***
Two months later, he rented a loft, packing up his clothes and filling up the place with art supplies, he had a lengthy talk with Rin asking her permission to allow him to leave the mansion for the next two months. His thesis was due and a final exhibition at Geidai art gallery demanded he give it full concentration.
“What about Ryuu?” Rin asked that morning before he left. “He can stay with you; I have other people who can take his place.”
“No,” Kyo said shaking his head. “He’s your head security, Rin. How can you ask him to stay with me? There are more important things to take care of.”
“But you are the most important one to me,” Rin said quietly. “Fine, do what’s best for both of you. Although, I think he loves you very much. I don’t think he’ll let you leave quite so easily.”
“I’m not going to some other country. I’ll just be in the city.”
Rin laughed at that and shook her head. “Love is funny, my dear son. It warps everything, believe me. Remember your promise to me.”
“I do,” Kyo said with a small smile. “Don’t worry, just let me finish this.”
“You’ve changed,” she said with a smile. “You’re not the angry boy I met ten months ago. It makes me proud to see you like this.”
“Please don’t start on the drama, Rin.” He stood up and leaned down to kiss her forehead. “I’m a phone call away. Anytime you get exasperated by the aunts, call, I’ll listen.”
“What do we do about Ryuu?”
“Give him the address, but order him not to visit.”
“That won’t be easy.”
“Rin, you wield all that power, come on, make use of it.”