I Do Not Own My Bride is a Mermaid

Chapter Seven: Happy Birthday Mother

The weekend started like any other for Mawari. She awoke at six o clock to greet her father. As usual he was in the loft relaxing in his leather easy chair his eyes glued to the newspaper. She gave him a quick peck on the cheek along with a light hug before going to prepare breakfast. His response was the same as always, quietly saying good morning princess and nothing more. While she cooked their eggs and pancakes Kaito set the table while humming. It was a lullaby that he would sing for her when she was younger. Kaito was a stern father almost cold but there was no denying how much he loved Mawari.

Kaito wasn't tall but he wasn't short either. With light brown hair that had started receding and chestnut eyes many women found him handsome despite the obvious signs of aging. As a former solider he had a certain cut to him that made him intimidating. Appearances aside he was the gentlest soul alive. In his spare time he tended to his garden or played mahjong with Grandfather and his friends. When he was able Kaito would take Mawari out to see movies or go fishing but work usually had him preoccupied.

Today was odd breakfast went by in near silence. Normally Kaito would ask how school was going or any number of subjects about Mawari's day to day life. It was understandable, today was a special day for both. Kaito shifted in his seat to get more comfortable. He had a pinched sciatic nerve and couldn't sit for long. Out of habit Mawari walked over making sure everything was alright. She rubbed his shoulders like mother had done before the divorce. She never knew if it helped but Mawari just wanted to make her father happy. Finally Kaito broke the imposing silence that had filled their small kitchen by asking.

"I've noticed that your grades have slipped a little, princess, is something wrong?" Mawari shook her head methodically, returning to her seat. She played with her eggs by prodding them with her fork, looking for something to say.

"School is just hard sometimes, papa." Kaito nodded as if unconvinced. Still Mawari normally maintained nothing but B's and A's recently they had turned to C's with a D in physical education. What worried Kaito most of all was the fact the principal of Isono Junior High had informed him that she had been going to the nurse's office a lot lately. Naturally he was worried.

"Your friends also tell me that you haven't been hanging out with them. Whenever I ask they just tell me you disappear, that when you say you're going to be with them you're not. Is there something I should know about, Mawari?" Instinctively she shook her head, her mind flooded with thoughts of her secret marriage. Shark and Mawari had come to an agreement that they would not inform anyone until both were truly comfortable around one another. So they would spend time learning about each other. However there were days that Mawari couldn't face Mr. Fujishiro, so she skipped his class. Lying to her father was no easy feat either. Kaito had an extremely keen cop sense which allowed him to see through most lies. How Mawari came this far without revealing anything was a mystery. Fumbling with her words lightly Mawari stammered.

"No, papa…nothing's wrong. Everything is just fine." Kaito still seemed unconvinced but didn't say anything. At least not right away, digging in his suit pocket Kaito retrieved his small leather case that housed his faded oak pipe. He meticulously packed its bowl with freshly ground tobacco with an eye on Mawari. She could see it now he was curious and that was a bad thing. As his lit match met with the top of his pipe Kaito mused ploddingly.

"I'm just worried about you and you're not letting me in. Ever since mom left us you've been shutting me out. Lately more than ever, I hardly ever see you smile or laugh. Just tell me what's wrong." Mawari could see she wasn't going to win this. So she decided to lie by using a half truth.

"Well…there was this boy I liked and well he's dating someone else. I'm okay with it now but with mom gone and everything it's just been weird…I'm trying to make sense of something I have no control over." Kaito's rough features softened ever so slightly. He took a single puff from his pipe, his eyes closed deep in thought. His voice was soft when he spoke it was full of something that Mawari didn't recognize.

"Where's my little princess who only wanted to play dollies with me? It just seems like yesterday but you're not my little girl anymore. You're growing up too fast Mawari. How does going to a movie sound?" Normally she would agree but she already had plans. Clearing her throat Mawari squeaked.

"I'm sorry papa but not today, I'm going out with friends…" Kaito nodded slowly. She could tell that he knew that was another lie but he wouldn't let on. He was too kind of a father. He tapped his remaining tobacco from his pipe into his ivory ash tray. He rubbed at his stubble flashing a light smile at Mawari as if telling her it was alright. They cleaned in silence while Mawari thought of what awaited her today.

After the dishes were done Mawari hopped through the shower and chose out her clothes for the day. It was nothing special, just a medium length baby blue sundress with a pattern of pink flower petals that swirled around from the hemline to the strap. Strapping on a pair of wedge sandals and a silver encrusted anklet with turquoise sea shell charms, Mawari was ready to face the sunny day. Before she could leave her father motioned for her to join him in the loft, his lips wrapped around his pipe.

"I don't want to keep you long, Mawari I just wanted to say that I love you. Whatever's going on I'll be there for you." Mawari nodded solemnly. Suddenly she wanted to tell him everything but remembered her promise. Instead she bit her tongue and made for the door, her father's last words being,

"Be sure to wish your mother a happy birth day." Mawari paused with her hand on the door frame. She wanted to say something but words wouldn't come.

Mawari's commute was nice. The sun was beating down hard today, hotter than it had been all spring, she was thankful that she didn't burn easy. When Mawari arrived at the flower park where she and Mr. Fujishiro agreed to meet, she easily spotted him. Nestled under a tree with ear buds plugged in his ears Mr. Fujishiro had seemingly nodded off. As Mawari moved closer his eyes fluttered open while he hastily stood. He bowed his head low and muttered with a yawn.

"I'm sorry, when I got here that tree just looked comfy and well…" Mawari just giggled and patted Fujishiro on the head. He looked up with a blazing red face, inching away Fujishiro smoothed out the wrinkles in his clothes while trying to act cool. Today Mr. Fujishiro was wearing a light tee with a faded leather jacket and faded jeans that were frayed near the knees, a roughish look that suited both his features and personality. A thought ran through Mawari's mind as she examined Mr. Fujishiro…just how big had that betting pool on Mr. Fujishiro's dating life gotten?

"Is there something on my face?" Mr. Fujishiro asked inquisitively. Mawari averted her gaze a blush that rivaled Mr. Fujishiro's plastered on her face. Mawari shook her head blurting out.

"So, what's the plan for the day?" Mr. Fujishiro shrugged earnestly and replied.

"I don't know. I've never done this sort of thing… I was hoping you could tell me." That surprised Mawari.

"We could go for coffee or tea, that's always a good choice." Shark nodded quickly as if he had no idea what else to do. Had he really never taken a girl out…well it wasn't a real date, not really. They had agreed that once a week they would do things like this so it wasn't so awkward. Mr. Fujishiro had come up with the name The Anti-Awkward rendezvous… it didn't stick. So date was the closest thing it came too. On their way to the nearby coffee shop Mawari started to grow curious, she had to know.

"So you've really never taken a girl out for anything?" Shark nodded his head in agreement. He shrugged again, judging from his posture he was getting a little self-conscious.

"It's never come easy for me, Mawari…I mean with me being a merfolk. Normally we have to date our own kind but there are exceptions. However there was one girl but that was a long time ago." That peaked Mawari's interest. She eyed Mr. Fujishiro coyly, slightly depressed knowing that she'd lost the bet. They continued on for a little while until reaching the coffee shop that overlooked the park.

"What happened?" She asked as Mr. Fujishiro opened the coffee shop's door for her. Mr. Fujishiro fumbled with his words a bit unused to opening up about his past. He had to remind himself what this was all about before continuing on. They were seated near the back with a window that had a view of the park's garden. Mr. Fujishiro fiddled with his coat's cuff jittery all of a sudden.

"Things had been serious between us for a while but something got in the way or rather someone. We decided it was best if we just ended what we had." When the waitress stopped by their table Mr. Fujishiro ordered a plain coffee with no sugar and a cinnamon roll. Mawari was so wrapped in his story she didn't hear the waitress asking for her order. When she snapped out of her daze she quickly ordered a cappuccino and apologized. The waitress smiled and assured her it was nothing before returning back to fill out the order.

"What happened? It sounds like you two were happy." Mr. Fujishiro twiddled with his cuff again with that look he got whenever something made him uncomfortable plastered over his face.

"Someone I respected loved her and could provide what I couldn't, so I lost her. We're still friends but I don't talk to her much. It's too painful." Mawari wanted to continue asking about it but she sensed that it was something for another time. Mr. Fujishiro suddenly smiled and concluded.

"With everything that has happened I don't dwell on it. Life's too short to worry about the small things. At least that's what my mother tried to teach me." The waitress returned shortly after that carrying their order. She placed them accordingly, Mr. Fujishiro thanked her and she flashed him a genuine smile in kind saying polity.

"My pleasure, sir, if there's anything you or your daughter need just let me know." Mr. Fujishiro nodded lightly before taking a sip of his coffee. Once she left Mawari let out a quiet laugh and said happily.

"I guess that's what we look like to the world isn't' it?" Fujishiro agreed silently, nervous that others would hear. Mawari nodded and sipped her cappuccino. She looked to Mr. Fujishiro again unsure of what to say.

"What was your mother like?" Mawari blurted out suddenly to continue to their conversation along. Mr. Fujishiro rubbed at the back of his head thinking of how to word it. He was silent for a minute or so before commenting.

"She was a lot like me I guess. When she was younger my mother was a coach."

"Like a physical education teacher?" Mawari chirped. Mr. Fujishiro had another shot of coffee and shook his head.

"No coach was the wrong word, sensei maybe? She actually had her own dojo. Mother trained in judo all her life by the time I was born she knew at least several different styles of martial arts." Mawari's eyes seemed to sparkle martial arts had always been a passion of hers. The wuxia DVD collection she had was unparalleled to that of any video rental chain. Her fighter's spirit was bursting at its seams and showed in her voice.

"That is so awesome! Did she ever teach you any moves! Will you teach me! I'm a good listener!" Mr. Fujishiro chuckled a bit and shook his head slowly.

"She tried but I never learned anything fancy. Instead my mother taught me how to street fight along with a little capoeira." Again Mawari's eyes sparkled like diamonds, still enchanted at the idea of sparring. In her own world she mumbled happily.

"Capoeira, just like Bunta Willis in Live Gently with a Passion, that's so cool."

"You're a Bunta Willis fan too!" Shark exclaimed, surprised that Mawari enjoyed the hyper violence of Bunta. Shark rarely watched movies or television but for Bunta he made an exception. There was just something about the tone of films that Shark approved of. Mawari nodded vigorously and replied.

"I own every Live Gently title, along with the discontinued extended edition of Fire Among us!" Shark's jaw went slack, that title had been banned in Japan and two other countries due to the amount of graphic violence that was in it. He'd seen bits and pieces of it on YouTube but had held off just in case he ever had the chance to see the film. Up until now Shark had thought that it would be something he'd pass up. Celebrating mentally Shark exclaimed.

"We have to watch this now! How many skulls does Bunta crack?"

"So Many skulls! Nothing is held back in Fire Among us! There's this one scene where a subway station is held hostage by a group of mercenaries and…well I don't want to spoil it but Bunta takes them like it's nothing!" Mawari finished her cappuccino lazily with Shark following in suit. For several minutes they went back and forth on which Live Gently film was the best, finally agreeing that all five had their own quirks both absorbed in their conversation. When the waitress returned Shark handed over his credit card.

"So what now?" Shark remarked nonchalantly Mawari shrugged.

"There's an arcade nearby, we can hit that for a little but not for long. I promised I'd visit my mother today." Mawari commented halfheartedly. Shark's brow raised a little did that mean her parents were separated? Before he could ask Mawari sighed.

"Ever since the divorce it's been hard but they were always unhappy. I know it's for the best."

"I'm sorry to hear about that." Mawari just beamed undaunted by the depressing conversation. Instead she let out a quick laugh and stated quietly.

"The way I see it were kindred souls or something like that, we both like Bunta and well we have family problems." Shark just laughed. In a way they were and honestly he took comfort in that.

"Just so you know I am horrible at arcade games, we won't win anything." Mawari laughed again and exclaimed proudly as she opened the door for them.

"You're in luck, I'm a champion! I'll teach you the ropes of the arcade and you teach me the art of street fighting." Shark liked the sound of that, he really did. Before they continued out of the door, the waitress waved Shark over. He had left his wallet on the table.

"Oops, be right with you." Shark declared as he rushed over to gather his wallet.


Kai and Sarutobi had been strolling Saitama for most of the afternoon. Both enjoyed days like this where the sun was beating down with ice cream cones in hand chatting about nothing. They were on their way to a good arcade that they frequented to chill and listen to the new Gackt CD that was released but something was off. The day itself had been like any other for Sarutobi however he could tell that Kai was down in the dumps. Ever since Nagasumi and San had made it official Kai really hadn't been himself. So Sarutobi had made it his mission to cheer him up by helping him get over his fear of wide open spaces. For the most part it was an uphill battle but today was a breakthrough. They were at least able to travel short distances from the submarine with no space suit.

"Chimp, I want my suit…right now." Kai suddenly stammered lowly. Sarutobi shook his head as a response and chided.

"My Lord, think of this as a challenge from me, we're nearly there!" Kai exhaled sharply, Sarutobi was right but this felt so wrong. Flashbacks of the hot desert sun burning his flesh etched his memory. He longed for a dark enclosed space with walls and San…God how he wanted San to see him more than just a friend. Turning his focus on San helped, it eased him back into his no space suit mentality.

"Challenge accepted, Chimp. I can do this!"

"That's My Lord!" Sarutobi gleamed with a goofy grin and a thumb up. Kai chuckled full heartedly, slapping his hand down on Chimp's shoulder and stated.

"There's a coffee shop around here that we should hit up, so I can rest at least." Sarutobi agreed, coffee sounded good. Once it was in sight there was a familiar face standing outside of the shop, It was Mawari! Not only was it Mawari but she was dressed in a delectable sun dress. Saurtobi's perv radar was going on maximum all of sudden.

"MAWARI! Over here!" Chimp called out, flailing his arms around like a complete dunce. When she spotted the duo however she simply ignored them. Sarutobi frowned while Kai simply shrugged his shoulders.

"Maybe she doesn't want to be bothered." Sarutobi shook his head and barked.

"Even still she's been avoiding everyone at school and skipping class so much I'm worried about her! She's going with us!" Kai shrugged again as they drew closer. He really couldn't argue with Sarutobi's logic. The duo hastily closed the distance, Mawari no longer ignoring them. She meekly waved, greeting both.

"How've you been?" Sarutobi asked joyfully. Mawari bit at her lip before answering in a high pitched squeak.

"Good, very good, I haven't seen either of you in while." Sarutobi immediately invaded her personal space poking at her sides testing to see if she was real or a hologram…or a mirage. Mawari asked for him to knock it off but Sarutobi was in full chimp mode. When Mawari finally had enough her eyes narrowed and she growled.

"Do you want to see the moon, Chimp?" Sarutobi stopped in his tracks with a finger lodged in his mouth like a dope, hurt that Mawari was so harsh with him. He quickly brushed it off and asked joyfully.

"We were going to an arcade, Mawari do you want to join us?" That was when Mawari noticed Kai, outside of his spacesuit. Taken back by his sudden ability to be outside of his suit she gasped.

"Kai, you're outside, in wide open spaces!"

"Yup, Chimp's helping conquer my fear! At this pace I'll never be afraid of…" Mawari cut him off and blurted.

"It's so vast! So open, so much sun and heat and…and open spaces! How are you even managing this?" Kai felt his fears bubbling again, she was right. There were no walls, no enclosed space. Just a wide expanse of space with no end this was horrible! Kai needed shelter, he needed it now! Running off he apologized to Sarutobi continually.

"Mawari what are you doing! That took weeks of work to get him to walk without his suit!"

"You better go after him he'll need you right, Saru?" Sarutobi glanced at Kai in the distance and then back to Mawari. They had been friends long enough that he could see what was really happening, she was hiding something. More than that she was afraid…this wasn't Mawari. A feeling of betrayal and hurt built up in Sarutobi's heart. What was bothering her that she wouldn't open up to one of her childhood friends? For today at least Kai was a bigger concern, he was hyperventilating out of fear.

"Yeah, I probably should help Kai, huh." Sarutobi grumbled dejectedly. There was hurt in Mawari's eyes as he ran off after Kai but Sarutobi didn't notice. Like Mawari said he had to look after Kai but once that was done he was going to follow her. Sarutobi's curiosity demanded to know why she had been acting so distant.


After Chimp left Shark popped his head out of the café. After a quick nod from Mawari he had stepped out. That was a close one. Right before Shark had joined Mawari on the street Sarutobi and Kai had showed up. So Shark remained inside and small talked with the waitress until the coast was clear.

"If that ever happens again, can I eat the hairy one?" Shark asked with a chuckle. Mawari's response was to lightly punch his arm.

"No, he like everyone else I know is off the menu!" Mawari barked with a light glare. Shark held his hands up in mock surrender and gestured that they should get going. Their walk was short, Mawari wasn't kidding. The arcade was extremely close to the café. Inside Shark was greeted to the sounds of buzzers and whistles with electro music mixed in the background. Teenagers played the various machines while others chatted amongst themselves. Shark felt so out of place here. Regardless Mawari took charge, leading them to a console near the back of the arcade.

"This game was taken off of the market some years ago. Only a handful of arcades even have anymore." Mawari explained as they drew closer. There were two adjoining seats attached to the machine, its lettering was faded but Shark was able to make it out. "Savage Hunt." Attached to the table were two controllers for either player.

"So what do we do?" Shark asked as he sat with Mawari following suit. She put in the fifty cents required to play and explained as she got situated.

"Basically one of us plays a beast that's massacred a village while the other plays a noble hunter tasked with hunting the beast." Shark shrugged earnestly and commented.

"Sounds simple enough, who's playing as the monster?"

"The beast is always easier to play, I'd go with him." Mawari exclaimed. Shark fiddled with the controls, most of the buttons were worn from continual use while the right thumb-stick wobbled. After the opening cut scene Mawari hastily explained the controls. Shark picked it up but could tell he wasn't going to win. Graphic wise this game was beautiful for what it was. At least that was what Shark thought. He'd never been a fan of video games so wouldn't know what counted as top of the line graphics. The game was in a sand box style world set in a dense jungle. Mawari explained that there were different creatures that Shark could kill to restore health and stamina. As he explored the game world Shark took note of how ultra-gory Savage Hunt was. Everything he hunted died violently with viscera everywhere that rewarded him for every kill. The beast fashioned a weapon or piece of armor from his prey's corpse. This continued on until Mawari closed in on his position Several times Mawari nearly captured him but Shark had managed to avoid her every attempt. Soon it became clear that she was just toying with him, allowing him to escape. This continued on until Shark became fed up from running. Confronting Mawari a battle for the ages ensued. Digital claw met with spear as Shark furiously button mashed for victory but all was for naught. Just as Shark was going to win the battle Mawari ran off, pulling a ninja vanish. Laughing, she declared joyfully.

"That's what I love about the hunter, he can just poof out of battle!" Shark's eyes twitched, annoyed at his stolen victory he grumbled.

"Even if he can I'll catch you!" Charging full speed into the direction Mawari ran into Shark neglected his health bar. A volley of darts fired from nowhere meeting their target. Poisoned and extremely low health Shark's character limped as he tried to pursue but was met with a spear tip to the shoulder.

"And that is why you don't ever chase the hunter! He can stun, poison and ensnare with his ability set. Remember the beast is all about patience and knowing when to go full man mode." Mawari instructed. Shark nodded still sad at his lose.

"Come on now, don't be like that! We're learning remember, learning!" Perking up, Shark nodded slowly. He was going to master this game and beat Mawari, no matter how long it would take. The two continued on like this for most of the day, with Shark nearly winning only to have Mawari pull off some crazy move. All in all Shark was a very annoyed man by the time it was time to leave.


After the pseudo date ended Mawari bid farewell to Shark. He had offered to walk her as far as Kaede Bridge but she declined, Mawari reminded him that she still needed to visit her mother. Both agreed to meet up again like this sometime next week for a power marathon of Bunta Willis films and maybe another round of Savage Hunt.

On her own Mawari took the bus to a popular florist that was a friend of the family. She ordered a single bouquet of white roses. As always Rio offered her a discount but Mawari paid the full price. Ever since Rio's younger sister passed Mawari had tried to help any way she could.

"Going to visit your mother, right?" Rio asked as he smoothed out his vest. Mawari nodded slowly and replied quietly.

"Yeah." Rio examined Mawari for a second before collecting her flowers. Rio was a former officer that worked under Mawari's father. Back in the day the two were inseparable and was viewed by Mawari as family. After quitting the force he took up his sister's trade as a way to honor her. Her father and Rio had closed a case several years ago that put a lot of Yakuza away. The boss of the outfit wasn't that happy his business was taken down so abruptly. So he abducted Rio's sister as vengeance...it wasn't a peaceful death… Shortly after Rio quit the force he was unable to continue his work. Mawari made sure to tip generously as always and thanked Rio for the flowers. Before she left Rio called out to her, handing her a single daffodil with a wink.

"For my most loyal customer." Mawari's smile was wide and genuine, daffodils were her favorite flower. With a quiet goodbye Mawari exited his shop filled with a joyous melancholy. Her trip to mother's was a long one. With a light breeze picking up and the sun setting behind the city scape everything slowly turned colder. Mawari boarded the bus that would take her to her mother. Near empty she was left alone with her thoughts. She hadn't visited in some time, so she'd have to clean. When the bus came to her stop Mawari was hesitant but got out none the less. She walked for a while until she spotted the dirt path that headed into the wooded backdrop. Mawari was close. Reaching the old stone stairway embedded into the grassy hill she paused again, afraid that she would get emotional. It had been almost over a year since she lasted visited. Steeling herself, Mawari ascended the stairway. When she reached the top her hand rested on the rusted metal gates and pushed them open with a low whining creak into the warm spring evening. With a light gulp Mawari entered the grounds, her feet heavy and her heart slowly starting to accelerate. Emotions that had been long buried surfaced as Mawari drew closer to the family memorial. Fighting back the coming tears Mawari turned her thoughts to the present as she reached the grave marker. She cleared away the debris shooed away a raven that was perched at the top and placed her bouquet down.

"Hey there mama, it's me, your little princess. I'm sorry I haven't visited since your last birthday..." Mawari sniffled and wiped away the gathering tears. She swore to herself she wouldn't cry anymore. After the divorce Kaito and Rio took on a case…one where a vengeful Yakuza took away something precious from both…

"It's been hard ever since those bastards took you from us." Mawari's voice broke as she continued.

"I've been doing well in school. Well not really you'd be disappointed. I let my grades slip. Worse yet I'm married, to a fish! But he's a nice fish I think. I don't know what I'm even saying or what to believe in anymore, I just told you I married a fish, a fish! We went on a date today and I didn't try to micromanage things, like I usually do. I miss you so much. With all that's going on I just want someone that I can tell this too!" Mawari clutched the hem of her dress until the pain in heart went away. With a light breath she concluded.

"The worst is I think I'm actually starting to enjoy being around him but I shouldn't right? Every time I'm around him I feel better, like it doesn't hurt anymore. I don't know if this is love but I don't want it to be." After a long silence Mawari placed the daffodil down alongside the bouquet. Mawari lit some incense and offered a prayer for her mother, wishing her a solemn happy birthday. Her heavy heart not so heavy any more. As she turned to leave the raven from before returned, pecking at the daffodil.


HELLO PEOPLES OF THE INTERNET! HOW ARE YOU DOING! Just wanted to say hi as I get closer to wrapping up this story!