I ruffle her hair and the silence returns. From the first time we met, silence seems to be her comfort. Maybe getting involved was the best decision I've made in my life after all. Smiling to myself I take her hand again and we drive in the warmth of the stillness that envelopes us, before we reach our destination.

~~~~~~~~

Sat in the chair beside the bed, I stare at the fragile-looking man who laid on it. Apart from the bandage on his head and the cast on his leg, they said he'd be fine. As to when he'd wake up? That, they hadn't a clue to. Please, old man, make sure you wake up.

"The one person on my side." Sighing, I take his warm hand into my own.

"Well done dad. Your scare tactic worked a little too well, maybe even better than you intended but I got the message." The door slides open and I know it was him before his hand fell on my shoulder.

"You should at least eat Atlas."

"I'm not really hungry."

"A-Kun, you haven't eaten much since this morning. It's already after six." Taking my shoulders, he guides me to the sandwiches and snacks he'd bought.

"Love how you made sure I have snacks," I say, picking out the chocolate bar from the stack.

"I know you like your daily high." He says smiling warmly and I return it. Since we got here, he's just been at my side. No annoying questions or over-exaggerated 'I'm sorry'. Just his presence. And I couldn't help but love the man that calls me his. We eat in silence and my thoughts wander.

"What are you going to do now? With the old man like this, what's going to happen?" He asks nodding towards Irvin.

"Hmm..."

"Although this was an accident," he sighs pointing to the old man, "it's quite clear that he was also trying to scare you."

"I know. I got his message clearly."

"Then what are you going to do? Sit back and stop just because you're scared?" I look up from my phone and stare at him. His eyes, although warm, looked cold and I couldn't help but smile. This man really is annoying.

"Would it be such a bad thing if I did what he wanted for once. Be a filial daughter for once in my life." He doesn't respond but he stares hard and I can't help but smile again. Getting up from my seat, I move to his lap and I feel him tense beneath me, his eyes moving from me to the door.

"Atlas..." I smile again at the warning in his voice, his brows frowning.

"Yuzuki." Placing his sandwich on the table I take his hands wrapping them around me burrowing myself into his neck, drowning in his scent. He pats my back softly and I could feel all the tension leaving. I can't recall the last time I've gone this long without taking my anxiety pills. Since that day with dad, I haven't touched it. My natural anxiety drug. Maybe it's because I don't have to hide my emotions all the time with him. The one person I can be myself to.

"I'm serious Atlas. What are you going to do now?"

"The one thing I can." I sigh and hold onto him tighter. Quiet days like these are about to become even more scarce than they already are, let me freely indulge a bit longer.

"And what's that?"

"You'll see." He hums his understanding softly in my ear, resuming his soothing back patting rhythm.

"I'll be with you every step of the way, you know that right?"

"I do." The door to the room opens and the old man's secretary comes into the room. He looks at us briefly before turning away a slight blush on his cheeks. Rolling my eyes, I get up and return to my seat.

"How'd it go?" He looks at Yuzuki briefly, then at me, and I nod in response to his unspoken question.

"Well, Young Master. It's set for next week Monday as you requested."

"Good, thank you." He bows slightly but hesitates, his mouth opening but he closes it without speaking.

"What about Father?" He looks at me now, worry carved into his face.

"Young Master, it seems the Chairman has leaked the accident to the media. I've had a few reporters..."

"That old snake." Sighing, I pinch my nose before getting up and heading to the window.

"I've already gotten rid of the CCTV recording as you ordered but I don't..."

"It's alright. He doesn't have a copy, that's why he's expecting us to deny Irvin being in the hospital. Answer all their questions. Tell the teachers he's absent. His old stroke acted up again, end of."

"Yes, Young Master." He smiles and bows heading to the door, "Ah, shall I call Asano-San?"

"Yes please." I reply chuckling at how well this man is able to read my moods.

"Right away, Young Master." He bows again and leaves, silence falling on the room.

"I'm going to relieve my anger. Are you coming or are you going to be his nurse?" Picking up my jacket, I head out and I hear him cleaning up before following me. Making my way to the lot, my phone rings and I sigh. Picking up, I hold it to my ear but I don't speak. Fucking bastard.

"How's your headmaster, daughter." The way he says the word makes me cringe.

"Are you giving your father the silent treatment." My blood boils and I struggle to hold back my rage.

"Please enjoy the rest of your night, Mr. Ingram." Hanging up, I switched it to silent.

"Was that your fath..." he stops, and I sigh.

"Yeah. It was the old man." I give him the address to the studio, and we set off. As we park at the curb, I get out and head to the low rise building and I could feel his eyes roaming across everything as we walk past.

"Why are we at a Dojo Ms. Winters?" I turn my head slightly and arch my brow.

"What do people in places like this, Yuzuki-San?" I feel him roll his eyes, a frown playing along his lips and I chuckle.

"That makes you look sexier than you already are, Sensei." He coughs at my statement and my laughter escapes me as we enter the room.

"Long time no see Shinigami-Kun!" Smiling, the small man stands up engulfing me in a tight hug and I return it.

"I haven't felt murderous lately, Asano-San." I wink and he laughs, flicking my forehead playfully.

"I see. Who?" He looks from me to Yuzuki and I freeze. I've never had to introduce him to anyone before. Correction. I've never had a boyfriend to introduce to anyone before.

"Umm…" What do I even say in a situation like this?! It's like introducing your boyfriend to your older brothers! I gasp as his hand falls to my lower back and his voice radiates over me.

"I'm... hers." His no-bullshit tone makes me blush and I avoid the eyes that all fall on me simultaneously. This… Baka!

"Uh. What he said. I'm going to go change." Practically running off, I head to the changing rooms, my heart seemingly beating out of my chest.

"God, I hope he couldn't hear that." Going into my private room I close the door, sliding down the door.

"Oh god." Gripping my jumper, I try to calm myself, but it doesn't work. I can still feel the warm shadow of his hands on my back and that does nothing to calm my nerves. Forcing my nerves to settle, the thought of him waiting beyond that door makes me regret making him come with me. Maybe I should've let him continue to play nurse. Besides, other than Asano and the other instructors here, no one's ever seen me in traditional kendo gear or seen me practice. I sigh and begin to get dressed; this man really annoys me.

"First, he appears out of nowhere, ugh... snatches my book, kisses me senseless, and, and... other things. Gahhh, so annoying. Too much sexual tension... is this what transitioning from teen to young adult feels like… even making me do that embarrassing thing in the car earlier...?!" Preoccupied in my rant I don't hear the door open until the soft click of the lock echoes through the room. My body tenses at the chuckle that follows, and I could feel the heat radiating off me. Fuck.

"You know. If you're this frustrated as I am, we can fix that right now." I hear a soft shuffle as his steps approach me.

"We're in public..." Wait! Shouldn't I be against… Why is the location my main worry?!

"Don't worry. There are ways to keep your mouth shut." His hands grip my waist and he pulls me to him. Shrieking, I release the tie on my kendogi and it hangs open.

"Yu-" I can barely recognise the hoarse voice that escapes me as I lean into him, his breath kissing my neck.

"Do you want, or, need me, Ms. Atlas Winters?" His hands trace the curve of my waist onto my ass lifting my jacket up slowly. His heat pressed against the small of my back. I needed him and his peak told me he did too.

"I need you." My voice almost a whisper feels the room and his chest rises and falls with his chuckle.

"Mhmm..." One hand sinking into my underwear, his lips meet my neck and I shiver at the heat that rides my spin. Fingers travelling to my core, my dew welcoming him. He groans as he reaches in and I envelop him. I arch into him following his dance his peak still pressed against my back; harder.

"Fuck A-Chan." He groans again, grinding into me and I welcome him, moaning in response. His fingers move again, teasing my spot and I melt in his arms. Feet weak, his spare arm supports me sitting him himself onto the bench. Turning me around to face him, he removes his fingers and I moan in protest, grinding on him instinctively.

"Don't worry..." he smirks, and I shiver again. God damn this man.

"I'm not done with you yet." Settling on top, knees straddling him he brushes my jacket off, placing it on the table next to us my bare chest inches away from his face. His lips find mine and I pray he can't hear my heart. I can. It's the only thing I can hear. His hands move across me as though it created me. Finding places, I didn't know existed. I need him.

"Yu..." Reluctantly breaking the kiss I look at him. The look in his eyes makes me shiver. I can't read him. His black eyes seem empty. He must see my hesitation because he smiles, keeping his eyes trained on mine.

"You. Why did you lie to me?" He continues to stare and my breath catches.

"W-What are you..." my question trails off and my body tenses. He can't know right. That he was my...

"You lied. About the men who have been in your apartment."

"Ehh...?" What? What is he saying? The corner of his lips curve into a smirk and I shiver.

"Asano Sensei just told me about your secret room." His brow arching in amusement.

"Huh?"

"Your dojo, Ms. Winters." My brows frown and I stare at the man holding me. Okay along Atlas.

"You...? You're mad about that?!"

"Yes! You had another man in your home..." he brings his hand to cup my chin pulling my face inches from his own. His warm breath tickling my lips,

"What man wouldn't be mad about that? How would you feel..." a sly smirk grows across his mouth and his hand travels down my stomach, the soft click of his belt and rustle of his zipper echoing through the silent room,

"... if I had..." his warm cock greets my storm and I bite my lip in order to prevent my moan,

"...Mia in my apartment?" At her name, I scowl at him and he laughs.

"You're quite adorable Ms. Winters." I roll my eyes and he chuckles.

"You really are annoying!" Punching his shoulder, I bring my lips to his ear, "Now, sensei. Are you going to take responsibility for the mess you just caused? Or are you going to ruin it, talking about... unpleasantries?" At my question his breath catches, his member twitching, touching the pit of my stomach and I moan unable to hold it in as his finger schemes across my ass before entering me again.

"I suppose I should." Smiling, he kisses my collar bone before lifting me up, guiding his heat into me. I whimper and he steadies me by hugging me across my back; leaning against the wall behind him. Burying my face in the curve of his neck, his scent washes over me, stirring me even more and I tighten around him as my head becomes light, sinking my teeth into his neck.

"Too... deep..." He chuckles again softly into my ear, his grip tightening around me as he begins to move, my walls hugging him as he fills me touching - everywhere.

"Sorry, A-Kun. but, after all this time I don't think I can hold back..." I shiver, feeling him grow bigger inside me and I hug him as my life depended on his anchor.

"Condom..." he groans almost as though defeated into my neck at the mention of the word and I chuckle lightly kissing his cheek. Ah, he's so cute.

"I don't..."

"Yūtsuki-san, daijōbudesu, tsudzukete kudasai..." bringing his lips to mine, we move together. Climbing until we fall. This man will surely be the death of me. But, it's alright. He's my first love after all.

"... you.. really will be the death of me A-kun…" Chuckling at the hoarseness of his own voice, I giggle as he brings my lips to his, kissing me deeper, hunger in his every move and I lose myself to him willingly.