One Hundred And Thirty-One
Well, here we go then. Steeling myself for what was to co as I heard the voices of my family and the Mori’s approaching, I once more cast my gaze around the room. Yeah, everything is in order. Karen-chan and Izumi-san are available for when I need them… I can do this.
Opening the door to my new ho I smiled brightly. “So you found the place all right then? Co in, I’ve got so snacks and drinks ready.”
“That sounds great, Akio. The trains here are really tiring.” Eri said, rushing over to give a hug. As she pressed against , her face pink with embarrassnt over showing such affection in front of her parents, she gave a little kiss, just a peck on the lips. “I know it’s only been a few days, but I missed you.”
“I missed you too.” I replied. “But absence makes the heart grow fonder, right?”
“Wow, I’m feeling a little sick now. So much sugar.” My sister shuddered theatrically. “You two lovebirds can surely manage to go five minutes without flirting, right, right? Seriously though…” she looked around at the repainted and repaired building. “This place is way better than that tiny room you were living in before. I like it, I know I’ll enjoy it here.”
I know I said she could move here if she needed too, but still…
“Yes, it’s nice.” Eri agreed sweetly. “Our ho.”
Before I could answer that one, my father cleared his throat. “I understand you are happy to see my son again, Eri-san, but we should continue this inside.”
Ignoring the smiles of her parents and my mother, Eri nodded, letting go, though she still clung to my hand. “I’m sorry, father-in-law. But like I’ve said before, you should call Eri, there’s no need for formality between us, after all, I’ll soon be your daughter.”
“Hmm.” My father nodded slowly. “My son and I have much to discuss regarding that matter, but for now…” he turned his gaze to the young girl who was hiding behind everyone else, looking extrely nervous. Seeing all our gazes go to her, she bowed low, her pigtails bouncing.
“Akio-sama, thank you for looking after . I shall work as hard as I can to serve both you and the needs of Chairoakitara shrine and our noble kami.” She spoke very seriously, her determination to be mature forcing a smile from . Aww, she’s so serious. It’s pretty cute. But I don’t like being called Akio-sama, it does not suit .
“Well, I made promises to your mother and grandfather that I’d make sure you were well taken care of. Besides, I think you’ll like it here. The big city is a far-cry from Nishimorioka, and even if Shirohebizumi shrine is a little… rustic… we are also doing business with Hikawa Kawagoe shrine, so I daresay we can visit. There’s a couple of shrine maidens there, twins, only a bit older than you. I dare say you can be friends.”
“Hikawa Kawagoe?” Uncle Mori said, surprised. “Even I have heard of them, it’s one of the shrines you think about when you talk Tokyo. See, Taichi, I told you there was nothing to worry about. Son-in-law is a smart boy, he can handle things just fine.”
“Err, excuse , but perhaps I should not be listening to matters of family, your private business?” Marika-san asked, still nervous.
Poor girl, I bet she had to listen to no end of talk on the journey. Sparing her an understanding grin I patted her on the head, causing her to blink in surprise. Eri’s hand tightened on mine a little painfully, but I squeezed her back reassuringly. You don’t have to be jealous of her, she’s just a kid…
“Don’t worry about it. If anything, we should be apologising to you for making you uncomfortable. I’ll take you to the room you’ll be living in later, it’s in the main shrine. It’s furnished, but if you need anything else, anything at all, let either or soone from the shrine know, and I’ll make sure you get it. My secretary Karen-chan is available if you have any problems. But for now…” I wanted to make sure she was relaxed. I still felt bad bringing Marika-san away from ho at such a young age, even if the experience benefitted and should be a morable one for her. “… I have tasty treats ready, so you might as well enjoy so with us.”
“If you are sure, Akio-sama…” she began, but I cut her off.
“Please, I know you were raised very politely, but I’m no-one so special as to be a -sama. I’d really appreciate it if you could use a more… informal… way of speaking.”
She looked doubtful, but then Auntie Mori chid in, cackling heartily. “You see that, Daichi, Emi, little Aki will make a wonderful father, he’s so understanding of younger children, especially girls. I suppose that’s only natural, considering he looked after little Ai and my Eri all these years.”
“Very well then.” He said after seeing my resolute stance. “If you will excuse , Izumi-san. I appreciate you humouring with this.”
“Pay it no mind.” Izumi-san waved his thanks away. “I have a son of my own. I understand wanting to make sure he stays on the right path. But rest assured, your son is a vital asset to the prosperity of our shrine and is rely rewarded accordingly.”
Of course, the real reward I’d like is nominal ownership. There’s ti for them to decide, but the benefits to us all would be great.
After exchanging promises to have a drink together with him, while I thanked Karen-chan for her efforts, leaving her to gratefully retreat with allowing her to treat herself to any booze she wanted from the nearby supermarket, no matter the cost, we headed back to my outbuilding. My father and Uncle Mori were talking quietly, admiring the newly repainted shrine.
On returning we found Eri and Aiko sitting listening to my mom and Auntie Mori holding an animated discussion on… wedding plans.
“… you can’t beat traditional.” Auntie was saying, getting a nod from my mom. “But then, a Western-style white dress can’t be beat either, especially since little Aki is half-British, right? Besides…” she turned her bright gaze on Eri, who was smiling at the thought. “… you’d look so gorgeous in a bridal gown. It’s so hard to choose.”
“Why decide then? Just have both.” My sis said, still eating cake. Gods, just how much can you tuck away? You’d better keep exercising or you’ll get fat…
“Both?” Mom asked, and my sis nodded.
“Yeah, both. Just add in an extra bit of ceremony. Start traditional, then afterwards change into a Western gown. Big bro is a man of ans now, and I’m sure he’ll do anything for Eri. Besides, you can’t tell he won’t want to see her in both, right bro?” she winked at , seeing we had returned.
“Well, it is a thing you only get to do once…” I pictured Eri in both outfits.
“Look, look!” my sis elbowed Eri. “He’s all red, thinking of you. Wow, such honesty. I’m touched at how my hopeless big brother moonstone has matured.”
“Yeah, well one of us had to.” I retorted. “Still, you do have a good idea now and again. Yeah, I think we’d be missing out if we didn’t go with both.”
“In that case…” mom said slyly. “… you would have to go with both a wedding kimono and a suit, right? Won’t that be a sight now that you’ve started taking care of yourself?”
Eri nodded fiercely, and Auntie Mori laughed at the sight. “The wedding will be the talk of our town for seasons to co!” she agreed. “Now we just need to set a date!”
Uncle and my father were letting the girls talk, but father was not pleased, his expression grim, yet in the festive atmosphere he was unable to scold . Although it’s coming, it’s definitely coming. He did warn not to do anything foolish, and Eri might even be pregnant… I’ll be in for it later…
“Eri-san… Eri…” my father changed his thod of address at everyone’s gaze. “Eri should finish her education first, even if she is not intending to go on to further education. It would be shaful otherwise. I still recomnd that she thinks of her future with more clarity, but…”
“I thank you for your concern, but I’ve made up my mind.” Eri stood up to him, though her hands were white and trembling a little with the effort. “But I agree. Now isn’t the ti for our wedding. I should finish school, and Akio needs to make sure his work is going well.”
“Little Eri is all grown up.” Auntie Mori praised her, eyes bright with unshed tears. “A mother always waits for this day.” she glanced at my mom. “You’ll have it too, Emi dear, when little Ai finds love.”
My sister scoffed loudly, but before she could speak Eri continued.
“We… might have had to rush, since…” her voice shrank, but since Marika-san was with Kana-chan in the main shrine, it was just us family here, leaving her free to speak. “… since we were hasty, but since I’m not pregnant…”
Wait, you aren’t? I an, I guess it’s a good thing, now isn’t a good ti, but… I must have looked strange, as Eri started giggling, while my sis and mom were laughing openly.
“I’m sorry Akio, I only found out yesterday. I didn’t think I should talk about it until we were face-to-face. I should have picked a better ti though…”
I shook my head, dismissing her apology. “No, that’s not important. So, you’re all right?” My words had a double aning, as I was not only concerned about her physical health and state of mind, but the state of her chakra network also worried .
Picking up on that, she smiled, reaching over and taking my hand. “I’m fine. We both know why we were so careless. I think this way is better. I want children, but not yet. I’ll… take care of things… in the future, until things have settled down and we are both ready. I’m sorry for being so insecure and immature. I’ll do better.”
Her hand was warm, and I could feel her pulse. Taking it with my other hand as well, I leaned over and kissed her gently. “Don’t worry about it. I am just as much at fault as you. I’ll be a man who always makes you feel safe and protected.”
With a wail of emotion my mom grabbed Eri in a hug, Auntie Mori following, her unshed tears finally breaking free. I excused myself while the three won clutched each other, full of emotion. My sis was making gagging motions, showing her displeasure, but I guessed it was fake, judging by the expression on her face.
“Oh, Eri, my little girl. I’m so happy for you!”
“Well, we can’t argue with that, can we Taichi?” Uncle Mori said, a wry expression on his face as he watched his wife and daughter, together with my mother. The floodgates had broken and they were all crying happily. “Your son is a man now, and my daughter is a woman. No point blaming them for growing up. Both of them are deadly serious about the future.”
My father sighed, but after a long draught of beer, he nodded. “It seems so. And there is no rewinding ti. What they’ve done can’t be undone. At least the worst scenario was avoided, so…” he raised his half-empty can in a gesture to . “… congratulations, my son. Still, do not let it go to your head. You’ll still need to support her, so work hard with this rare chance you’ve been given.”
Yeah, just like father. Even his prise cos with caveats. Still, I’m pleased we earned his acceptance. I’m even more pleased I might have avoided the brutal lecture…
Returning his toast, Uncle Mori joined in, my sister looking on enviously as we drank…
Seriously, haven’t you had enough hangovers? Oh well…
********
“… we can’t accept this. Seriously.” Uncle Mori was looking at over a row of empty glasses. “I know you are marrying my little girl, but even so. We may be poor, and your parents have helped us out a lot in the past, but we still have our pride.”
So how am I going to convince them? My father was frowning as well, decidedly unimpressed with my proposal. After seeing the girls back to their hotel, father, Uncle Mori and I had all gone out to a nearby izakaya, a traditional Japanese pub. I had thought that the atmosphere was perfect, so I had broached the subject of providing them with money, for my peace of mind, but… damn, I forgot how stubborn they can be.
“You have already given the girls so much.” Uncle Mori continued. “Eri won’t tell how much you gave her, but it’s enough to pay for… well, certain essential dicines. I rember when she would tell anything… she’s all grown up.” He was maudlin, but still resolute in refusing . “But even so. I may be your father-in-law, but I don’t need your charity. Just look after my little girl, make her happy. That’s all I need, and my wife would say the sa.”
“Indeed.” My father agreed with him. “You will need to save money. With a wife to support, you need all the insurance against hard tis you can gather. We know it well.” Beside him, Uncle Mori was nodding, wholeheartedly supporting him.
It would be so much easier if I could tell the truth. “I know, I do.” I said, choosing my words carefully. “This opportunity ca to out of the blue, and I’m extrely thankful for it. It might not last forever, and I could be back to my previous unstable lifestyle as a freelancer. Even so… I want to make sure I’ve provided for my family. And that family now includes you, uncle.”
“Even so, it’s too much. We don’t need…” he began again, but I was resolute.
“Seriously, I know what I’m doing. Eri and I can have peace of mind knowing that we’ve taken care of you all. Don’t get wrong, I’m not going to keep throwing money at you.” I grinned to rob the words of any sting. “I intend to treat Eri to a better life. But when the next wave of projects is signed off, I’ll be making plenty of money. So at least let do this. If you are really concerned, then don’t spend it all right away. It’s for ergencies and necessary expenses anyway. That way if it all goes wrong for , you can give so of it back. Not that I’m expecting that.”
“Son, are you sure about this?” My father asked. “I respect that you are thinking of your family, that is what a good son should, but I don’t want your sudden good fortune to go to your head, ruining you and leaving you with nothing.”
Wise words, if not so much about the money as… other concerns. Like my enemy who threatens my Territory. “Don’t worry about . I have everything under control. My secretary will arrange the transfers next week. I’m deadly serious about the future. After all, I have responsibilities. So believe in !”
My father and Uncle Mori couldn’t stand against my intensity. I could tell they had reservations, but so long as they accepted my goodwill, I could rest assured that my family was looked after, whatever happens. I need to arrange a will too, to make sure they get any remaining money in case of… the worst case scenario. I have no intention of dying, but I can’t rule anything out… Surprised at how accepting I was of the danger, compared to my nervous fumblings of the early days, I ordered us another ground of drinks to celebrate.
Small victories. My father wasn’t as fierce as I expected. Perhaps I’m finally earning his respect? Taking a drink I was lost in thought, listening to the idle chatter that passed between my father and Uncle Mori…
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