Remedy
Chapter Eight
It was finally Saturday, the day Maddi would visit NG Studios. Requested by K, Kagome would drop off Maddi at nine, and have Marian, their housekeeper, pick her up at three.
"Mommy," whispered Maddi, when Kagome led them through the front entrance of the studio. "You promise Marian will be here at three?" Her voice laced with concern made Kagome shake her head, silently laughing.
"Sweetie, for the fifth time, Marian will be here to pick you up at three exactly." It wasn't difficult to note Maddi's anxiety and partial distress. She was scared about today and what would occur during her visit. Although K promised to take good care of her, Kagome knew her daughter still felt uncomfortable around the tall blonde.
Maddi frowned, adjusting the strap of her bag. "Okay," she mumbled, looking away.
Kagome's eyes darkened. Her daughter was far from excited. Perhaps she'll feel better after seeing Sakuma-san. Last night in fact, Ryuichi had called Kagome on her cell to inquire about Maddi's visit for the following day. Just remembering the singer's overly excited tone made Kagome chuckle to herself.
"Yippee! Maddi-chan's coming! Kuma-chan and I will have loads of fun with her!"
"Maddi-chan! Kagome-chan! Yay, you're finally here!"
Both females turned to see Ryuichi running towards them with Kumagoro placed atop his head. He wore a large smile and had his arms extended largely, as he swiftly bent down and engulfed his arms around Maddi. Instantaneously, she flushed bright red before hesitantly wrapping her arms around the older singer. Ryuichi's grin widened upon noticing Maddi returning the hug.
He soon pulled away, but kept close to the youngster. "Nee, Maddi-chan, are you excited? I can't wait to introduce you to everyone! Shu-chan can't wait to meet you! And," he leaned in close, whispering for just her to hear, "You can even meet Noriko-chan!" Ryuichi knew from Kagome that Noriko was Maddi's favourite member of Nittle Grasper. It saddened him partially to know that he wasn't her favourite, but generally he hadn't met many young females who preferred Noriko – a large portion of her fans tended to be a mixture of young and older men.
Ryuichi shivered at the thought.
"But before Maddi-chan gets to meet anyone, we have to check her in." A commanding voice boomed before them.
Ryuichi grinned widely. "K!" He jumped up from his kneeling position, prepared to tackle the blonde. He leapt forward, arms and legs bent to the perfect angle, only to soar right over the blonde, who was smart enough to squat down at the perfect moment. Kagome and Maddi watched as Ryuichi collided head first with the nearest wall. Dust and debris went flying, as multiple particles filled the air.
Kagome withdrew a napkin from her purse, and used it to try to fan away from the excess dust. Used to such antics because of InuYasha and Shippou, the doctor wasn't too startled by the sudden outburst. Maddi, however, was another story. With eyes wider than plates, she watched in utter silence as Ryuichi jumped back to his feet… now wearing… a Kumagoro suit. Her mouth dropped. What on Earth?
K, watching the others, decided it was prime time to have Maddi visit Tohma's office. "Higurashi-san, I suppose you had better head off to work, no?" Kagome's eyes narrowed. K flashed a charming smile. "Don't you worry at all. I'll make sure Maddi-chan gets in no trouble, and is well looked after." He ruffled her hair. "She'll have a wonderful day here."
"Yeah, yeah!" exclaimed Ryuichi. "She'll have a super duper fun day with me and Shu-chan!"
Kagome laughed, beads of sweat forming behind the back of her head. She could only imagine the stories her daughter would be bringing home with her tonight. It'll definitely be a day she'll remember. Exchanging a quick kiss and hug, Kagome waved her daughter off before exiting the building and walking towards her car. Maddi and K stood by the front entrance, and watched Kagome until she disappeared from sight, her car turning down the street.
K offered her a hand. "This is way, sweetie."
Maddi bit her lip, but nodded. She took his hand and followed him towards the elevator.
"Hold on. I'm coming too." Appearing from seemingly thin air, still dressed in his Kumagoro suit, Ryuichi showed up behind him and grabbed Maddi's other hand. She looked partially startled, but nodded when Ryuichi grinned largely. She also struggled to refrain from giggling when seeing Kumagoro perched inside a rather large pink pocket of the suit.
Ryuichi noticed her gaze, his grin widening. "Does Maddi-chan like my outfit?" Out of the corner of the singer's eye, he noticed K press the button for the top floor. His eyes darkened slightly. Tohma-kun's office… He better not scare Maddi-chan! His grip on her hand tightened. I'll make sure Tohma-kun doesn't scare Maddi-chan… like he does Shu-chan!
Maddi watched Ryuichi curiously. He was quiet, and seemed deep in thought. "Ano, I-I like Sakuma-san's outfit."
Ryuichi pouted. "Maddi-chan, don't call me that!" He whined, stomping a foot in protest. "Remember, call me Ryuichi!"
K arched a brow when the elevator stopped and the doors dinged, opening. "We're here," he announced, ushering them out of the elevator, passing several secretaries and office workers who eyed Maddi curiously. K ignored the stares, but acknowledged Tohma's secretary with a nod of the head before opening the door.
Maddi sucked on her bottom lip. Her heart rate increased. Although she was little, she wanted to make a good impression on Seguchi-san; one that would not only reflect herself but her mother, too. Sliding her hands out of Ryuichi's and K's, she attempted to smoothen out any wrinkles or imperfections in her pink and green dress. For reasons unknown to Maddi, Kagome insisted she wear this particular dress. The dress wasn't anything special, but it wasn't plain either. It was long sleeved with a turtle neck. The top of the dress was a mixture of two shades of pink, one light and another dark, while the bottom half – which was knee length – was dark green, outlined in multiple pink stencils of irises and lilies. Topped off with nicely designed sandals, a cute locket and her hair tied back in a high ponytail, Maddi looked casual yet pristine.
"Tohma, there's someone I would like to introduce to you." K's commanding voice snapped Maddi from her thoughts. Watching in silence as a regally dressed blonde terminated a phone conversation and got up from his expensive office chair, she could feel his eyes on her as he approached the… duo. Her eyes widened. Where had Ryuichi gone? Briefly looking around the office, she saw no traces of the singer. She blinked, partially stumped. Where was Ryuichi?
"This is Madeline Higurashi," K continued. "She is the daughter of Kagome Higurashi, the doctor Ryuichi met roughly two weeks ago."
"Thank you, K-san." Tohma smiled. Maddi studied him briefly. Tohma Seguchi, owner of NG Studios, one of the largest music companies in Asia and Europe combined, and member of Nittle Grasper, Japan's best recurring entertainment act to date. Maddi's heart rate increased. Standing before such an intimidating figure made her nervous. Unlike Ryuichi, who was smiles and laughs the first minute upon meeting her, Tohma was... far more professional, to put it at best.
She watched him speak briefly with K, before it was all eyes on her once more. Tohma's angelic face twisted into a placid smile as he knelt to meet her height. "Hello Madeline-san," he greeted cheerfully with a nod of the head.
Fiddling with her palms, she nodded, feeling her ears turn red. "Hello, S-Seguchi-san. It is n-nice to meet you." She fumbled and stuttered with her words, which merely reinforced her usual pink blush. Maddi made a small face and looked down to her feet, embarrassed.
"Sumimasen," she whispered, looking up to meet Tohma's smiling face.
Tohma's eyes softened. "There is no need to apologize Madeline-san."
She pursed her lips. Tohma seemed much nicer than she had expected. When K and Ryuichi spoke of Tohma, they made him sound like a mean monster. Yet, what she saw a nice and polite man. The very antithesis of what she had originally anticipated to encounter.
She paused before continuing. I must make a good impression… for Mommy's sake.
Maddi offered a small bow, "T-Thank you, S-Seguchi-san, for allowing me to visit today. I-I promise that I will not be a bother." She looked up to meet his bright blue eyes.
Tohma blinked, slightly taken back. He had not expected her to state such a phrase. Wordlessly, he glanced at K. The armed American didn't seem phased, but smirked. His gaze met Tohma's which seemed to say: I told you she wasn't a brat. Tohma frowned before turning back to Madeline. The girl was watching both blondes silently, appearing equally uncomfortable and nervous. If the blush weren't enough evidence, her stuttering was another addition to her partial anxiety.
Her heart is probably pounding, the blonde thought to himself. He had to agree with Ryuichi and K. The girl was cute, there was no denying it. She seems well-behaved for now, Tohma acknowledged. If she keeps up this behaviour, I see no harm in letting her stay. Again, he looked towards K.
"K-san, might I have a word with Madeline-chan. Alone." He emphasized the word alone, making the American cringe.
K crossed his arms over his toned chest. "I would prefer to remain in the room, Tohma."
He shook his head. "K-san, it will only take a minute. I merely want to talk to Madeline-san."
"About what?" He pressed.
Tohma smiled. "K-san, you need not fret. Nothing bad will happen." He stood up properly.
Maddi watched his actions intently. She licked her lips. "K-K-san, it will be fine." He looked her way, watching her concernedly.
"Are you sure?"
She nodded, "Hai. If Seguchi-san h-has something he would like to s-say to me… then, it should be fine." With a glance from Tohma to seal the deal, K knew he was outnumbered. He grumbled under his breath before exiting the room.
"I'll be right outside this door," he said before shutting it behind him.
Tohma arched a brow, already knowing the man would have an ear pressed to the door to listen. "Madeline-san, please come over here." In an attempt to obtain more privacy, Tohma led her towards a small section of his office situated closer to the window. Maddi hesitantly sat down in a plush sofa, fixing the bottom of her dress while she watched Tohma sit down rather elegantly.
She wondered what he wanted to discuss with her. Had she done something bad already? Out of habit, she fiddled with the hem of her dress. Tohma noticed the gesture and associated it with nerves. Leaning over to soothe her, he patted her shaky hands and smiled charmingly. "There's no need to be nervous, Madeline-san."
She licked her lips. "I-If Seguchi-san does not mind, I would prefer to be called Maddi."
"Maddi-san?" he repeated, smiling wider when seeing her nod in approval. "Very well, Maddi-san. Then, I would prefer it if you called me Tohma."
Her eyes widened, "Really?" Coated in surprise, her tone of voice made him chuckle.
"Hai, hai," he responded with a nod.
"Okay then… Tohma-san?" Her statement sounded more like a question, which made the man's eyes soften. He patted her shoulder, making her cheeks turn a light shade of pink. For a few minutes there was nothing but silence. Maddi kept quiet yet refused to look away from Tohma. Tohma kept a placid smile on, but watched Maddi, surveying her from head to toe.
She licked her lips before hesitantly asking, "Seg-Tohma-san," she corrected herself. "Is there a reason you wanted to talk to me without K-san around?"
Not the least bit fazed, Tohma answered calmly. "Maddi-chan, was there a reason behind your visit today to the studios?"
The girl was puzzled. What sort of question was this? "A-Ano," she blinked. "K-san suggested and organized the trip. Not me."
Tohma nodded appropriately. "But was there anything or anyone in particular you were hoping to meet or see today?"
She blinked. Feeling Tohma's gaze grow even more profound, she had to look away. Eyeing her shoes in interest, she whispered, "There is s-someone I wanted to meet today, Tohma-san."
"Hmm?" Now they were getting somewhere. "If I might ask, who is it, Maddi-san?"
With a bright red face, she mumbled, "U-Ukai-san."
A flicker of surprise briefly flashed through Tohma's eyes. Again, this was not a response he had expected to hear. However, as usual, he maintained his composure. Speaking slowly, he repeated, "Noriko-san is the one you wanted to meet in particular today?"
With less hesitation she nodded, making her necklace swish to the side.
This time, Tohma uttered a soft laugh. He knew for a fact that Noriko would be more than flattered. Blinking thrice, he soon continued. "Was there another reason you wanted to come visit NG studios today, Maddi-san?" Tohma hoped that by asking the girl some questions, he might learn the truth behind her and her mother's sudden appearance in Ryuichi's life. Although possessing the means and abilities to do so already, Tohma hoped he might obtain some information directly through Higurashi's daughter.
Maddi thought the question over for a minute. Besides wanting to meet Noriko Ukai, she was just excited for another opportunity to see Ryuichi. The man was nice, kind and really listened to her when she spoke. Never once had she felt undermined around the man, he merely wanted to make her laugh and smile; something he accomplished fairly easily with the help of Kumagoro.
"No," she answered calmly, clasping her hands together. "The other reason I-I have wanted to come visit today has already happened."
"Hmm, and what would that be?" Tohma inquired, crossing one leg atop the other.
Maddi started to smile. "I got to see Sakuma-san again." She started to laugh. She couldn't help it; just remembering Ryuichi dressed up as Kumagoro was enough to send her straight into a pit filled with endless oodles of mirth. "H-He was dressed up in a Kumagoro suit after seeing Mommy and me back in the lobby."
Tohma nodded, already more than aware of said suit. In fact, half of Japan and Europe were familiar with the suit and plush rabbit, too. "And what was it about Ryuichi-san that made you happy?" With little change of tone, Tohma tackled another issue he wished to address: the Higurashis interest in Ryuichi Sakuma.
Maddi giggled softly. That was an easy question to answer. "Sakuma-san makes me happy… in general. H-He's always trying to make me or Mommy laugh with Kumagoro… I like Sakuma-san, because he's kind and funny." She did not know how to express herself in words. Besides the fact that Ryuichi made her smile and laugh, it was difficult for the girl to pinpoint exactly how the older singer made her react… In a way, it was like he had this special glow around him—an aura, like how her mother would naturally describe people. His aura just reasoned with sentiments of joy and happiness, which seemed to spread to people like a virus… latching itself onto people in order to make them chuckle, giggle and enjoy life to its fullest.
"Maddi-chan! Tohma-kun! What are you two talking about? Kumagoro must know." Again, appearing from seemingly thin air was Ryuichi. But instead of speaking for himself, he was using Kumagoro to project his words.
Tohma laughed. "We're merely having a little discussion, Kumagoro; nothing more."
Kumagoro shook his entire body. "Iie, I don't believe it! Tohma-kun must have something else planned." Ryuichi poked his head up from behind the couch Madeline was sitting in.
"Why would Tohma-kun want to talk to Maddi-chan alone?" He then jumped over the back of the couch, and landed safely beside her. Wrapping an arm around her side, he pulled her close. "Tohma-kun wouldn't have anything bad to say to Maddi-chan, right?" With darkened eyes, he watched his friend intently, looking somewhat intimidating.
Had Tohma not known the vocalist for years on end, he might have actually shuddered under the intensity of such a look. "No, Ryuichi-san. Maddi-san and I were merely having a small discussion to get to know each other better. Isn't that right, Maddi-san?"
Maddi smiled warmly. "Hai, hai, T-Tohma-san and me only talked… about good stuff." She trailed off and leaned her head against Ryuichi's shoulder. "Nothing bad," she mumbled.
Ryuichi only seemed partially convinced. "Well, if your talk is done, then I want to take Maddi-chan with me and introduce her to Shu-chan and the others."
A flicker of something unknown passed through Tohma's eyes when hearing the name Shuichi, however, only Ryuichi noticed. "Alright then," Tohma smiled pleasantly, getting up from his seat. "I trust that K-san will keep an eye on Maddi-san."
"But of course," the American grinned, standing before the now opened doors. "I'll look after her like I looked after Nittle Grasper, and how I look after Bad Luck."
Tohma stifled a laugh, "Very well." He had some telephone calls and paperwork he had to return to anyway. "Have a wonderful day."
"Come on, Maddi-chan." Ryuichi helped her up, and began to lead her towards the doors. Maddi, on the other hand, had something else in mind. Untangling her hand from Ryuichi, she shakily walked towards Tohma and stopped few feet before them. Sporting a light blush, she bowed softly.
"Arigato, Seg-Tohma-san for letting me visit the studios today." Her blush flourished. "I truly appreciate it." With one last bow in thanks, she scrambled back towards the safety of Ryuichi and K. Ryuichi bent down and scooped the little girl in his arms, shifting her until she was successfully cuddling against his warm frame. Wrapping her arms around his neck, she offered Tohma a small smile while Ryuichi waved with Kumagoro sitting atop his head.
"Bye, bye Tohma-kun!" The singer laughed, grinning widely. "Maddi-chan and I are off to have some fun."
"And not cause any damage to the building!" K shouted afterwards.
Ryuichi shrugged, pretending to ignore him, or pretend to have not heard the message.
Watching the two walk off, Tohma merely stood in silence for a minute, ignoring K's growing smirk. "Get back to work," he stated before ushering the blonde out of his office.
"Right, right," K laughed before shutting the doors behind him.
