Chapter 3

Misaki tried his best to look as grown-up as possible as he surveyed the items that had been set before him - well, before them, actually.

Still, the way Usagi-san sat back, with one long leg crossed elegantly over the other and his violet eyes trained intently on Misaki, one would never think he had any interest in the items.

With sparkling eyes, Misaki took one of the exquisitely-designed rings and held it up to the light. The ring - a narrow platinum band half-encrusted with diamonds - twinkled back at him. It was just the right size for Misaki but he felt it was too much ring for him. He placed it back on the tray reluctantly and sighed as he looked wistfully at the other offerings.

"Uhm, don't you have any that are less, uhm, glittery?"

He looked up with large, shy eyes at the manager of the establishment who had bowed them into the store as if they had been royalty. Honestly, Misaki should have been used by now to the way people reacted around Usagi-san but it still made him want to roll his eyes.

Instead of the manager answering, it was Usagi-san who responded to Misaki's query. "You really don't like any of these?" He was aware that the manager would have brought out his very best merchandise, given Usami's status, but he was also aware of Misaki's annoying, self-effacing habits.

Misaki turned narrowed eyes on his lover, now fiancé and said in a firm voice, "I think they are a little girly."

The finality in his tone made Usami relax slightly and he turned a haughty expression onto the store manager and raised one eyebrow.

The man immediately responded by bowing and nodding like an automaton while stuttering, "Yes, yes, I see... We do have other, uh, designs. Excuse me, please, Usagi-sensei, Takahashi-san!"

He scurried out of the room while Misaki turned to Usagi-san to elaborate. "They are all very beautiful but, there are so many diamonds on them, I'd be afraid to wear the ring every day."

Usami hummed in understanding. He himself didn't wear jewelry apart from his watch, his only accessory. Still, Misaki was the consort of his choice, his love and, as he'd told Takahiro, the 'other half of his soul'. Had these been different times - and Misaki been female - he would have been expected to shower him - her - with jewels.

"I understand, Misaki," he said, his deep, quiet voice sounding thoughtful and considerate. He reached for one of Misaki's small, strong hands. He lifted it to his lips and smiled when color rushed into his love's face. "I want you to choose whatever you like - but it must be the most expensive thing on the tray."

Misaki, still red, felt his eyes widen and his jaw drop at that outrageous statement. He stared at Usagi-san and realized the man was absolutely serious.

"Wh-what? Why?!"

With his usual superior smile once again gracing his ridiculously handsome face, Usami purred, "Because you deserve it..."

Misaki gulped, once again bowled over by the words coming out of his lover's mouth.

He didn't get a chance to answer, though, as the little manager came hurrying back in, a large smile on his face. Behind him came two of his attendants, both carrying large flat cases with, presumably, less glittery rings in them.

Despite himself, Misaki was keen to see what the man now had to offer him and he leaned forward slightly in his seat, forgetting entirely that Usagi-san was still holding his right hand. With a shy little smile at Usagi-san, he tugged the hand away and focused on the cases that had been placed before them.

For nearly ten minutes, Misaki and Usami-san perused the beautiful rings, rings of all designs - some with jewels and some without. Then, as they moved to the second tray, Usami drew in a breath and then let it out with a soft "Ahhh".

Misaki, his eyes wide, stared at the ring Usagi-san was holding up for his perusal - and Misaki's breath caught in his throat.

Between Usagi-san's elegant fingers was a ring that was not too flashy, not too large and not too small. What was outstanding about the slender band were the jewels nestled in its top. Three perfect little emeralds glowed from the ring's surface and once again, color surged in Misaki's cheeks.

The silence in the manager's office could have been cut with a knife as Usami-san waited for Misaki to say something.

Misaki gulped, repressed a giggle and - held out his left hand. Someone drew in a breath but Misaki didn't care; he only knew that Usagi-san was looking at him with an embarrassing amount of emotion as he slid the perfect ring onto his finger.

"Aaah!" The manager's satisfied exclamation jerked Misaki from his daze but he continued to stare at Usagi-san, caught up in the seductive violet gaze. When a soft clearing of the throat sounded, Misaki and Usagi-san looked up at the manager, just becoming aware that the attendants had left the office.

"Felicitations, Usami-sensei, Takahashi-san! You have made a wonderful choice, if I am permitted to say," and he bowed several times, a huge smile wreathing his face.

Misaki couldn't hold back a chuckle and bowed in return to the old gentleman. "Arigatou gozaimasu, Tanaka-san!"

Another series of bows took place and then Misaki turned mischievous eyes on his lover. With an eyebrow raised in imitation of Usagi-san's habit, Misaki declared, "Your turn!"

Usami blinked once and then again; with a raised eyebrow he quirked his lips, ready to refuse but Misaki ignored him and turned back to the manager. "May I see rings more suited to Usami-sensei's ... style ... please."

The manager looked interestedly between his two esteemed clients and then, picking up on the humor in the situation, bowed again. "Very well, Takahashi-san..." and hurried away again.

Misaki turned to Usagi-san and leaned toward him. When Usagi-san said nothing, only watched him, Misaki kissed him.

A little gasp parted Usami's lips and he accepted Misaki's kiss gladly. It wasn't often that his reticent lover initiated what the Americans called a PDA - public display of affection. The soft, sweet lips pressed firmly against his and Usami took the opportunity to slip him a little tongue. Misaki hummed into the kiss and then drew back slowly, a smile curving the damp lips.

Too soon, though, the manager returned with yet another case and Misaki perked up, curious to see what else was on offer.

Usami lifted his eyes to the ceiling briefly and then pasted on a look of interest on his face. He was, actually, curious to see what his fiancé was going to choose for him.

Misaki made a show of picking up, studying and then setting aside the rings. Usami and the manager watched him indulgently for a while and then, with a loud "A-ha!" Misaki turned with one held up triumphantly.

"This - this is the one!" He stared at Usagi-san expectantly and his lover stared back at him, puzzled. Then Usami realized Misaki was waiting on him to extend his left hand and he did, but not without rolling his eyes. When Misaki slipped the ring onto his finger, he sat back and examined it.

Usami held up his hand, turned it this way and that and then looked calmly at Misaki without any expression on his face. He loved winding Misaki up just to see his reaction and now he shrugged. "It's okay, I guess."

He almost laughed at the twin looks of dismay on Misaki and the manager's faces.

"Okay? Just 'okay'? Are you kidding me? It's perfect!"

Usami couldn't hold it in any more and he let out a sharp bark of laughter. When the other two stared at him, he smiled at Misaki and drew him into a hug.

"Yes, yes, it actually is perfect," he said, his voice deep and intimate as he nuzzled Misaki's ear. From the warmth emanating from his lover's cheek, he knew Misaki was blushing again.

He felt a slap against his arm just as Misaki exclaimed, "Ooh, you're always winding me up!"

The manager watched the lovebirds and smiled inwardly. This was one of the reasons he had gone into the jewelry business; happy people bought jewelry for themselves and loved ones. It wasn't all about making money; he truly loved to see the smiles on the faces of satisfied customers.

The ring young Takashi-san had chosen was, indeed, perfect for a man who didn't seem to like wearing jewelry. It was a simple, masculine design, the band a little thicker than Misaki-chan's, but what caught the eye was the large, beautifully-cut garnet in the center. It was almost the same color as Usami-sensei's striking eyes.

Tanaka-san, despite being a romantic as his wife had accused, was also a canny businessman so he was quite happy to have been able to serve the two gentlemen who were so obviously in love. This last hour now saw Tanaka-san over a million and a half yen richer, may the household gods be praised!

Misaki, unaware of the older gentleman's dual reasons for his obvious pleasure, looked at him and smiled. With a little bow, he murmured, "Domo Arigatou," his green eyes glowing happily.

Usami-sensei rose to his feet and smoothed down his elegant jacket. He, too, exchanged bows with Tanaka-san and turned to Misaki, barely stopping himself from offering his hand. Misaki knew this and grinned at him before leaping to his feet.

The three men exchanged polite small talk as Tanaka-san led them to the front of the busy store. No mention of payment had been made, of course, because the Usami family had an account there. Misaki had learned over the years that the uber-rich barely paid for anything upfront. They simply charged their purchases to accounts at the establishments they frequented.

Misaki gazed down at his left hand, hardly able to stop staring at his wonderful ring. Then, with his eyebrows pinched together, he turned to Usagi-san with a question. "Does this mean we have to get wedding bands, too?"

With a soft chuckle, Usami pulled his fiancé to his side and said, "Yes, of course, these are obviously engagement rings. Why, are you tired of shopping for rings?"

They were oblivious to Tanaka-san who was standing behind them with a huge grin trying to take over his face. Just as he got it under control, the two lovers turned to bid him goodbye. Tanaka-san bowed deeply and heaped many blessings upon them as they left the store.

Usami, not as unaware as Tanaka-san thought, held back a grin as he took Misaki's elbow to guide him out onto the sidewalk. As usual, crowds of workers scurried by and he walked closely beside Misaki as they headed to their car.

Misaki chattered happily away and occasionally glancing down at his left hand. He finally calmed down and Usami looked over at him with a soft smie.

"Hungry?" His deep voice drew Misaki's attention and large green eyes turned eagerly to him. When he nodded, Usami steered his car carefully into the stream of traffic and asked, "Anywhere special you have in mind?"

Misaki laughed and bounced in his seat. "Well, since it's not every day I have the Great Lord Usami buying me gorgeous engagement rings, I say - let's celebrate!"

"Hmmm," Usami murmured. "You're not exactly dressed for where I have in mind..."

Had it been five, even four years before, Misaki's temper would have ignited at what he thought was Usagi-san's wasteful attitude to money. Misaki had learned, however, that it wasn't a wasteful attitude as such - Usagi-san simply saw money as a tool. He didn't crave it, he didn't fear it and he certainly never worried about making it or losing it. He earned everything he chose to spend - even without touching his inheritance. Misaki had come to respect the fact, too, that as reticent and reclusive as Usagi-san was, he was also incredibly generous.

So, now, he simply settled back, knowing that Usagi-san's comment was a precursor to a whirlwind clothes-shopping trip.

Usami turned the car towards the shopping district that he favored, already knowing how he wanted Misaki outfitted for their celebratory dinner.

Twenty minutes later, they stepped into the famous clothier where Usami got his own bespoke suits. The two men were greeted like returning conquerors and Usami repressed a cynical smile in favor of enjoying Misaki's bewildered look. His poor little fiancé even looked as if he wanted to hide behind Usagi-san when the tailors descended upon him to take his measurements.

Usami was seated and the tailor brought out several suits that he showed to Usami-san for his approval. Misaki could barely get a word in but then he finally relaxed. As Usagi-san always looked so put-together and sexy, Misaki knew he really didn't have to worry about the selections his lover would choose for him.

So it was that, nearly half an hour after they arrived, Misaki was staring in awe at himself in a full-length mirror. He admired the way the midnight blue suit with its contrasting periwinkle blue shirt made him look taller and, yes, older. He stroked his hand down the grey, green and blue paisley-patterned tie and grinned as he turned to look at Usagi-san, his eyes glowing.

"I look as good as you, Usagi-san!"

Usami got up to stand behind his young fiancé and brushed his hand down his back to cup one butt cheek. He chuckled as Misaki jerked slightly and squeaked. In a deep murmur, he nuzzled Misaki's ear. "Maybe we should skip dinner and just go to bed, hmm?"

Misaki's large green eyes widened and he whispered indignantly as he stared up at his horny lover, "Not after torturing me with all this spiffing up!" He huffed and turned back to study their reflections. "Nope, we're going to dinner!"

A half hour later, as the sun set on Tokyo, Misaki and Usagi-san found themselves being seated by a deferential hostess at a table in Kozue, Tokyo's top restaurant. The breathtaking view of the last of the sun's rays hitting the snow atop Mt. Fuji drew their eyes and Misaki turned to smile beatifically at his fiancé.

"I really love coming here, Usagi-san, and it's good that our table was free."

Usami rolled his eyes at his naive lover. "I called ahead when you were changing..."

Misaki's eyes twinkled and he turned to gaze out at the view again. When the hostess came back with their menus, Usami waved them away and proceeded to order for the both of them.

When the steaming platters started arriving, Misaki breathed deeply and grinned at his lover. "Are you and Minami ganging up on me? There's a lot of food here and you barely eat anything yourself!"

Usami chuckled and enjoyed the happy glow on Misaki's face. "You're still a growing boy - and you're going to need every ounce of energy ... for later."

Misaki's eyes widened and he stared furtively around the busy restaurant as his cheeks colored. "Usagi-san, baka! You can't say stuff like that here! Baka!"

He dipped his head and tried to ignore Usagi-san's rumbling laughter. Unfortunately for Misaki, his body seemed to like Usagi-san's words and he squirmed in his seat. Determined to ignore his traitorous body, he dug into the delicious food and glared at Usagi-san as he chewed.

He was soon distracted by the food, though, and he forgot that he was annoyed with his fiancé as he savored each dish. The shabu-shabu of luscious marbled beef from the famous wagyu cattle was his favorite but he also made heavy inroads into the sweet fish and matsutake mushroom dishes.

Usami did eat sparingly but he spent most of the time watching Misaki or making desultory comments about the other diners. He had a little game that he liked to play and put it down to the fact that he was a writer and, therefore, an observer of people. Simply put, he liked people-watching and would often make up background stories for the people around him, in this case, the other restaurant patrons.

Some of his observations were wickedly funny and sometimes he would have Misaki in stitches while he tried to eat in a decorous fashion. It was a lost cause for many a time Misaki would end up almost snorting his drink because Usagi-san made him crack up.

The time flew by so pleasurably that Misaki finally looked around and realized most of the people they'd seen when they got there had left already. Patting his lips with his napkin, he sighed, satiated and happy, and smiled at his handsome fiancé.

"Thank you, Usagi-san," he murmured and slid his hand forward for his lover to take.

Usami placed his large, cool hand over the smaller one and nodded graciously. "You are always welcome, Misaki..."

Their eyes locked and Misaki again felt his cheeks warm. The way Usagi-san looked at him sometimes, even in public, left very little to the imagination. He took a deep breath and_

"Akihiko - brother? I didn't expect to see you here..."

Misaki jerked his hand from Usagi-san's but not before piercing dark eyes dropped to the gleaming emerald-graced engagement ring.

Usami Haruhiko, his face pale and nostrils flaring, looked between a blushing Misaki and a glaring Akihiko and then back down at the offending piece of jewelry.

"Brother? What is the meaning of this?!"

TBC