AN: So, both bagheera82 and sylessjinx on tumblr requested for a story regarding the "wedding" of Isshiki and Nene. Now, I'm just going to preface this and say, this story isn't really the wedding ceremony. Personally, I find the Traditional Japanese Shinto style weddings to be really beautiful, but also really complicated. I don't really feel confident in my abilities quite yet to do a wedding scene justice. But to make up for that, I decided to do almost a prequel to the wedding and make it a two-shot! I hope you enjoyed this chapter!

#

The Calm Before the Storm

#

Nene wasn't one to get intimidated in the presence of another, regardless of who said person was. However, today was an exception. It had taken quite a bit of courage on her behalf to even be attempting to meet him. Nene, closing the black metal gate behind her, carefully removed her flats at the front of the genkan and exchanged them for the soft house slippers. She took extra care to line them up neatly on the side, tips facing the entrance.

Following the woman dressed in an understated and simple (but beautiful) kimono, embroidered with scattered momiji leaves throughout the dress; an ode to the early presence of Autumn, Nene couldn't help but marvel at the deep colored wood that lined the entire house and the long panels of fusuma painted with the imagery of smoky mountains, bonsais and cranes. A magnificent house for a magnificent family. She thought. Although not much different in style from her own home, the house- no mansion was just as imposing. The woman led her through the hallways, dimly lit with the diffused light from the shoji screens.

The house was rather quiet for the amount of people living inside, but the slight sounds of clattering dishes in the distance hinted at the missing residence's whereabouts. Nene had taken careful consideration in announcing her presence well after the dinner service had ended, meaning the night had already fallen with the moon in high position.

The women had stopped her movements at the doors of a secluded room located near the back of the house. "Dear," she said carefully, "Kinokuni-sama has come." Swallowing at the announcement, Nene tried to prepare herself for the confrontation to come. Hearing the faint wrinkling of parchment on the other side, a deep voice reverberated through the walls.

"Come." Was all he said. The woman at the command quietly slid open the doors, letting the warm lights flood into the hallway. Nene followed her inside.

"I will prepare some tea." The woman announced as she gestured Nene to sit on the blue zabuton across from the man whose presence filled the small room. Nene, remembering her manners, offered the elder woman a bow of gratitude. Kneeling, she took her seat in front of the low table of books and parchment. Placing both hands on the tatami mat, she lowered her head to the floor in a dogeza.

"I must express my deepest apologizes for not introducing myself earlier, Isshiki-sama. Please forgive my disrespectfulness." Nene confessed.

A paused hung at first, then a deep sigh. "Please Kinokuni-sama, raise your head." She did as told, getting a chance to really look at the man for the first time. There wasn't much resemblance if she had to be honest. His shoulders were broader than Satoshi's, and his hair straight black to his son's wavy brown. His intimidating stance versus Satoshi's laid back one. Most of his features he had inherited from his mother, but, she could see the same pointed nose and sharp eyes. Those eyes. Just as intense and blue.

"You may address me as 'Otou-sama', you will become the wife of my son after all." He instructed. "Would addressing you as 'Nene-sama' be acceptable?" It didn't sound like a question to Nene, more so a useless formality to something he would have done regardless of her permission. She nodded, unsure whether it was in agreement or obedience.

The doors slid open again with Isshiki's mother holding a tray of fresh green tea. The aged beauty smiled (the same smile as her son's) at her future daughter-in-law as she handed Nene the tea cup, to which she bowed in return. She placed one on the table for her husband as well. Silently, she was about to leave, before hesitating to turn around, "It was a pleasant surprise to see you again Kinokuni-sama. Please extend my warmest gratitude to your family and-" she paused, "and to Satoshi as well." The last part added with what Nene could tell was a hint of sadness and guilt. She could only bow her head in thanks.

Once the woman was gone, the elder Isshiki began, "What purpose do you have here?" asking bluntly, causing Nene to stiffen. "I could only assume Satoshi was opposed to your visitation here." That would have been a correct statement, except he didn't know. Nene had told her fiance that she had a business trip in Osaka, which she did. However, her professional duties had ended yesterday. She had made the extra time to make her way to Gion, Kyoto and have the much overdue discussion she was dreading, but knew was necessary.

"Perhaps I am overstepping my boundaries but…" Nene hesitated, trying to gather her resolve, "the wedding is in a month and I would like both the Kinokuni clan and Isshiki clan to be present."

The elder couldn't help but scoff at Nene. "Did Satoshi approve of this? He didn't even ask us to attend the betrothal ceremony." Nene couldn't help but grimace at the statement. We didn't have one. She remembered, You can't have a betrothal ceremony without both families present. Nene knew Satoshi wasn't in good standing with his family for years now; it was something he rarely brought up and it wasn't like Nene to pry for more. However, she only really began to understand the extent of the damage when preparations for the wedding arrived. He had been adamant about the exclusion of his clan from any ceremony, even offering to take her name instead of his. Unlike him, who had grown accustomed to her family and visited often, this would have been the first time in ten years that she had a meeting with his parents.

"No" was all Nene could think to say, staring at the lines of tatami.

"Isn't that the end of discussion then." He said flatly, turning his attention back to the parchment. "If that is all, you may leave."

"No, wait! Otou-sama-" She said whipping her head up.

"Nene-sama" The elder interrupted in a controlled manner, too controlled. "As long as that boy continues to remain stubborn, nothing can be helped. He has already expressed his disinterest in the family, so I have nothing more to say to him."

"That's not true!" Nene blurted with more emotion than she was intending. Ah why did I say that…

His harsh eyes were on Nene again, the creases between his brows becoming more prominent. "And what would you know is true? I don't believe this is any of your business to be frank, Nene-sama." He warned, eyes ignited.

Why are men so freaking stubborn. She thought, beginning to get frustrated. But remembering who she was in the presence of, she calmed herself, letting the feelings of anger replace itself with sincerity. "Otou-sama," she frowned. "I do not know what happened between the clan and Isshi- Satoshi, and it's none of my business. But-" she hesitated, finding the courage to speak from her heart instead of her mind for once, "-his happiness is."

The man paused and she continued in fear that she would lose said courage if she did as well. "I know how he still sends carnations to Okaa-sama on Mother's day, or sends birthday and new years wishes to Susumu. I know he secretly keeps up to date on the restaurant, looking at menu changes and smiling at positive reviews. Otou-sama-" she stopped, debating whether she should continue, but ultimately decided this was something he needed to hear. "I see him sometimes talking with my father over drinks, and I can't help but feel some...some loneliness from him, because I know, deep down he wishes he could be talking to you instead."

The elder shifted his sight to the side, avoiding Nene's ruby eyes. "He tries to hide it, pretend like he doesn't care, but I know he misses his family. I...I, uh…" She blushed at her next thought. "I could only feel following this marriage, the both of us would want to have...children...to start a family. But before any of that, I think it would be in the best interest to amend any issues we have with our own first. Otou-sama, this would be a good opportunity to fix the issues in the past. I'm beginning to worry that these opportunities are running out."

While closing his eyes and pinching the bridge of his nose he inquired mockingly "What do you suppose I could do about it?"

Not at all affected by that remark, she answered. "Talk with him."

"He wouldn't want to."

"We can't assume that." She pressed. "Talk with him, not as the former heir, but for once, as a son." He seemed to stew on her comments for awhile. Feeling that nothing more would come of the conversation, Nene began to get up. "I understand what I am selfishly requesting, but I can only hope you believe my sincerity." She bowed towards the man. "I am sorry for my unannounced visit and overstayed welcome. Thank you for your time and for the tea as well. Please send my regards to Okaa-sama as well." Her heart sunk as she made her way towards the door. You're so useless. She felt, You couldn't even do this for him.

"Do you love him?"

She turned, startled at the sudden question. "Excuse me?"

"Is he someone you truly believe can take care of you and make you happy for the rest of your life?"

She stood there for a moment, trying to analyze his motives until she realized there weren't any. Looking him straight in the eyes, she smiled, "Yes, I do."

The elder Isshiki paused before letting out a small laugh. "It seems the boy grew up and found himself a good woman." He took in another deep sigh before reverting back to his stern nature, "I'll try to talk with him." Nene couldn't help but gently smile to herself and bow.

"Good night, Otou-sama." She said before showing herself out.

#

AN: Agh, I feel like I write Nene to be too soft. Like I need to give her more bite and confidence, but I keep putting her in situations where all her walls are down I guess.

I don't normally like to write in Japanese words if they aren't cultural names but, I felt the need to address the father as "Otou-sama" and the mother as "Okaa-sama". I guess it could be akin to calling a parent as "Father" instead of "Dad"/"Daddy". However, the translation doesn't carry the same weight. Adding the "-sama" addresses the parental figure in very high regards, only worthy of someone who is very honorable and with status. It also to some point shows a bit of distance between child and parent, as "sama" can be too formal. Calling a parent with "-san" though, is very common.

BTW, Nene and Satoshi are 24 in the story. Also, Susumu is Isshiki's younger brother that I made up.