I Do Not Own My Bride is a Mermaid
Chapter Ten: Fragile Little Hearts or A Story for a Another Time
Hammond had fallen asleep and Riley had locked herself back in the pilots cabin once again. Adrian passed the time by watching the clouds go by. They still had a few hours of air time before reaching Tokyo. Victoria in the meanwhile had buried herself in a hardcover book. Neither had spoken much after Adrian avoided her questions about the past. Turning his focus to her book Adrian read the title, Othello.
"I didn't know you read Shakespeare." Adrian commented. Victoria peeked up from her book with a slight smirk as she remarked amenably.
"There is a lot you don't know about me, Adrian." Victoria placed the book to her lap and removed her glasses. With a light yawn she readjusted herself in the custom leather chair. As Adrian watched her he noticed for the first time that there was a light scar under her eye. Victoria must have noticed as she commented.
"My brother hit me with a lamp when we were children. He didn't mean to, Dean was just trying to scare me." Adrian felt embarrassed for staring. Victoria was quick to assure him that it was okay. Adrian apologized none the less before asking.
"What's your brother like? This is the first I've heard of any family other than your mother." Victoria chewed at the bottom of her lip as she looked for the right words. After a couple of seconds passed she lightly tapped her fingers against the spine of her book.
"He was very quiet and he tended to keep to himself. It was actually him that got me into Shakespeare. He was an actor and Othello was the first production that he starred in. He passed three years ago, ever since I've made it a habit to read Othello." A small pocket of unease gathered at the pit of Adrian's stomach. Unsure of what to say he readjusted his tie and nudged his glasses up the brim of his nose. Victoria only smiled at him warmly and reassured.
"It's okay I've made peace with Dean's death. You can't go far in the world if you're held back by things like that. So, whenever I feel sad I bust out his old copy of the play and power through it." Adrian nodded slowly. He looked over the book again and noticed how old and worn its spine was. The front cover was faded and near yellow while the edges were frayed beyond repair. Adrian was a fan of the theater, particularly Shakespeare's work. As he inspected the book Victoria thumbed the spine one last time and wistfully looked out the window seemingly lost in thought. In that moment she reminded him so much of Ritsuko that it hurt. He could see her likeness in Victoria's eyes. It hurt so bad that he nearly shed a tear. Instead he commented tiredly.
"What role did your brother play?" Victoria's focus shifted back to him, any trace of his wife wiped away from her. She offered a light smile and remarked.
"The man who hated the moor, Iago." Adrian gave a light smile as a chill ran down his spine. Iago was his favorite villain from Shakespeare. Not because of his grand scheme or betrayal but simply for the malice behind his actions. There was something powerful in his manipulation and deceit.
"He must have been a very talented actor." Adrian mused. Victoria nodded solemnly.
"Dean was the best. I miss him."
Victoria flashed him a sly smile as she placed her book back into her backpack. She crossed her legs and that devious look returned from earlier. For some reason whenever she smiled liked that Adrian felt helpless. It reminded him of how Ritsuko used to smile, and for a moment he was speechless but only just for a moment.
"Forgive me. It seems I've dug into something that is painful for you. I never meant to." She only smiled wider, making Adrian unsure of what she was feeling. Normally he could read people like a book but Victoria was the first that was a match for him. It was a humbling feeling if not unnerving.
"Well, I've gone and told you one of my secrets, now it's only fair if you tell me one of yours. Let's continue our conversation from before." Victoria mused joyfully. Adrian felt a sudden drop in his stomach. She outplayed him good, Victoria was hoping that he'd ask about the book so she had an in. Grasping for something to say Adrian turned to face the window. It had been a bright day above the clouds with the sun faintly turning the spring skies a light shade of red as it began to set.
"And I suppose you won't settle for anything else?" The smirk that Victoria gave was more than answer enough. The grip in Adrian's stomach grew tighter than before. He had sworn to bury that part of his life deep so he'd never have to think of it again but now it was being forced into the open. A part of Adrian hated Victoria for this but another was thankful for some reason. Maybe it was time to stop hiding from the past…just maybe.
"I lived in Japan for a number of years. I had planned on retiring then. When I was living there I found something." Victoria was intrigued Adrian could tell that much but beyond that she was unreadable. Nervously he cracked his neck unsure of how to continue.
"No, that's not right, I found someone, I had married but over time something happened to me and I couldn't be with her anymore, it was better that way. I left I had too, I didn't want to hurt her, I needed to protect what was left of our relationship." Adrian's hands started to shake a little. Whatever emotion he had locked away was finally being released. After all these years something was taking root but he didn't know what it was anymore. All he knew was that it felt good, it felt right. For the first time in years he finally felt himself, not the cold calculating man he had become.
"And that's the story, I was a horrible husband who had to leave everything he cared for behind. Just so my son could have a future. You're the first person I've ever told that I had a son, let's keep it like that." Victoria's eyes went wide at the mention of a son. Her mask had fallen at that one. She was near speechless. Adrian could tell what she wanted to ask but Victoria never did. She was kind enough to give him that courtesy.
Masa sat with his head bowed. As the Seto gang's chief lieutenant it was unsettling to be called to this private card game by the boss. Gozaburo offered him a wide array of alcohol to choose from but Masa merely asked for a glass of water. The card den was in a seedier part of town. It was a low lit room foggy from cigar smoke with a faint aroma of incense mixed in. As always Masa was sharply dressed in a tailored suit and baby blue tie. He had won the last couple of hands and was sitting with a good chunk of money at his end of the table. Soon Masa would start to purposely lose to ease the growing tension. Gambling with mob bosses and winning was never smart but he couldn't refuse Gozaburo either. Now he was sitting on a royal flush but he folded. Once the deck was shuffled Masa dealt the new hand slowly. He was playing with two others plus the boss. The first was a slim character with a long nose and a thin beard. From what Masa gathered he was Italian. The second was a chubby middle aged man with a mild lisp. His name was Boris, a Russian mafia enforcer with a jigsaw face and a wide toothy grin. It was an uneasy atmosphere the boss hadn't been himself for the past couple of days and it was progressively getting worse.
"So, boys what do you think of my Masa? He's loyal to a fault, my best man! He's never lied to me, not once!" Gozaburo slurred slightly. Both men chuckled to themselves quietly. Masa could only bow his head and deal again. After he folded Masa went for a cigarette but Gozaburo stopped him. His movements were sloppy but one of Gozaburo's calloused hands caught the cuff of Masa's suit. There was a desperate look in his eye that unnerved the normally calm and collected man.
"Hey, those are bad for your health, can cause cancer and whatnot." The boss growled in a voice that was half angry and half something else. Masa smiled and offered a light nod as he placed his Marlboro reds back into his breast pocket. To ease his mind he had a long sip from his water. It was lukewarm and had a foul aftertaste. Even still it was something to take his mind away from his current situation. Shuffling the cards again Masa noticed the boss still eyeing him suspiciously. It was then he realized there was more to this card game than just a simple social call. For now Masa would play the straight man and do whatever the boss asked of him.
"So, you say this man is loyal, how did you come by him, Gozaburo?" the Italian man asked as he thumbed his cards tiredly. Gozaburo could only offer a light smile that betrayed what emotion he was really feeling.
"A story for another time, Tony, but yes I believe him to be honest and trustworthy. Isn't that right?" Masa pushed his sunglasses up from the bridge of his nose and took another sip of his water. He was piecing it together. Gozaburo had brought him out here to interrogate him. He didn't understand why he was doing this but knew that for some reason Gozaburo had reason to question his loyalty.
"Yes." Masa offered in monotone as he dealt out the next hand. The Russian Boris grinned widely and took a generous swig from a miller light. Masa looked over the scar faced man but couldn't get a read on him. This Russian was good he had to give him that. Gozaburo started speaking in a broken Italian towards Tony. Both shared a laugh at a joke in poor taste to Boris' scars. Masa was glad that he could understand Italian to a degree. He'd need it to survive this.
"Tell me, how long have you served Gozaburo?" Boris asked in a thick southern Russian accent. Masa could barely understand what he was saying and had to take moment to figure it out. When he did Masa replied quickly.
"Nearing ten years, my friend." As he said that he waved down one of the serving girls and told her that whatever Boris wanted was now on his tab. If he was going to get through this he was going to need someone on his side. Boris offered him a wide toothy smile while continually thanking him for such generosity. It was then Gozaburo cut to the chase. He cleared his throat and he had that look in his eye when he was serious.
"Being loyal is one thing but honesty is another, Masa. Tony and Boris can sniff out a lie faster than a blood hound on the trail." Gozaburo unsheathed his tanto in a blink of an eye. In the next moment Boris was on him. The Russian thanked him for picking up the tab sarcastically as he forced Masa's hand onto the card table. Gozaburo placed the sharp end of the blade near the pinkie finger and he hissed under his breath.
"Let's see how honest you really are. Starting with this how long have you been protecting him, how long have you known?" Masa met the boss's eyes levelly. There was a dark rage behind them that had consumed him. After refusing to answer Gozaburo slowly began to draw blood from his finger.
"What are you talking about boss?" Masa grunted coldly. Gozaburo removed his tanto, for a moment with a fanatic look drawn on his face. Boris' grip tightened as Tony rolled up the sleeves of his under suit, punching Masa square in the jaw. Masa spat out a small trickle of blood with his eyes firmly locked on the boss.
"Don't play dumb, I made you who you are! I gave you everything! Now answer me, how long have you known of Ren's affair!" That caught Masa off guard. He was good at keeping secrets even from the boss. For the first time in a long while Masa felt a pang of unease. A hard lump formed in the pit of his stomach as his mouth went dry. All Masa had had to his name was loyalty and now it was torn between his closest friend and the boss. Out of weakness before he could think it over he admitted quietly.
"Shark thought you were over Ren."
Shark closed his eyes as he heard the rain slowly pelt the side of his apartment window. For most of night he had laid restlessly in bed unable to sleep. He should have put an end to it he should have set the boundary right then and there. He should done a million other things than lust after a girl half of his age. Now here Shark was lying sleepless in his bed. His cell phone cradled in his hand with Mawari's number blankly staring at him through his android smart phone, deciding whether or not if he should call her. After Mawari had left last night Shark was unable to focus. Many wild and perverse thoughts ran through his mind that all melted into self-pity and guilt. All that was certain was that Shark wanted to talk to her again, to see her again but he had to stop himself. He was afraid of what would happen next or what he would do. It's all just for show, to protect a child. Shark thought to himself. That was all this marriage was. That's what it had to be but that wasn't what Shark wanted it to be. His mind wandered again back to when Mawari was cradled in his shoulder. She was so petite he couldn't help but feel protective of her. Yet veiled behind that urge to protect was a baser instinct that wanted the unthinkable. He looked to her number again a shot of lust coursing throughout his body. He nearly hit call but managed to stop. This isn't right. Shark continually told himself as he broke out a in a cold sweat. None of this is right. After a long while he placed his cell phone on the nearby vanity and stood. He needed a cigarette. In his room everything was quiet. The far off lights of the city flickered and seemingly danced as Shark exhaled smoke. The world was suddenly cold again while rain slowly pelted the side of his apartment's window. The silence of his room was suddenly filled with the ring of his cell phone. It was from an emergency line that Masa and Shark had set up. Automatically his hands went to work, answering the call.
"I don't have much time, Shark, don't trust the boss if he offers you any jobs know it's a trap. He knows about you and Ren. I was able to talk myself out of the worst of it, don't meet me with me or talk with me for a while, not until I can smooth things over and don't talk to Mawari! The boss will be watching everything you do." Not long after that there was that distinctive click followed by the dial tone.
It was a hard decision but Sarutobi knew it to be the right one. It was pretty late in the evening but he knew Kaito would be home. Unlike before there wasn't any fear or hesitation. Kaito didn't answer right away but when he saw who it was he invited him in. Kaito was wearing a suit, he had probably returned home not long ago from his job. In one hand he had his ivory pipe and in the other was a glass of scotch. Sarutobi apologized for showing up so unexpectedly but Kaito reassured him that it was alright. When Saru asked where Mawari was Kaito explained that he had her run a few errands out in the market. He offered to make tea but Saru insisted he was fine with just water. Both sat awkwardly in the den, the courage from before suddenly gone. They made idle talk of the recent weather and how their days had been going. Even when being civil Kaito was a commanding presence in a room. Mentally preparing himself Saru looked to Mawari's father and managed to grumble.
"Kaito, there's something I need to talk to you about. It's about your daughter." Kaito looked to him with a curious look in his eye. Just the thought of his reaction stilled Sarutobi's heart but it didn't last long. Kaito deserved the truth.
"I lied to you the other day sir. I'm not dating or seeing Mawari at all. The truth is that day I came here I was concerned for her. She's been lying to everyone, disappearing whenever class is out. I had thought by not saying anything I was protecting her but I can't sit back anymore." Kaito sipped from his scotch slowly then took a long drag from his pipe. There was a low hanging silence between the two as the older man thought on what he was just informed.
"Thank you for telling me this, Sarutobi. It is greatly appreciated but that only makes me worry more. You wouldn't happen to know why she's been acting like she has? You're one of her closest friends, has she said anything?" The long silence returned and it was answer enough for Kaito, Sarutobi could see it written on his face plain as day.
"When she gets back ask her about our physical education teacher. The truth should come from her." After that Saru excused himself. There was a lot that was on his mind and he needed to think.
The kitchen was hot but San didn't mind. She was at Nagasumi's cooking dinner for everyone. She was nothing but smiles and laughs as her extended family praised what she had prepared. Tonight's dish wasn't anything fancy. It was just a casserole with steamed vegatables to the side. When Nagasumi's mother, Noriko took a bite she squealed from delight.
"You've really outdone yourself, San! This is so good!" she exclaimed happily. Nagasumi nodded his head in agreement.
"Yeah, this is the best casserole you've ever made!" Nagasumi chimed as he eagerly dug into his food. When San looked to her husband she couldn't help but smile. He may have had his faults but he was honest and good hearted. San was grateful that she had him. While she admired Nagasumi a voice deep down somewhere rang you're a better person than your mother ever could be. All the while what had unfolded the day before continually repeated itself over in her mind ever since yesterday but San didn't say anything. Instead she devoted all of her time here where her husband was. He was feeling better today, that was good. San had been at his bedside for most of the day tending to Nagasumi's every want. As she bit into her casserole Noriko whispered to her.
"Are you feeling alright, San?" Taken off guard the fourteen year old girl bit down on her tongue and let out a low yelp. After recovering she continually shook her head, whispering back.
"I'm fine really! I'm just concerned for Nagasumi, he hasn't been well and it's my duty as his wife to make sure he's fine." Noriko seemed unconvinced but didn't say anything. Soon dinner was done and San absently gathered the dishes together. Once she was alone she nearly broke down. In that moment one of the dishes fell from her hands. San hurriedly tried to clean up the mess. In her shuffle she cut her index finger on one of the shards. A small squeak of a scream escaped her lips as she cradled her hand. Thankfully the cut itself wasn't that deep. That was when she had noticed Noriko had returned from the laundry room. Instantly she flew to her daughter in law's side closely inspecting the wound.
"Are you alright? Hold still, I'll go grab the first aid kit!" Noriko said frantically. Before San could do anything her mother in law was off. In a matter of seconds she was back with bandages and disinfectant. As she tended to the wound Noriko examined San worriedly and proclaimed soothingly.
"I know you said nothing's wrong but I'm worried. Ever since yesterday you've been withdrawn and quiet as a mouse. Your mother's called here three times now and you haven't spoken to her once. What's going on dear?" She didn't say anything as Noriko patched up her wound nor when she cleaned up the remaining glass. Instead San slumped over on the dining room table unable to hold back any longer.
"I'm a good wife to Nagasumi, aren't I?" She asked lowly her voice filled with defeat. Noriko looked over San puzzled at the question. Sitting beside San she pulled her into a light embrace.
"Of course you are." Noriko soothed. San suddenly felt embarrassed that she had asked that question but she couldn't stop herself.
"I heard an argument between my parents the other day. My mother has been lying to me all this time, about everything and for a while today I thought I would turn into her one day." San then proceeded to tell her mother in law everything that had transpired. It was painful.
The markets were closing soon. The evening had a cool breeze that Mawari enjoyed even if it was raining. For a second she considered walking without her umbrella so she could feel the cool spring rain but thought better of it. Mawari couldn't help but hum to herself as she made her way home. As she strode through the market she was met by Rio. "You seem upbeat today. Rio commented happily. Mawari offered him a wry smile and shook her head.
"I'm just the same old Mawari." She said as Rio began to close down his shop. He smiled in turn and replied.
"No, there's something different, something I haven't seen in you for a while now." That was a surprise coming from Rio that caught Mawari off guard. She didn't dwell on it as she let herself into Rio's shop. The two usually visited on Mawari's return trip to home. Rio had already put on a pot of tea and hurriedly poured their cups.
"So what did you mean, something's different about me?" Mawari asked before sipping from her tea. Rio sat across from her with a light smirk plastered on his face. For some reason Mawari found it annoying. He took a generous sip from his tea before he replied.
"That spark in your eye you used to have, you know the one whenever you spoke about your crush of yours, Nagasumi. It's back. Finally ask him out?" Mawari blushed a little, thankfully Rio didn't notice. She quickly finished her tea and stammered.
"It's not like that. Besides I told he was dating someone else." Rio offered another cup tea to Mawari but she declined. Pouring himself another cup he nearly knocked over the pot. After making sure he didn't get any tea on the table Rio commented.
"True but you have to remember young love is fleeting and rarely ends how you want it too. And that's why it's called young love. You learn from what mistakes you make and hope you don't make them again or maybe realize it wasn't a mistake at all."
"That's pretty wise coming from you, Rio." Mawari quipped jokingly. The older man just threw his hands up in mock surrender and chided.
"Sometimes it happens but only rarely. Well, kiddo your father is probably worried sick about you at this point. Go on home." Mawari nodded knowing her father he was already mounting a search team for her. She quickly thanked Rio for the tea and made for the door. As she did Rio commented teasingly.
"If he ends up being your boyfriend you two better not do anything funny! You're both too young to fool around like that!" Flushed Mawari cursed under her breath and left the flower shop in a huff. Outside the rain had gotten worse. Mawari had lost track of time and had to go into a light jog to catch the bus or walk home in the rain. As she did her mind wandered back to what Rio had said about young love. It's not fleeting or a mistake, I love him. It just took me a while to accept that. Mawari thought to herself as she rested her head against the bus window. Halfway home her cell phone began to ring. It was Sarutobi. It was a nice surprise and she happily answered.
"Hey, do you think you can meet me by the Kaede Bridge? I need to talk to you, it's important."
"Sure! But you better not try anything shady" Mawari exclaimed jokingly. There was a brief silence that unnerved Mawari. When Sarutobi replied his voice was weak and hoarse as if he had a frog in his throat.
"I won't, I swear." Now more than a little concerned Mawari asked worriedly
"What's going on, Chimp, this isn't like you."
Sarutobi clicked his phone off. He couldn't speak to her anymore at least not until she was here in person. Things like this were always better in person. He only wished that he had remembered to bring an umbrella. Water soaked him to the bone and a terrible wind was picking up. Mawari was going to be angry with him but it was better if she went in knowing at least. As he waited a raven perched next to him. It was a queer little thing that had a daffodil in one of its talons. Soon it started to peck at his hands. Sarutobi tried shooing it away but it simply landed atop his head picking at his noggin then flew off leaving the daffodil behind.
"Stupid bird!" Sarutobi yelled, his echo trailing down the bridge. His thoughts didn't stray long. He was almost thankful for that raven attacking him. It distracted him from what was weighing on his mind. Is it even fair for me to ask her out now? Sarutobi wondered with a sunken head and clenched fist. Even if it wasn't fair he still loved Mawari or thought he did. That's why he had to do it. Whatever she was doing was a mistake. Sarutobi had to protect her even if that meant ruining any friendship he ever had with Mawari Zenigata. Nearly fifteen minutes passed until she arrived. Sarutobi was thoroughly drenched now but he didn't care. Everything else was numb inside so he didn't notice how cold he was. When she spotted him Mawari apologized for making him wait then scolded
"Why didn't wait somewhere out of the rain! Dummy! Jeez you're soaked." Sarutobi just smiled maybe that was why he found her attractive. She was always worried about everyone more than herself. She was a kind girl that didn't deserve what he had done. She tried to share her umbrella with him but Sarutobi gently pushed her away.
"I'm fine. I won't keep you long. I know about you and Mr. Fujishiro. I have for a while now and I told your father tonight. I'm sorry but it was wrong of you to hide that from your father. I had to protect you from that pervert." Sarutobi growled under his breath ashamed of what he had done. Shock was written over Mawari's face. Shock and hurt. When it all finally settled her shock and hurt turned to anger. Sarutobi hadn't seen her raise her hand but he definitely felt the harsh sting of her palm. She slapped him square across his cheek with all of her strength.
"What were you thinking?" Mawari demanded harshly.
"I was doing what was right!" Sarutobi growled lowly as he stood his ground. Mawari raised her hand to slap him again but hesitated. Saru just looked at her pitiably and spat.
"Go on! I'll take whatever you throw at me but I want you to know I was only looking out for you! We were all worried everyone! Especially me! Mawari Mr. Fujishiro is twice our age!"
"You don't know anything, you've never cared for anyone, if anyone's the pervert it's you!" Mawari barked with a cracking voice. That was the trigger for Sarutobi. He'd take anything but being told that he didn't care was the one thing he couldn't bear.
"So that's what you think, I'm just a perverted monkey who doesn't care? Well you're wrong! Do you know why I care so much! I've liked for a long time now! I wanted to ask you out so many times but was too afraid! That's why I care!" The air grew heavy and thick between both. A lingering silence overtook the bridge. Nothing more was said…Mawari's shoulders just slumped and she began to walk away.
"Go home Saru, you'll catch a cold." Mawari called as she slowly drifted out of sight. Once she was out of earshot Sarutobi ran to the edge of the bridge's rail and screamed into the fog. He screamed for what felt like forever.
The Seneschal sat across from Masa at the café. There was a chess board between the two and it was a heated game. Masa's face was a bit roughed up with a black eye and a fat lip. There were bruises all over his torso but Masa hardly felt them. Instead he focused on the game. Moving his rook into position Masa eyed the seneschal's knight. This had been a long drawn out game but it was coming to a head.
"I must applaud you, Masa, you're a talented strategist." Masa took the complement in stride and remarked levelly.
"You as well, Fujita. You as well." Once he took the knight Fujita's queen went directly after his last remaining bishop. It was an integral piece to Masa's end game but it would be an even trade. In the end he would take the queen with his knight.
"The reason I asked you for this game was so I could ask you about your friend, Sora "Shark" Fujishiro. You've went to great lengths to protect him over the years. Curiosity is a poison of mine you see. One I indulge in. Why him?" When Masa took Fujita's queen he countered by taking his rook.
"Loyalty, I should have said nothing to the boss. Let me take his place. I'll take the fall at the bombing. Just let Sora be. He's a good man at heart." Fujita grinned and took a pawn.
"Even if I could, Gozaburo was humiliated and for as brief as I've known him he doesn't respond well to humiliation." That was true, this was on a personal level for him. Masa tried talking him down after the integration but it was fruitless.
"Furthermore my informant contacted me recently, with interesting news. Apparently our target used to live in Japan. A fact even I wasn't aware of. Did you know he had a family? I certainly didn't." Masa nearly dropped his pawn. So this was the reason he called him here so abruptly. An uneasy feeling churned inside of Masa as he rethought his chess strategy. Fujita must have sensed his unease and chided.
"Imagine my surprise when I went through the merfolk immigration database and found his name with his mother's and more importantly who she was married to. You did good work covering your tracks but everyone leaves behind loose ends even a former chief of merfolk examiners like yourself." Masa coughed into his balled fist and continued with the chess game. If he was going to win it was going to be tricky.
"Don't worry my friend I haven't told your boss. That would be too cruel. If I could I would gladly take up your offer but Gozaburo won't hear of it. He's blood drunk and angry." Masa scratched at his chin and waved down a waitress. He ordered another espresso and offered to buy Fujita whatever he wanted but he declined.
"Why are you telling me this?" Masa asked quietly. The seneschal smiled for only the briefest of seconds before replying.
"My duty is simply to eliminate the threat Adrian poses, who his family is, is no concern of mine. I merely want your friend to know what he's going into and the fact his father is our target so there's no hesitation on his part." The game came to a close. It was a stalemate. Fujita shook Masa's hand and excused himself. Shortly after he was out of earshot Masa dialed the emergency line again to let Fujishiro know what Gozaburo had planned.
SUP PEOPLLES! It's a been a long while hasn't it! Sorry for the long hiatus but I'm back! Anywho here is chapter ten! Enjoy!