Bun Bun

by MiBo

The Ishikawa Family rose to power by producing the sweetest maple syrup but there is turmoil amongst the five siblings, two sets of twins, and a single middle child with a tea shop. She is to wed a prestigious family but extreme sibling rivalry left her to fend for herself for the first time in her life, her real world job is at Chateau Bunny, a maid cafe with a bunny girl theme.

1. The Daughterly Maid

Disclaimer: I do not own Ouran High School Host Club it righfuly belongs to Bisco Hatori. I only claim ownership of Mayu Ishikawa (a.k.a. Bun Bun) and the Ishikawa Family. This story is inspired by Desire Climax and Kaichou-wa Maid-Sama.

Chapter 1 - The Daughterly Maid

Orange maple leaves fell from the trees, the wind toyed with them as they floated to the ground, a traditional wooden broom was being used to push them into piles, to clear the stone path. The broom was moved in motions that were repeated so many times that it had become perfection, the bamboo handle was held by delicate hands that had seen too much work but were still soft in the morning light. Those hands traveled up only partially before being shrouded in a dark green kimono that held light green leaf patterns all over it, the obi was a light brown satin with a cream vine pattern woven into it, the underlayers were only two and they were dark brown followed by a paler brown. A loosely plaited white braid sat against the shoulder and upper torso of the lithe figure, it trailed up to the heart shaped face, and two crimson irises, matched with shimmering coral lips, followed the motions of the broom. Light humming emitted from the young woman, the path had been cleaned, she turned to go, but took one last look at the morning light that shone between the trees. She smiled, those rubies twinkled, and the young woman headed inside to prepare breakfast for the others that were still sleeping on such a wonderful day.

There were many plates, each one held a sunny side up egg placed on a ham steak that was placed on top of lettuce and it all sat on a slice of toast. It was accompanied by a bowl of steaming rice, a cup of coffee, and a smaller bowl of miso soup. The young woman placed her own dish on the table, it was much more simple than the others, just a bowl of rice with pieces of yam and black seasme seeds in it, and a bowl of miso soup; it was accompanied by a cup of oolong tea and another set of the same was placed next to her own. Then she proceeded to clean all of the dishes that were used, prepared the rice pot for dinner, and waited for the others to awaken. The moment that the lid on the rice pot was secured, there were foot steps heard, her ruby orbs watched as the family filed in for breakfast that day, just like every other day, and no one said a word to her. She was invisible amongst the five children, a ghost, but she was acknowledged by only two people in the household.

An elderly woman took her seat, she watched as the young girl sat down next to her, the knarled fingers of the older one squeezed the soft hands of the younger one. "Thank you for this Mayu."

Mayu smiled, "You're welcome Gammy." The older woman smiled, she clapped her hands together as did Mayu, and she whispered, "We thank you for watching over us Lady Amaterasu. Please give my grandmother her good health and let today be another shining day." Gammy smiled and the pair began to eat while the others had already started, Mayu's eyes always roamed over her siblings, two sets of twins. She looked at the first set, the older ones, who held the same blond hair color as her mother and green eyes, Rosette and Colette, spoiled to no end and arrogant too. Then she turned her eyes onto the younger set of twins, they held the auburn color of her father but held those green eyes of her parents, Valia and Talia, they act like they're little princesses. She began to eat her food while her grandmother smiled at her, the older woman held the same white hair but had blue eyes, and Mayu smiled at her Gammy. "I'm alright."

"You do this every morning." Mayu chuckled, "This is the Ishikawa life of those who appear as the latest incarnation of our great Lady Amaterasu. But you have it far worse than I ever did even if I was married into the family, I never had siblings." Mayu only smiled at her grandmother as they began to eat in peace, the two sets of twins pretended that she wasn't there but her grandmother leaned over, "I have an arrangement that I need to speak to you about later." The middle child nodded as they proceeded to eat their breakfast in silence once more until it was broken by her father's voice.

"Food is delicious as always Mayu." She inclined her head politely towards him while he smirked, "I know that I haven't always said anything to you, I'm busy as you know."

"It's quite alright. I understand that your work is important."

"Thank you Mayu." She knew that her father meant well but tended to spoil Valia and Talia more because he was they were the youngest of the siblings whereas her mother was the oldest of her siblings so Rosette and Colette were spoiled; and that left Mayu to her grandmother. "Oh, there is something that I wanted to speak with you about Mayu, is later today alright?" She nodded while he added towards the older woman, "Mother you're welcome to come since it was your idea." The elder smiled and nodded while they continued to eat in peace, once everyone was finished Mayu cleaned up the table, and headed out into the yard once more.

Wind toyed with her loose braid as it sat on her shoulder, her footsteps lead her to the maple trees that they had on their estate, it was their life. She placed a hand on one of the trunks, "Thank you for providing us with your sap. Because of you we can live this comfortable life and be known through out Japan as the Ishikawa Maple Company. The family has become one of the most prominent in recent years because of the high quality maple that is produced. Thank you." Mayu did this to all of the largest trees, they were used more than the others but she was still happy to walk among them, watching their leaves, testing their bark, and making sure that there was nothing wrong with them. The woman enjoyed speaking to the trees, it was comforting and she could always be frank with them because they didn't judge her and, most of all, they listened. Her feet had lead her to the largest and oldest of the trees, she wrapped her arms, as far as they could, around its girth, "Thank you." She relinquished her embrace on the tree, she placed her back against it, the wind tugged at the loose strands of her braid, and she closed her eyes to listen to the leaves rustle. "We're on our own." Ruby orbs looked up at the leaves, "I wonder what needs to be said to me later today. It makes me anxious my friend but I have a feeling that it's not awful. What do you think?" The leaves rustled once more and she smiled, "Yes, I will have faith in Lady Amaterasu that it's something good." She became silent, content to listen to the wind, the leaves, the branches, and all of nature in that field of maple trees.

Delicate fingers traced a heart on the trunk of the tree, she left the comforting maple tree, her steps lead her back to the main path, she was unaware that there were visitors there that day, the two men had spotted her walking, and they paused to watch her as she stopped by each tree to thank it. The wind kicked up, it blew her braid away from her body, the ribbon that held it was steadfast, and when the gust faded; there were many loose pieces sticking out in all directions and a few leaves caught in her tresses. A quiet chuckle emitted from her throat while she plucked the leaves and placed them on the ground, she tucked her strands back into the loose braid, and continued on her way. The moment that she arrived at the main house, she was stunned as she was greeted by her two sets of twins, they were smirking at her. "What is it?"

Rosette and Colette stated, "We have handsome visitors today!"

Valia and Talia chimed in, "They're rich!"

"Do finances matter? Our family is wealthy too."

Rosette fumed, she was rather portlier than her twin but both wore bright red lipstick, mascara, and purple eyeshadow. They kept their waist length hair tied back with expensive pearl barrettes, "No, they have more money."

"Do you even know how much money our family has?"

Talia always curled her shoulder length hair and these two twins wore shimmer lip gloss, fake eyelashes, and green eyeshadow, "Money is everything in this world if we want to keep our lifestyle."

"You're just spoiled."

Valia scoffed, she had the same length hair as her sister but kept it straight, "You're just jealous that mom and dad didn't pay any attention to you and you got stuck with Knarly Hands."

Mayu's ruby eyes darkened, "Don't you talk about Gammy that way."

"What are you going to do? Shoo us with your broom?" taunted Colette. "You're only good as a maid." Mayu took in a deep breath, closed her eyes, counted to ten, and when she opened them again, the four siblings all screamed in unison.

Those screams echoed around the house, their father looked at his guests and said, "Please give me a moment gentlemen." They nodded to him while he left their sides to see what his children were screaming about, just as he disappeared down a hall, Mayu appeared from another one. The two men watched her, she bowed to them, and greeted them warmly.

"Welcome to the Ishikawa Maple Company estate. We aim to provide the best maple syrup in all of Japan, if not the world. Would you like to know about the types of maple we offer while my father is assissting other matters?" The two men nodded, she inclined her head and sauntered to the brochures that were sitting on the countertop nearby. She gave each one a packet, "These are listed by flavor, the fullest and sweetest flavors are listed first and they descend. Feel free to ask any questions and I will do my best to answer accordingly." They nodded once more, "Can I offer you a cup of rosehip tea while you wait?" The men nodded once more while she guided them to the counter, they each took a seat, she poured the tea into the Royal Albert cups, each was placed on a saucer accompanied by a simple tea cookie that held a dash of peach maple. "Here are you gentlemen, rosehip tea with a tea cookie that is flavored with our peach maple."

The first male took a bite of the cookie and nodded, "It's very delicious. Not too sweet and you can even taste the peach."

The second male nodded, "Yes and it's paired very well with the tea. Do you make the tea?"

"I do."

"You pick the leaves yourself?"

"Yes. All of our tea is produced right here on the estate grounds."

"Is the tea part of the Ishikawa Maple Company?"

Mayu shook her head, "No. The tea is an independent company that is listed as Shining Grove Tea."

The first male asked, "Are you the owner of the company?"

"Yes I am."

"You're so young!"

Mayu laughed, it was a sound that they compared to soft bells, and they enjoyed it, "I learned the craft from my grandmother and she from her mother. It's a tradition that I wish to see continue but I also make simple sweets."

"Simple sweets?"

"Sweets that do not consist of so many ingredients that the list is longer than the name of the pastry." The two men laughed and sipped their tea, asking if she also made the maple syrup, to which she chuckled. "I do not have a part in making the syrup only tea. But I do give suggestions for flavors because I have an ability to match extracts." They agreed that she was very good at matching, she smiled at them, refilled their tea cups, and they sat in silence while she gave them some rosehip tea to take home. They thanked her, when they finished their third cup, her father reappeared.

He smiled at her, "Taking care of my guests as usual, Mayu." She only smiled at him in return while the two men stated what a wonderful daughter she was. "Yes, Mayu is a wonderful one. She's the middle child and tends to get forgotten with five daughters but she's my little maiden." She only chuckled while cleaning the cups, putting them away, and cleaning the tea pot. "Shall we gentlemen?" They nodded while they said their farewells to Mayu and she did the same to them.

When they disappeared her mind wandered to the topic about her in the afternoon time, she sighed, shrugged her shoulders, and headed back out onto the estate grounds. It was then that she noticed her father was taking the two men on a tour of the estate, explaining to them which trees were used for which syrup, she smiled, and turned away only to see her twins standing there. "Yes?"

"You got us in trouble with daddy!" yelled Valia and Talia.

"Mommy yelled at us too!" hollered Rosette and Colette.

"I didn't do anything but take a few stern steps towards the four of you."

"It doesn't matter! Now daddy said he won't buy us new dresses!" whined Talia.

"And we don't get to go out to a nice restaurant tonight with mommy!" added Colette.

Mayu only sighed, "Perhaps you should be more modest."

"And act like we're poor? I don't think so," stated Rosette. She shook her head, "You're just jealous of us because you came out looking like someone else's kid."

Ruby eyes glared at her older sister, she shivered, "You would do well not to insult Lady Amaterasu."

"Why do you worship her? She's just a myth!" replied Colette.

"I will believe in whatever I wish, Lady Amaterasu has always been the deity that the Ishikawa Family worshipped. We were once proud Shinto Priestesses but now that line has dwindled down to Gammy and myself; leaving two generations of Ishikawa ladies as spoiled princesses looking for their prince to buy them expensive dresses and take them out to fancy restaurants instead of embracing the modesty of the Shrine Maiden."

"What's wrong with a prince?" questioned Valia. "Princes have money and big castles and lots of servants! We only have a single family of servants for us and then there's you. I don't even know why you cook or clean or do half the things that you do when we have servants."

"I prefer to do things myself rather than rely on others."

"That's because you'd rather be poor," piped in Rosette. The four sisters laughed together while she continued, "Maybe you should have been born to a poor family, it would suit you so well." There was more laughter, "Then you would become a maid to one of us!" Again they all laughed at her and Mayu took in a breath, held it, counted to ten, then let it out.

"My breath is wasted on the four of you. Can you badger someone else?"

"There's no one else. Mommy said to leave the servants alone so there's only you," grinned Valia. "Daddy said that you might get sent away forever! That'd be great because then Knarly Hands will go with you since no one wants to take care of her!"

Mayu held that angry look in her face and sighed, "If I can request an arranged marriage, it will only be too soon."

Colette stood shocked, "Why would you want an arranged marriage? That's so ancient and horrible, you won't even love the person you're with and it could be some old guy! Gross! But then again, it suits you so well too. Always wearing those old kimonos instead of the newest trendiest outfits."

"If it means getting away from the four of you sooner then I'll take any one. And Gammy will come with me just she won't have to put up with your incessant harsh words. She's a wonderful person and very wise, you would do well to listen to her."

"Why? So we can turn out like you?" asked Talia.

"Do what you wish." Mayu left the four sisters as they made fun of her for being the bride to an old man, she clamped her mouth shut tight, and disappeared on the side of the main house. She had to catch her breath, it was aggravating being around them even if they were family, and once she was calm, she headed to the annex of the house. Mayu opened up the door, her grandmother was already in there knitting, the pair smiled at each other, the younger woman picked up her knitting needles, and joined her grandmother. "What are you making Gammy?"

"A scarf. You?"

"A blanket."

"Very good! You've gotten so good at this."

"You're the best teacher." She laughed while her grandmother asked her what was wrong, "Just the siblings again. Nothing to worry about although I was thinking of asking father for an arranged marriage."

"Oh? You do know that if that happens..."

"You'll come with me and I'll have to take care of you, that's alright."

She smiled, "You're a good girl Mayu."

"Because you raised me Gammy." She laughed while Mayu added, "If I can get an arranged marriage then that means you and I won't have to put up with those lousy females called sisters and granddaughters any more."

"Yes, you are quite right! Do you have any families in mind?"

"I don't know any so father would have to choose."

"I'm sure Aiden will choose wisely. He may not pay attention to you but he does love you. I know it. I can see it in his face."

Mayu smiled, "I know but what about mother?"

"Well...she's a tough nut to crack." Mayu chuckled at her words but she continued, "Selka is a strange woman, I wasn't sure about her when I first met her but she was good to Aiden. That's all that mattered until I learned that she had younger siblings. That changed everything, especially when Rosette and Colette were born. But there was a light in Aiden's eyes when you were born."

"Why?"

"Because you resemble the incarnation of our Lady Amaterasu that we worship in the Ishikawa Family. You look just like me except I have blue eyes and you have those beautiful apples or maybe they're strawberries or cherries!" Mayu laughed hysterically at her grandmother's metaphor for her eyes. She grinned, "Aiden has never had that light in his eye ever since. He does love you, he may be more partial to Valia and Talia but don't worry, he will always choose what's right for you. That's why he gave you such large birthday and christmas gifts!"

"It was all money."

"What did you do with that money?"

"I opened Shining Grove Tea, an online tea shop with custom blends of tea."

"That's right. He gave you the same amount of money that he gave to your sisters but they spent it all on clothes and makeup whereas you opened a business and now use those profits for yourself and for me. You're self-sufficient."

"I know but my sisters don't know."

"Really? They're that stupid?" Mayu laughed with her grandmother, "They haven't realized anything yet because they're so consumed with themselves." She nodded and she continued, "You know your father's name and your mother's name, now how about mine?" The granddaughter nodded and Gammy replied with a grin, "My first name is Sakura."

"So pretty."

"As is yours Mayu." She nodded while Sakura continued to knit with her granddaughter, "By the way, that wish of an arranged marriage," Mayu looked at her, "it may come sooner than you think." She tilted her head, "I hope you can finish that blanket today because it will be a good gift." She chuckled but Sakura watched as she began to knit faster in order to finish it for the afternoon time, "I thought I would have Aiden meet us in here so you can take your time." Mayu nodded, "I meant to ask you, what pattern are you putting on it? I seem to see a lot of different colors."

Mayu stood up, fluffed out the knitted blanket to show her grandmother that it was of the large maple tree in the estate, there was a heart in the center of it, and she was just finishing off the sky. "I'll decide how much of the sky I want then I'll put batting on the back to make it warm for winter."

"It's beautiful." Mayu smiled and continued to knit in silence while Sakura hummed, the pair were always knitting together, and Gammy knew that Mayu was going to finish that blanket no matter what. As the day wore on into the afternoon time, Gammy got up, "I shall go get some tea while you finish and then I'll come back with Aiden." Mayu nodded while her grandmother got up, left Mayu to her business, and the granddaughter in the kimono finished off her knitting. Tied off the end and began to attach the batting to the backside along with a smooth piece of cotton to keep it from itching. She began to loop the needle through the ends of the knitted piece so that it was nice and tight. Sakura had entered the foyer, Aiden had seen his guests off, and he hugged his mother. "I know, I know. You're sad to see me go."

"I'll miss you mother."

"I know but it's not started yet!"

Aiden laughed, "So true. So who do you have in mind?" Her blue eyes twinkled while she handed over the pamphlets to him. Sakura began to gather the tea supplies for their afternoon talk, she noticed that there were some cookies set out as well, she chuckled, placed everything on a tray with her son's help, and he took the tray. He followed her with papers on the tray to the annex, "You two are inseparable."

"Well she needed someone to look up to and I was the only one around with similar hair."

"I know. I'm sorry."

"It's alright Aiden. There's always one Ishikawa maiden that will be taught the old ways. That's just the way it is. Besides, she's just tired of her sisters, they're always badgering her."

"I know. I try to discipline them but it doesn't work."

"Don't worry. Mayu can take care of herself."

"What's she doing now?"

"Finishing off her blanket."

"Ah, the pattern?"

"It's the large maple tree."

Aiden smiled, "She's so sweet. I hope these matches are good. Once we have a seat, I can look at them, and then discuss it with her." Sakura nodded, "What made you think about this before me?" His mother shrugged while grinning, "Oh come on! You gotta tell me something mother."

"Alright alright. I've been watching Mayu, she does the same thing every morning but puts her whole heart into it. The only thing that she's good at is cooking, cleaning, and making tea so I thought it was time for her to be married. I'm just a bonus!" Aiden hysterically laughed at her words while she grinned, "Yep. I'm still the funniest in the family." He was chuckling by the time they reached the annex, they entered, and he noticed that Mayu had worked so fast on the blanket that it was finally finished. She fluffed it out over the sofa in the anned, he smiled. "It's beautiful Mayu."

"Thank you. I've been working on it for two years!"

"Why so long?"

Sakura took the liberty to reply, "Her sisters used to come in and unravel what she did. That's why I started locking the door." He nodded and apologized to Mayu but she shrugged it off as she took over setting up the tea for them. She poured three cups, put four sugar cubes into her father's tea, while she and her grandmother took it with nothing. He smiled whie Gammy replied, "She watches everything."

He chuckled, "Thank you Mayu."

"You're welcome Da." He smirked at the term she had used for him when she was smaller, this time she could see that light he held in his eyes that Sakura had told her about. She smiled and sipped her tea while her father looked over the pamphlets that his mother had gathered. Mayu wanted to see what it was and even question it but she waited while quietly sipping her tea. "Lady Amaterasu heard my prayer today Gammy."

"Oh?" Aiden looked up at them, "How so?"

"I asked her for your good health and a wonderful shining day and both were given. I feel so blessed that she always listens."

"Mayu she will always listen to those prayers that are not selfish. You always wish for others happiness and a beautiful day. That's why she answers your prayers but it does help that you look like her incarnation that the Ishikawa Family has always worshipped." Mayu chuckled with her father while Sakura continued, "It's true. You are beautiful just like our Lady Amaterasu." Mayu nodded, thanked her Gammy and they returned to sipping tea in silence once more.

It was many more cups later that Aiden put down the folders, he looked at Mayu, "Honey?" She looked at him while pouring another cup of tea for him, "Your grandmother and I have decided that you will be the first of the Ishikawa Maidens to be wed." She nodded with a smile, "We've picked out some families that we think will be good for you but some are already married. We're going to decide which two families to send the proposal to. Is that alright?"

"An arranged marriage doesn't bother me as long as they allow Gammy to come with me."

"Yes, I'll be sure to put that into the proposal. But you're absolutely sure about this?"

Her ruby eyes looked into his green ones while she smiled, "Yes. I don't mind, Da. If you believe it's best for me then I trust you. I don't go out to clubs, restaurants, shops, or anything of the sort. I don't meet people and that's the way I prefer it. I'm very homely and believe wholeheartedly in staying at the home to keep peace. I have Shining Grove Tea that can be easily transported where ever I'm intended to go. The other items I have are small such as clothes and my furnishings can stay here, I don't care. If you believe that an arranged marriage is suitable for me then I have no quarrel with it."

"You're words are so eloquent." Mayu smiled at her father while he said, "Alright then. I'll pick out two out of five because two of them are already married and the other one is a set of twins. I'm sure you're tired of twins." Mayu laughed while he smirked, "Alright my little Light Maiden. I'll send these out and which ever one gets back to me first then I'll let you know alright?" She nodded and Aiden kissed her forehead and Sakura's before he left the annex.

She raised and eyebrow at her Gammy, "You had this idea didn't you?"

"I overheard you grumbling a few times of how you'd be able to leave here and the only way is with an arranged marriage. I was moved when you said that you wanted me to come with you. It warmed my heart so much that I thought I was going to burst into flames!"

Mayu laughed once more, "Gammy!"

"Yes! I still have my humor!" Mayu shook her head and she leaned forward, "You know, with your new husband," red eyes looked into those wise blue ones, "you should get a nick name from him for you."

"Oh? What did Gampy choose for you?"

"He had so many but I think my favorite one had to be Spring Blossom." Mayu's eyes softened as Sakura's eyes glistened in reverie. "Yes, that was always my favorite one. You could tell when he was in a good mood because he was always yelling Spring Blossom at the top of his lungs and running around like a crazy person." Mayu kept silent and Gammy suddenly laughed, "When I told him that I was pregnant with Aiden he went to everyone he knew and said that his lovely Spring Blossom had a bud coming." The white haired maiden laughed with her older counterpart, "Yes, he was so silly."

Mayu wiped a tear from her face and smiled, "You loved him very much."

"Yes I did but I didn't always." Mayu was shocked while they decided to finish off the tea in the pot, "He and I were arranged as well. When we first met, it was nothing but clashing. I slept in a room adjacent to his until he got so angry that I moved into the same room as him. Then we slept on opposite sides of the room, it was like sibling rivalry."

"Why?"

She shrugged, "We didn't click right away. He had weird habits that I didn't approve of and I had some that he didn't like either. He always said that I knit too loudly." Mayu chuckled, "Yep, my needles clanked together and he couldn't concentrate on his work and I told him that he snored too loudly and I couldn't get any sleep." Sakura laughed at the memory, "It was like that for a long time. For years it went on like that, I tried to please him but nothing mattered until one night." Mayu sipped her tea and listened intently, "It was winter and for some reason it became extremely cold outside. No matter how he tried to warm up, he couldn't do it, so I gave in. I moved my bed to his, I threw my knitted blanket over him to cover the two of us, and he turned to look at me with puppy eyes."

"What happened next?"

"I said, 'Don't get the wrong idea. This won't happen again.' Little did I know but that night changed him forever. Your grandpa began to tidy up his side, he would keep his papers in order, his books together, and he would even separate his whites from his darks for me." Mayu chuckled, "Yes it was all fun and games but I was suspicious of him, I didn't know if he was teasing me or something else so I was always cautious. But then I got ill, it was just a cold but he did everything for me. It was the first time that I was able to see him as a man, I just thought of him as a boy but when he picked me up to take me to the bath, I realized that this man truly cared about me. He would bathe me, make soup for me; it wasn't good but it got the job done, and slowly we began to fall in love."

"That's such a sweet story!"

"I know, isn't it? It melts my heart every time I get to tell it and believe me your father heard his fair share of it. Nishi was always telling him that story at bedtime, always reminding him to never judge a book by its cover. That's the best advice I can give you but you know what?" Mayu tilted her head, "Just be yourself. Don't change or alter yourself to suit other people, you can adapt to their ways but always be yourself. I was and, sure we fought in the beginning like little kids, but in the end it was worth it. The love your grandpa and I had is unforgettable."

Mayu smiled, "I hope I can find love like that."

"You will. Lady Amaterasu will allow you to be happy like I was and still am because I have you." She nodded while they finished the tea, Mayu placed everything on the tray, and excused herself so that she could put it in the kitchen for the servants to clean. When Mayu was out of earshot, Sakura grinned, "I do hope that one of those two families will return the proposal happily. I'm sure that Mayu will be happy with either one, she'll make sure but the question is will they take me too? If not I can survive here with the four little brats, I survived Selka."

The tray was placed in the sink while the teapot and cups were separated, she looked up, gazed out the window of the kitchen, and sighed. "I do want an arranged marriage but perhaps it's for all the wrong reasons...Lady Amaterasu, can you give me a sign that what I wish is not selfish?" She watched outside, the wind picked up, and she exited the kitchen, the gust was so strong that she put a hand one the side of her face. It tugged at her hair and the wind plucked her ribbon straight out of her hair, her red eyes watched as it fluttered through the air, she chased after it, her hair was billowing around her, and she followed her bright green ribbon through the maple trees. As the gust died down, she paused to see that her ribbon was stuck to the trunk of the largest maple tree in the estate, she smiled, removed the ribbon, and held it in her hand. She placed her other hand on the tree trunk, "Thank you. I now know that my decision was not selfish. Thank you Lady Amaterasu and my friend here, The Ancient." She touched her first two fingers to her lips then onto the tree trunk before leaning her back against it in order to loosely braid her hair once more.

Once she finished, she returned to the annex, Gammy was sitting there knitting still, she looked up, and smiled, "Did you get your answer?" Mayu nodded while Sakura smiled, "Good. I'm glad. She always listens to those with good hearts and to those that believe in her." Mayu smiled and picked up a new set of knitting needles and yarn, "What are you making this time?"

"A scarf."

She laughed, "I just finished mine!" Mayu chuckled while her grandmother started on another one, "I love scarfs, they're so simple. I don't have it in me to make blankets any more." Mayu smiled, "But I made plenty in my younger years just as you're going to."

"I know. Maybe I'll make one with Lady Amaterasu on it but depicted like in that game that Valia and Talia are always playing."

"The one where she's a wolf?"

"Yes. I like that version, she travels around as a white wolf with red eyes."

"Ah so that's why you like it." Mayu smiled, "You look like her!"

"Yes Gammy."

"You should do that."

"I will when I'm up for it."

"Always wait for the right moment." Mayu nodded and they sat in silence together, both knitting away, and listening to the sounds of the leaves rustling around outside. "You know there's a nick name for you here?" Mayu glanced at her Gammy, "You're known as the Daughterly Maid because you act like a maid but then your the middle child of the Ishikawa Maidens." She chuckled while Sakura grinned, "I wonder which family will return the proposal."

"Who are they?"

"I guess I can tell you since you don't know the families, it won't do any harm. But don't tell your sisters, they know all the rich families." Mayu rolled her eyes which made Sakura laugh, "Alright then! First we have the Ootori Family and second is the Morinozuka Family. The Ootori Family are known for their hospitals whereas the Morinozuka Family are renowned martial artists along with their counterpart the Haninozuka Family. Both families have sons that are a few years older than you but it's fine. It's one of the reasons why I chose them." She could tell that both families were out of her realm of comfort, "Don't worry. You'll learn, I'm sure." Mayu nodded while continuing to knit, "Although both are good choices, it's ultimately up to me isn't it?" When her granddaughter looked at her confused she chuckled, "You asked if I could come so the only one that responds will be the one that won't mind me coming to stay with you. It's a big toss up because I'm not sure either one will accept it."

"If neither do?"

"I'll find other families." She winked at her while Mayu chuckled, "Your Gammy is well traveled and informed! Don't let my knarly old hands fool you for I am a treasure trove of knowledge, a fountain of information, and a chest full of marbles!" Mayu laughed while her Gammy grinned, "That's better. Don't worry about what hasn't happened yet and just focus on the now." She nodded and held that smile on her face while knitting a new scarf for her mysterious husband-to-be. Hours passed by and Mayu had finished her scarf, she placed it on top of the blanket, Gammy set aside her own knitting, and the pair exited the annex before Sakura locked it up. "Come now. Let's see what you're going to make for dinner since the four little girls are going out with their mother."

"Good. I can make something that the three of us will enjoy." Sakura nodded as they entered the kitchen, immediately Mayu set up tea for the three of them and then began on the crab cake and vegetable soup that she had planned. Sakura watched her granddaughter work her magic with the food, Aiden entered as well to watch, it had been a long time since it was the three of them, and he sipped the tea that she had made. It was comforting to watch her work in the kitchen, she was humming to herself, it sounded like a lullaby and Sakura grinned at her son. The crab cakes were placed on a large dish, the soup put into three bowls, and the tea refilled. "Here we are, crab cakes and veggie soup."

"Perfect food for the coming winter. Thank you Mayu," said her father with a smile. The three of them clapped their hands together and he said, "We thank you our Lady Amaterasu. Protect my little girl and my mother. Guide them with your infinite wisdom and please choose wisely for the husband that my little Light Maiden is to wed." Mayu smiled at her dad and Sakura nodded to him while they ate their food with the peace that they earned. The wind outside had quieted down to a whisper, the three of them then spoke about the days ordeals and what kind of contract was going to be signed with one of the largest bakeries in the city. "Blossom Cakes are really interested in our product and they're looking forward to using our syrup."

"Were those the two men who were here earlier, Da?"

"Yes. Those were actually the owners of the shops. I think you moved them with your tea and your mannerisms. Once again you saved me from your sisters." Mayu chuckled, "I owe you a lot Mayu and I'm sorry that I haven't been the best father."

"It's okay." He looked at her, "The short time that we spend together when they're not interrupting us is cherished by me the most. So just disarm yourself and release the fear of what you regret not having done with me. Everything will be alright and you can always call me for help in persuading future clients."

He laughed, "You are a blessing in disguise my little Light Maiden. I do hope that one of them gets back to us because they are some of the most prestigious families in Japan." Mayu nodded, "Did mother tell you about how she and your grandpa met?" She nodded while Sakura laughed, "I've heard that story so many times but I won't mind hearing it again. Could you tell it mother?"

"I'd be delighted to!" Sakura began to tell the tale of how she and Nishi were always clashing when they were first introduced. The story progressed through their dinner, Mayu served up cinnamon apple pie to them, it was a good winter dish even though winter wasn't upon them, and she smiled as they exclaimed how good it was. "What did you do different?"

"I added in a touch of apple tea into the crust instead of just water."

"Ah, that's why it tastes better," stated her father. She nodded and she leaned over to rub the side of her face. She leaned towards him and he kissed her forehead, "I'm going to miss you but I know that with you not here then you won't have to be teased by your sisters anymore. I know it's hard." Mayu shrugged and he laughed, "You're so brave."

"Only when faced with those that I know I can win against." Sakura and Aiden laughed together while they ate their pie and drank their green tea for the evening. Everything was quiet and Mayu couldn't be happier than at that moment but in the distance of the house, there was a beeping sound. It stated that a fax had been received and Aiden heard it, "It could be important." He nodded, finished his pie, tea, and excused himself so that he could go get the fax.

"Good girl." Mayu nodded as they finished their own dessert, she cleared the table, and the pair retreated to the den. The fireplace was on, they sat there watching the flames while Aiden returned to them, he sat on the couch between his daughter and his mother. There was a single sheet of paper in his hand and the two women looked at him. Sakura asked, "What is it?"

"We got a response."

"Oh? Which family?" questioned Mayu.

Aiden smiled, "The one I was hoping for."

"Who is it?" asked Sakura. He was still silent but grinning like a school boy with new shoes, "Out with it son! Who agreed?"

He leaned back and laughed heartily while grinning, he wrapped an arm around each of the women so that he could pull them close. He kissed each of their heads while they looked at one another for an answer. Once more he laughed heartily and released them, once he caught his breath, he looked from Mayu to Sakura then back again. "My little Light Maiden?" She nodded, "I know that this is out of your realm of comfort but always remember what my mother told you. She'll be with you if you need advice and you're more than welcome to come by and visit me. I may need your help and I'll help you pack up your tea bushes so that they can go with you as it is your business." She nodded with a warm smile, "I'm glad that this worked out, everything I try to do on my own never works out but I guess since this was my mother's idea, it worked out. Or perhaps Lady Amaterasu truly does love you." Mayu smiled and so did Sakura but she was getting anxious about the result.

"If you wait any longer to tell us then I'll turn to stone!"

They laughed together while Aiden said, "Mayu, you're going to be part of the Morinozuka Family."