A/N: I'm writing this new story but I'm torn between two directions, I would like to get some opinions to let me know which one you would like to see continued. I had one path set in my mind and then the next time I got another idea that just popped up so now I don't know which one to write to.
A/N:I do not own any characters or bleach they belong to kibu tito.
Ok so everything had not gone as planned so far in her life. She was twenty eight, jobless almost broke and alone. Yeah she was a little too old to be still clinging to the shirt-tails of her parents, but nothing seemed to be going in her favor at all. If she could just catch a freakin break she was certain she could make the most of it and turn it around.
And that is why she was here seated across from a man who hadn't spoken a word since she had been quickly and silently ushered into the room. It was taking everything in her not to let out a big long drawn out sigh and interrupt whatever the hell he was reading. He was acting as if they had all the time in the world, maybe he did but she could've been using this time for something productive. Like groveling on her knees begging for her old job back.
Which she already did, and that hadn't gotten her job back but maybe persistence was the key? "Ms. Matsumoto is it?" finally he speaks.
"Yes, Rangiku Matsumoto." She eagerly supplied sitting up straight in her seat. She smiled widely flashing her perfect white teeth. She was looking amazing, more than usual. She had just gotten her hair done, her nails done and this was a brand new outfit.
He looked up at her then his eyes slowly taking her in, they lingered just a bit too long on the hint of cleavage that was peeking out above the sweetheart neckline of her blouse. He frowned briefly shaking his head and then wrote something down in his book. "Thank you for coming in Ms. Matsumoto, but I don't think you will be of any use to us." He rose extending his hand for her to shake.
"What? Why?" Damnit her voice had risen a little, somehow he must have gotten the wrong impression. She was a buxom woman, what was she supposed to do wear a turtle neck in this one hundred degree weather? There was not much she could do to cover them.
His left brow rose slightly and he dropped his hand, "I'm afraid you don't quite fit our needs." His voice although the same even tone she could hear a hint of annoyance in it.
"I have a right to know why. Is it because of my boobs? I can't believe this! I'm being discriminated because I have big breasts. This is freakin ridiculous." Oh well whatever this job was she didn't want it anyways. She would much rather go drinking for the second time in a row and pass out into oblivion.
"Ahem," he said clearing his throat awkwardly. "It has nothing to do with your -um- assets, you just don't fit the description that I'm looking for."
"What kind of job is this? I was told it was an administration position. What does it matter what I look like I'm way too over qualified for this shit." She closed her lips too late. Well she was just breaking so many interview rules. What was one more?
"I'm afraid you weren't adequately informed, although it does require some paperwork and filing this is in no way a traditional desk job." He took a seat and she took hers too unsure of when she had risen from it. "Although it pays very well, maybe a little too well it's not the type of job that is easily filled."
Matsumoto's eyes narrowed and she regarded him suspiciously, "what exactly does that mean, and how much does it pay?" she wasn't going to take it no matter what the sum. She just wanted to know how much money she would be walking away from so she can cry about it later while downing some saki.
"Well it's a yearly position that is renewed at the end of each year. When you sign on that first week you get fifty thousand as a sign on bonus, at the end of each month you get paid fifteen thousand. That does not include monthly expenses or food costs." He looked up at her to gauge her interest and see if she was still following.
Matsumoto was trying very hard to hide the excitement that was creeping over her. Imagine what she could do with all that money! The possibilities were endless. Well after she paid off her student loans and given her parents back all the money she borrowed and paid off what was left that she owed the debt collectors. Well she could get another outfit that would be about all the money she would have left.
"Go on." She said with a curt nod schooling her beautiful features into indifference.
"It's also a live in position that will require lots of traveling between Japan and abroad. While abroad you will be required to do nothing that will be free time for you to do as you please, like mini vacations if you will. Hm, I do not think I'm leaving anything out." His eyes shifted almost nervously across the sheet in front of him. "Any other questions?"
"Yeah that sounds like a wonderful hassle free job that anyone would jump at, why did you say it would be hard to fill?" something was not right. No way would someone pass up on this.
"Well believe it or not you are the sixth person we have interviewed. All the other applicants could either not travel, or had prior obligations such as family or another job that they couldn't leave."
Bullshit no way someone looking for a second job wouldn't leave the first one for this. 150k a year seriously who was he trying to kid? "Ok then why did you x me out? You didn't even properly interview me. I have no other obligations it's not like I'll be cut off from the world right? I'll still be able to call my parents right?"
He nodded, "yes um nothing too extreme like that. He is a very affuential business man he owns several big business. He isn't married but he is not opposed to it." He took off his glasses and pulled out a handkerchief and carefully cleaned them. "I said no initially because we are looking for a – how do I say this in a way that is pc- unattractive woman."
For the first time since she walked in she felt like this might be a joke. This must be some kind of set-up or something, a rich single business man looking for an ugly secretary? She was being rejected because she was too beautiful? Was this some kind of twilight zone lost episode?
"So that's it? You are gonna dangle a perfect job in my face then tell me I'm too pretty to have it! This is just unbelievable."
"Well he doesn't want to be distracted while working. He wants to be able to work with a woman and not feel attraction towards her. While at the office the days may become long, 10 to 12 hours and he would like to keep his personal life separate."
"What if I become plain?"
"Is that even possible?" he asked in shock, he seem to catch himself. "I don't know if that would work out. I mean –"suddenly he seemed flustered.
"That's not the problem, I can make it happen. Please reconsider." Mentally she was already going through ways to change herself into an ugly duckling. She could color her hair, stop wearing make-up, and maybe even borrow this guy's glasses.
He was silent for a moment then he glanced back at his little notebook, "hm, give me a few moments. I'll have to discuss this with my superior."
Matsumoto readily nodded and watched as he got up and walked out. This was in the bag once they go to speak to the higher-ups it was a done deal. Now she would have to get into the specifics, she could start tomorrow if necessary she just needed money sometime in the near future.
The door opened and she stood as he approached her. "You've got the job, here." He handed her a large folder that no doubt held a contract, "please read these over and be ready to sign them in one week. If at any time you would like to refuse just call me and let me know."
This was going to be a shitload of reading, well she would skim over it and definitely read the fine print. No way would she get suckered into another binding contract without knowing every inch of it. "Thank you so much. I won't disappoint you, you won't even recognize me when I return I promise." She could barely contain her enthusiasm at this point. No more hiding out at her parents' home and she would get to go abroad? It doesn't matter if she would be less than attractive while doing so. She wasn't in any rush to meet another guy right now anyways.
"Well then I will see you at the downtown courthouse at 8 sharp." He gave her a brief smile and ushered her out.
"Thank you, thank you!" she said bowing courteously before heading out. Maybe this was that little something she needed to turn her life around.
Her goodbyes were said, her bags were packed and she looked horrible. Like really really plain and understated. She was used to getting admiring glances from men on the street or even the occasional jealous stare of envy from women. What could she say? She was blessed with good looks and an amazing body.
A body that was now bound to a an almost painful point that she could barely breath. After a while it would get easier she told herself, hopefully it would get better. A year of this was looking to be hell. But she would gladly go through that year to get that money.
She had dyed her hair a subtle brown and had gone the way of cosmetic glasses and was without a stitch of makeup on except for some chap stick. No way would Mr. Uryū recognize her, her own mother hadn't.
Like a true procrastinator she had waited till the last minute to actually read over the contract and even then she had been dozing off. She skipped a few pages that seemed boring but did remember to read the fine print that she was proud of.
It was seven fifty and if she didn't hurry she would be late. It only took her a few more minutes before she reached the right room. Never did it cross her mind that this was the wrong thing to do in anyway, or there was any danger or any reason to say no.
All she kept thinking about was the trips and money and paying him back. Being a free woman once again would be a very beautiful thing.
"May I help you?" from behind Mr. Uryū approached, "I'm sorry Ms. this is a- Ms. Matsumoto?" he sounded truly shocked, when she turned to face him. "You, I would never have known. What happened to – well shall we?"
She giggled at his fluster and stepped aside as he led the way in. there were four men in the room. The judge and bailiff and two other men that rose when they walked in. A chill ran own her spine as she glanced around the room, it felt like she was a defendant walking into trail.
"Hello." She whispered shyly. Along with this new look she had adopted a more demure way of talking and acting. Instead of the buxom redhead that went after what she wanted and wasn't afraid to bust a few butts in the way, she was calm sweet quiet mousey Matsumoto. Being a ball buster hadn't gotten her far anyways, maybe this was her true calling?
Mr. Uryū threw her a skeptical look but didn't say anything, "Ms. Matsumoto this is Gin Ichimaru and his lawyer Kira."
"Nice to meet you." Gin said extending his hand to her. She took it and he smiled his blue eyes sparkling. For a brief moment she felt lost. Like she was swimming in a current of electricity. It ended too soon as he withdrew his fingers from hers.
Who was this man and what the hell had he just done to her. She couldn't even find her voice to respond to him. He had the most amazing smile and his voice was like being caressed by pure heaven. No wonder he wanted a plain Jane. Any woman with sense would try to jump his bones.
"Shall we begin?" Mr. Uryū said pulling her down into the seat next to him. She nodded but continued staring at Gin from beneath her long lashes.
"Have you read and reviewed the contract in its entirety?" Kira asked.
"Um, yes sir." She answered pulling out her copy. She had read most of it anyway. What could she have possibly missed?
"And you are in agreement with it, in its entirety?" all the while Gin was watching her intently. He was mentally undressing her. She knew she had seen that look many times. Only he probably had a different view of her now instead of perfect breast and a narrow waist it was a shapeless boyish figure.
"Yes, everything." She managed to mumble out a little unnerved by the way his eyes dipped to her pink lips. Damnit she should have worn any make-up period. But how was she supposed to camouflage her perfect heart shaped mouth? It was impossible for her to truly become ordinary.
"Ok, then shall we proceed with the signing?" Kira produced another contract that and handed it to Gin. He handed Matsumoto a pen and she Mr. Uryū pointed out each place where she had to sign or initial. Her hand hurt by the time she was done signing everything.
She wasn't concerned about signing her life away for a year. All she had to do was make sure she did her job, didn't sell company secrets or talk to competitors. She would be required to travel with him and be on hand if he needed any errands taken care of. In exchange for her loyalty all her expenses and housing would be taken care of. If by the end of the year she would like to continue on in his service the option would be on the table and in a year another contract would be drawn up.
Gin had been finished before her but had taken out his checkbook and began writing out a check to her. He slid it across the table too her and Mr. Uryū collected the paperwork making sure everything was in order.
He nodded at Kira and handed it over. Kira took a look over it and then stood bringing both copies to the judge. "Your honor. Everything is in order, all the conditions have been accepted and the terms explained."
The judge looked over it and for the first time Matsumoto began to feel uneasy. This all seemed like a lot just to start working for someone. It doesn't matter that he is a billionaire or owns lots of companies something was a little off.
"Please stand." He said and everyone rose to their feet. "Well I suppose this is very unconventional but I've seen a lot in my career. If you would like to conduct this as a business deal who am I to stand in the way?" he glanced from Gin to her. "Well with the power invested in me I now declare you man and wife."
story idea 1
Matsumoto's mouth fell open, "what?!" to hell with the demure mouse, did he just say they were married? "What do you mean man and wife?" she didn't know if she wanted to stay in this character or just say forget it.
The judge's eyes widened an almost shocked expression on his face, "well did you read the packet or not Ms. Matsumoto?" he asked letting a frown take over his lips.
"Well, I did read most of it. You see I was a little sleepy while I was reading I might have dozed off a few times…" she let her sentence trail off realizing that she was the one in the wrong. Mr. Uryū had given her ample time, a whole week, to read it and she had waited till the last minute.
"You just signed a marriage certificate and a pre-nup in front of me, a judge, and several witnesses. You have given your written consent to be married to Mr. Ichimaru and so as an official ordained to marry I married you two. I will see you in a year if you wish to get divorced." He rose from his seat with a shake of his head, "why don't people ever read the fine print?" he asked the bailiff as they both walked out through a back door.
"You lied to me." Matsumoto turned on Mr. Uryū who looked like he expected a much bigger outburst, or perhaps maybe a few harsh words. She would get to that in a few, right now she wanted the whole story.
She should have known this was too good to be true. No wonder six women passed this up already, if she had known it would involve getting married she would have called that very day and declined.
"I'm sorry Mrs. Ichimaru but if I had told you the entire details in the interview you would have refused."
"You damn right I would have." somehow her voice was still soft even though she was raging mad on the inside. Damnit why wasn't she yelling and screaming at him?
"It's not entirely his fault." She had forgotten that Gin was still in the room. "You had ample opportunity to read the contract Rangiku."
"No one ever reads those things." She said turning towards him angrily. He was leaning against the desk a half smirk on his lips his eyes filled with laughter.
"I suppose not, but a person who has been burned before might. I-"
"What do you mean by that?" she asked interrupting him. Did he know more about her then he was letting on?
"Nothing, it was just a generalized statement." He responded, pausing as Kira whispered something to him. "It seems like I have to make my departure a little bit earlier than expected. Ishida please help Rangiku get settled in if you will."
"Of course Gin." And that was it. Kira and Gin walked out leaving her and Ishida standing in the middle of an empty courtroom.
Once the door was closed she really went off, "I can't believe you tricked me! What am I saying I can't believe I didn't see something like this coming? It was just, just too good. Six women saying no I should have realized-"
"Actually you were the only applicant." Ishida said taking another step back.
"The only…? Why me? I just don't understand." If she hadn't been in so much pain from these damn constricting bindings she would have maybe slapped him.
"I'm sorry Mrs. Ichimaru I'm not at liberty to tell you that, but it wasn't all a lie. What I said before light paperwork and free mini vacations was true. But you'll just be doing so as his wife instead of a secretary." He was half way across the room by now.
Matsumoto didn't know if she would be able to catch him before he bolted out of the room so she stood there stewing, trying to get her thoughts on track and calm her anger. Well she could try to get an annulment or maybe run away. There was no way she was going to go live with some weird man she had been tricked into marrying. A thought popped into her head, "why did you make me dress like this if I was your target from the beginning?" what she was really wanting to ask was why would such a hot guy want someone plain as a wife.
"Well I can't tell you that either Mrs. Ichimaru-"
"Stop calling me that!" she ground out balling her fists at her hips, "one more time and I will –ugh I don't even know what I'm going to do. That's how bad it is."
"Um ok, well I can't tell you that either. You will get your answers at Mr. Ichimaru's discretion."
"I'm not leaving this room, I'm not going to his home, and I'm not being his wife. That's it. You can keep your money and your mini vacations. I change my mind."
"You can't change your mind." Ishida said fidgeting with his glasses, "if you renege on the contract you will be fined the entirety of the years pay. 150k to be paid on the day of an annulment or divorce. If you refuse to pay the sum you will be taken to court and sued."
"You guys had this whole thing figured out didn't you? And here I was thinking this was just a random bit of good luck."
"Well Mr. Ichimaru likes to have all the details sorted before he takes on a venture. If it's any consolation I'm sorry I had to lie to you."
"Well I'm sorry to but that doesn't change anything." She snapped glaring at him. So what the hell was going to happen now? She'll go to his home and live with this strange man and then what, what was the point of having her around. She certainly wasn't going to be sleeping with him, if that's what he expected he was sadly mistaken.
"Shall we head out? There are a lot of things to take care of before you depart-"
"Depart? Where am I departing to?" she groaned wondering if this day, or more like this life, could get any worse.
"Well to Paris. Gin has a meeting there and he thought it would be a great place for a honeymoon."
Matsumoto only nodded, of course to Paris where else would a rich man take his new wife who he didn't know at all? "Ok since everything has already been decided for me." She muttered with a dejected sigh, "Let's go then."
So she hadn't learned a single thing since this morning. Well she did learn the Ishida wasn't not a lawyer he actually was one of the partners of Gin. He just took on that position because he wore glasses and was the most unassuming of all the prospects.
So essentially he used Ishida to make this whole ruse seem more authentic. After showing her around Gin's large home and handing her a packet of the necessities, cell phone, credit card, drivers license, passport, he had wished her a good day and left.
She had wondered around the house for a while just being nosey and seeing what he had. He must have been hella rich, what else would justify him having another house behind this first one? She wasn't dumb, she had tried just walking out but then an alarm went off and a man, who appeared from kami knows where, glared at her while turning it off.
Matsumoto had eaten dinner already having rummaged through the well-stocked fridge and made something. Would she be expected to cook for him and clean too? She wanted to take another look at the contract and see just what exactly the details entailed.
She had found a copy in the packet that Ishida had given her. For a while she had read it in silence nothing out of the ordinary. She remembered reading all that and having felt nothing was amiss. Then she came to the marriage certificate, she didn't remember that at all. She must have dozed off at that point, and then she came to the part that she had been dreading.
There were like six paragraphs all detailing how she would be available at all times for whatever he wanted whenever he wanted it and she can't refuse. If she refuses to do her marital duties the terms of the contract will not have been met and could be sued or forced to pay all that money.
There was no way that had been in there when she had read it, but there was her signature at the bottom. There was no way she would sleep with him, no way would she let him put his hand s on her, even if he was gorgeous.
"Rangiku?" the door opened and he strolled in setting down his briefcase on the end table. "How do you like it? Oh you changed." He said as he finally caught sight of her sitting next at the computer desk.
Yes she had, her hair was still brown but she had taken off the glasses and the bindings around her breasts. She had never felt so free until the moment the wrappings came off she had felt like dancing in the nude.
"Yes I did, it was getting to uncomfortable." She looked up, catching her breath as she caught sight of him. He wasn't wearing his suit jacket and his tie was loosened at his neck. The sleeves of his shirt were rolled up showing off his well-defined arms. Kami what an amazing body he had, what amazing everything he had.
"Well I suppose it's fine while we are in the house, but when we are travelling it would be best if you appear as you were." He came over to her and peered over her shoulder.
Being n that close of proximity to him did something to her thoughts cause she didn't say what she had planned on saying. She just nodded mutely taking in the scent of him as he leaned over her his eyes scanning the page in front of her.
"It might seem a bit harsh, but I will wait till you are ready."
"No its ok." That came out a little too breathy a little too needy. That's not what she meant. She meant to say no it won't be happening at all. She wouldn't be having sex with him no matter how long he waited.
His eyes held her for a moment and then he smiled at her, sending her heart into another hardcore beating fit, " I'm sorry I had to resort to such means." Abruptly he pulled away and it seemed as if he hardened a little. "We will be leaving in an hour so please be prepared to leave in thirty."
As if the spell was broken and she was free and in control of her devices it hit her again that she didn't know this man, he had forced her to marry him and the only reason she was stuck her was because she had been greedy.
story idea 2
"What?!" both her and Gin asked at the same time. Matsumoto's mouth fell open in shock, to hell with the demure mouse, did he just say they were married? "What do you mean man and wife?"
Gin was frowning now the once charming smile replaced by a grim scowl, "that is impossible. We are not here to marry."
The judge's eyes widened an almost shocked expression on his face, "well did you read the contract or not?" he asked letting a frown take over his lips.
"Well, I did read most of it. You see I was a little sleepy while I was reading I might have dozed off a few times…" she let her sentence trail off realizing that she was the one in the wrong. Mr. Uryū had given her ample time, a whole week, to read it and she had waited till the last minute.
"And you Mr. Ichimaru what is your excuse?" he asked turning an unconvinced eye to Gin.
"That's what I have lawyers for." He snapped glaring at Kira who didn't quite look his way. At the moment he and Mr. Uryū both had the same fearful looks on their pale faces.
"You just signed a marriage certificate and a pre-nup in front of me, a judge, and several witnesses. You have given your written consent to be married and so as an official ordained to marry I married you two. I will see you in a year if you wish to get divorced." He rose from his seat with a shake of his head, "why don't people ever read the fine print?" he asked the bailiff as they both walked out through a back door.
"You lied to me." Matsumoto turned on Mr. Uryū who looked like he expected a much bigger outburst, or perhaps maybe a few harsh words. She would get to that in a few, right now she wanted the whole story.
"I'm going to have you both killed." Gin said looking as if he just might do it himself with his bare hands.
She should have known this was too good to be true. No wonder six women passed this up already, if she had known it would involve getting married she would have called that very day and declined.
"I'm sorry Mrs. Ichimaru but if I had told you the entire details in the interview you would have refused."
"You damn right I would have." somehow her voice was still soft even though she was raging mad on the inside. Damnit why wasn't she yelling and screaming at him?
"It's not entirely his fault, you had ample opportunity to read the contract Mrs. Ichimaru." Kira was saying as he began to pack up his briefcase.
"No one ever reads those things." She said turning towards him angrily. "Stop calling me that, that's not my name."
"Forget about her for the time being, explain this whole situation right now." Gin said although his voice was calm she could feel the tension and anger radiating off of him.
"I'm sorry sir, your mother-" Kira started.
"I should have known she would have something to do with this mess." Gin groaned rubbing his now pulsing temples. His mother was always try to set him up and get him married, this time she had succeeded for the moment only. He would have this marriage annulled and send Ms. Matsumoto on her way. "Get that judge back in here, put in an appeal for an annulment."
"Um…" Kira looked uncomfortable as if the worse news hadn't come just yet. He threw a weary glance to Ishida who looked just as unnerved.
"Well we can't do that sir." Ishida started nervously fidgeting with his glasses. "You see you must remain married to Ms. Matsumoto for the full duration of the year or you will be disinherited and all monies will be awarded to your brother."
"What? She can't do that."
"Actually she can, she is still the active ruling queen." Kira added inching his way closer to the door. He didn't want to be here when the full story was told.
"That's bullshit." Gin turned to her and once again he took in her frumpy appearance, "the least you could have done was find me an attractive wife."
"Well you don't have to worry about that, I'm filing for an annulment. I'm the victim here not you." No way was she going to let him insult her and let it slide off like water.
"No, you can't do that." He almost shouted. "It's not like I'm going to have to sleep with you, so as long as we pretend to be happy for the year you'll get whatever is in it for you and I'll keep my kingdom."
It was like it was just registering what was being said, he was a prince and his mother was the queen. Ok so she had somehow definitely wandered into the twilight zone. She didn't even know queens and kings and princes were still going on in the world.
But if he was a prince wouldn't it be logical for a prince to marry a pretty woman not a frumpy one? She'd have to wait until she was alone with Mr. Uryū to beat it out of him. "Don't worry I'm not going to force you to touch Me." she answered her words dripping with sarcasm.
Well she didn't have anything invested in this, of course she could use the money. Well that was an understatement she needed the money, like badly. So what she would have to take his name for a year? She wasn't going to sleep with him and she wasn't planning on staying on longer than the year so why not just enjoy the free travel and get paid for it? "Wait, I'm still gonna get the rest of my 100k right?"
"Yes, at the end of each month you will get the monthly allowance of fifteen thousand. That part wasn't a lie."
"So you paid her to get married to me?" He asked incredulous, like she should be paying him to marry her. Well in light of how she looked now, she supposed it would be hard to believe.
"Well, I should be going."Mr. Uryū muttered awkwardly as he was half-way out the door already.
"Yea me too, I have a business meeting that I really need to attend..." Kira also chimed in joining Mr. Uryū walking out.
So that was it, they did their little dirty work pulled off this little scheme without telling them all the details and now they were gonna go about their business. What was she to do? She didn't expect Gin to be kind to her having been tricked into marrying her.
"So… what happens now?" she asked shifting restlessly from one foot to the other.
"Let's get something straight. We are married in name only don't think, don't think that I will treat you kindly because you are my wife. Stay out of my way as much as you can and I will do the same. Understand?"
"I really couldn't give a shit about you." Matsumoto answered. Which was true as long as she got her money living with him would be cake. She was sure she would be able to find something to keep herself occupied.
"Good, the feeling is mutual. The only thing I need from you is to pretend to be happy whenever you are in the presence of my parents. I don't care if anyone else knows that we are faking."
"Of course, getting that money far outweighs the discomfort of being in your presence." Well this whole thing has escalated pretty quickly and in the wrong direction at that.
"Well shall we head out?" he turned and started heading out. Matsumoto picked up her purse and followed him out.
This year was going to probably be the best year of her life. So what she had to occasionally act like she liked that very rude man. She could deal with that and a whole lot more. Even if he wasn't a prince he must be hella rich. This was the biggest house she had ever seen only rivaled by one other, one she wish she had never step foot into.
The room was huge and it was decorated in light pastel colors with lavender accents. Her room was on the other side of the house away from his, which was fine with her. She had unpacked her small bags and had just taken off her clothes to try out the Jacuzzi bath that was in her room. There was a quick rap on her door and on pure instinct she dived beneath the covers bringing them up to her chin.
"It's open." She called out, and the door swung open.
"My mother is coming over tonight." He said curtly, "you really don't have to worry about your modesty with me. Believe I'm not interested."
"I was trying to take a nap fyi." She bit back frustrated that he would think that she cared what he thought. "What does that have to do with me, she's your mother."
"She is your mother also, at least for the next year."
Matsumoto rolled her eyes, "can't she wait a day? After all we just got married isn't this the honeymoon period? And I'm way too jetlagged to do anything right now."
"Ok I will pay you double your monthly salary if you show up tonight and act like a love-stricken dolt. Then for the next two weeks I'll be out of your hair I have business in Japan I need to attend to."
Double? Is that what he thought of her? She would do anything for money? Well considering the circumstances it was a bit accurate. But if she wasn't in such a big financial mess she wouldn't have had to stoop so low. "Okay. I can do that."
"Don't fuck it up, my mother is very astute, she'll be able to tell if you are being sincere or not so don't over act, you have to be subtle."
"So no proclaiming my undying affection for you?" she replied sarcastically.
"No, that won't be necessary. You might not have anything invested in this but this is my life, my kingdom that is riding on my mother believing we are in love. I don't expect you to do it for me, do it for the money you will be getting."
"More truthful words have never been spoken." Matsumoto said with a sigh. He must not know about the mountain of debt she had, or the threatening phone calls she had been getting. Yea she had nothing invested in this at all. "Fine what time will she be here?"
"She is on her way now." he answered and only then did she realize that he had changed and was wearing a crisp white tuxedo and his hair was still a little damp.
"What? Why didn't you tell me sooner?" she almost jumped out of the bed, but she kept her self still under the covers.
"I just got the call a little while ago. If you hurry you might look somewhat presentable by the time she gets here." With that he shut the door behind him and leaving her staring at the empty spot that he had just been in.
So she would be using her acting chops a little bit earlier than she had previously anticipated. She wasn't the best actress but how hard would it be to fake being in love? All she had to so was call him Hun or hunny and pretend to be interested in what he had to say.
The only thing she was actually worried about was what she was going to wear and how she would present herself. Should she come as all natural mousy Matsumoto or the bombshell Matsumoto? She still hadn't figured out a reason why she had been forced to dress this way to begin with. So she maybe should continue to do so until she got a hold of Mr. Uryū or maybe even Kira.
It was twenty minutes later that she emerged out of her room looking as best as she could while still appearing drab. She had put her long hair up in a bun leaving just enough out to frame her face, she wore a black sweater that was loose and boxy around her chest and waist. Under that was a knee length pleated skirt and long stockings, perfect.
When she walked into the sitting room Gin was already in an animated conversation with his mother. "Oh you've finally decided to join us Hun." He rose and came over to her wrapping one arm around her waist, "mm you smell delicious." He dipped his head and placed a kiss on the side of her neck.
She wasn't prepared for that at all and her heart quickened and her mouth seemed to glue itself shut. She couldn't find any words to say to that or articulate period. Gin didn't miss a beat, "Mother this is Rangiku Matsumoto –ahem – Rangiku Ichimaru I keep forgetting that."
"Nice to meet you." His mother said with a cautious smile.