It had been a crazy year for Ichika Orimura. It was his first year out of high school and being an adult. Chiuyu was still teaching at the IS academy, Natasha stayed as well.
Houki started working there too as an instructor and teaches kendo part time as well.
Cecilia decided to go back to Britain and continue to be the Representative Contender for as long as she can and build up her status.
Rin got a call at the end of the year that her dad had a heart attack, this brought her mom back and they're a little closer now, Rin decided to stay with her dad in China and run her dad's restaurant and keep his legacy alive but she still competed in IS Tournaments.
Laura returned to Germany to lead her Black Hare Squadron and become the best IS Pilots opening her own academy of course it was still getting off the ground.
Kanzashi and Tatenashi returned to Russia to begin working on a battle strategy for Phatom Task.
As for Charlotte, she hadn't been seen or heard from her since graduation.
As for Ichika, he been training hard and become Japan's Representative Contender and he won the 5th Mondo Grosso proving to Chifuyu that he could protect those he cared for.
He sat down on the couch and heaved a sigh.
"Damn... I swear those trainers are purposely working me harder..." He said to himself his arm resting over my eyes as he'd just showered
The house is so big but empty and clean, everything in place. And it was dark out and it's snowing. But then there's a buzzing, the doorbell. Ichika sighed as he get up and go to unlock the gate and door. Then it buzzed again.
"Hold your horses Chifuyu I'm coming-" he started to say but stopped
He finally realized who it was. Charlotte. She had a white t-shirt, blue jeans, orange low tops, an orange and white coat, her IS pendant, Refale Revival II, and an orange duffle bag that looks likes it really packed. I hurry out after pulling on some slippers and I hurry out.
"Charlotte what's wrong? Cmon talk to me." He said but she's just shaking and crying silently
He carefully lead her inside and told her she could shower while he made some dinner. To this she wordlessly nodded and headed upstairs. He quick threw something toget her for the both of them as well as hot tea. As he worked he could hear the shower running as the house is that quiet. Why would she just show up here a year later? What happened to her? But these questions would have to wait until she came down. She now had on her black, white- s orange jumpsuit, her hair still damp. With that they both sat down and ate in silence.
"So will you tell me?" He asked softly
"M-my papa has disowned me." She stuttered and he looked at her wide eyed
She then told him how when graduation came she was forced back to France, the Dunios corporation was completely done for. All their assets sold, family estate put on the market, and her father told her to just leave. She still had a round trip ticket back to Japan and a bag of clothes and her IS. She came here because this is the only place she knew.
"You can stay as long as you need to. You're welcome here. And if Chifuyu asks, I'll defend you." He said meaning it as she looked at him wide eyed like he was someone else entirely
"Thank you... I don't deserve your kindness..." she said softly
"It's no problem. And you do. You've been through a lot. Cmon let's lay down I'll take you to my room." He said and she looks me weird
"You... want to sleep with me?" She asked confused
"EHHH?! Wh-what the hell do you mean by that Charl?!" He freaked out now
"What are you talking about?" She retorted and he freaked out more but sighed nonetheless
"I meant you can have my bed for the night, I'll stay down here. I had a long day of practice." He said scratching the back of my head
She nodded her head and he lead her upstairs to his room and let her lay in his bed as she was asleep almost immediately. He was about leave when she grabbed his wrist.
"Please... don't leave me..." she begged sleepily
He blushed some but she must have been dreaming of her mom or something and lay down with her. She then wrapped her around him and snuggled into his chest. He was taken aback but carefully wrapped his own arms around her too.
"I won't ever leave you, Charl..." he breathed as his eyes close and was asleep
But then it hit him all! Everyone! Houki, Rin, Cecilia, Laura, Tatenashi, Kanzashi. They all liked him like Charl did, even now. But he didn't notice at all. He felt like such an idiot. He had been so blind this whole time. For the four years he was there and he'd never noticed. Morning came fast and he looked at her as she saw him and could see it all in his eyes.
"I'm sorry... I'm so sorry.... I'm just so stupid..." he said but she just carefully held his face
"Ichika... it's alright... we all talked about this... we came to the agreement that we would let you choose and respect it no matter what..." she assured him
"But how do you make a choice like that..?" He asked
"You just do... we won't be mad with whoever you chose..." she said quietly
"I... I want you... Charl..." he breathed as he felt his heart racing
For the first time he took the initiative and took the lead. Slowly pressed his lips against her soft lips that tasted like French Vanilla. She was taken aback, but slowly wrapped her arms around his neck and began to kiss him back, I feel myself mature into a man in seconds, and it feels so good. He truly loved her, Ichika was in love Charlotte...
"I love you Charlotte... and I only want you..." he whispered resting his forehead against hers
"I love you too Ichika... and I'm glad I'm yours..." she whispered back smiling gently
But the moment is over as they hear the bang open.
"Oi! Ichika! Get your lazy ass up! I need your miracle hangover cure!" Chifuyu shouted
"Are you sure?" She asked quietly
"Yeah..." he said softly and take her hand we both go down
Chifuyu was a wreck, her suit dress was wrinkled, her long hair a mess and she had bags under her eyes. But in her hungover haze she could clearly Ichika and Charlotte and this sobered her up.
"Now what have you done?" She asked semi serious
"Let's all have coffee and I'll explain." He said as there was no room for debate she caught on sighing
After a few minutes Ichika poured them all a cup of coffee. It was strong and expensive but he knew how brew it right. Chifuyu sipped her's slowly before she seemed ready. With that Ichika told her it all; how Charlotte had nothing and nowhere to go, and how he had finally come to his sense's and only wanted to be with her now. She took a moment to absorb this.
"Charlotte." Chifuyu said in her academy voice
"Y-yes Miss Orimura?" Charlotte stutters
"One, just call me Chifuyu. Two, take care of my brother." She said and smiled softly "You've really grown into a man Ichika." She said to her brother now offering a genuine smile
They all smiled and laughed a little, enjoying breakfast together but with no end to the amount of teasing that was to come from Chifuyu now...
