Author's notes: Thank you to those that have reviewed and faved this fic series. I have finished the very last fic for this series and so there will be updates every month. Also some fics I cannot post here and will be posted to Archive of Our Own (AO3). such as my last fic. If you want to read those as well you can search for them under my username, it's the same as my username here.
Translations:
Omiyage - Gifts given to family and friends when returning from abroad or a leave of absence. It is a sort of social currency in Japan.
Genkan - The entry point of a Japanese house where shoes and jackets are removed before entering.
Shoji - wood and rice paper sliding doors.
Sōzu - a noise maker made of a piece of hollow bamboo and placed so that water pours into it. When it fills with water it will fall to the other side like a teether-totter, creating a sudden sound. In ancient times it was used to scare off birds or animals that would feed on gardens, but now it is used more as an aesthetic, to create a tranquil rhythmic sound for relaxation.
Itadakimasu - "I humbly receive" said before eating
Nishime - "One pot vegetable stew" consisting of root vegetables, potatoes, deep-fried tofu, and chicken or fish cake.
Yaki Onigiri - fried rice balls.
Harusame Salad - "Glass noodle salad."
Salmon Nabanzuke - "Marinated fried salmon"
Saba Oshizushi - "Mackerel pressed sushi"
Okra Ohitashi - "Okra salad"
Kanpai - "Cheers"
Okonomiyaki - means "grilled how you want." A pancake made with cabbage, meat of your choosing, as well and many other things that could be cobbled together, as well as various sauces drizzled on top.
Text out of quotes in Italics=Thoughts
Bold text out/in quotes=Emphasis on words
Asuka parked the rental car in the driveway of her parents' property. Shinsuke was about to truly meet her immediate family for the first time. Her mother would like him for sure but her father was another story. Though her father had already spoken to Shinsuke over the phone and had invited them over for dinner, Asuka knew the true test of her father's acceptance was just ahead.
A surge of nerves hit her once more and her next action was to run a hand over her boyfriend's black button-up shirt, smoothing out imaginary wrinkles for the umpteenth time.
Smiling faintly, Shinsuke turned to her and said, "As much as I like it when you touch me, you need to relax."
"How can I when our relationship is hinged on this meeting?" Asuka replied, brows furrowing as she focused on a perceived imperfection in the fabric.
Shinsuke grasped her hand with his large one, stilling her movements. He brought her fingers to his lips and brushed the tips with feather-light kisses. "True, our families' approval matters," he whispered. "But I hardly believe your father's opinion of me would keep you away if you really wanted me."
"Of course it wouldn't," Asuka confessed, looking him in the eye. Her gaze then faltered as she spoke again. "Though it would make things difficult."
"Hey, everything will be okay," Shinsuke said, releasing her hand to cup her face.
Asuka's eyes slid up to examine his face once more. She envied his calm. "How can you not be nervous?"
"You don't think I am nervous?" Shinsuke questioned in turn. He took her hand once more and placed it over his heart. Asuka felt his heart beating beneath her palm like a hummingbird's wings. "But for your sake, I will be your rock."
"Oh Shinsuke," Asuka's throat suddenly felt thick, her fingers clutching at his shirt.
"Will you let me…be your rock?" he asked gently.
Asuka's answer was to silently nod for she presently didn't trust her voice.
"Then let us not waste time," Shinsuke said. "Surely your parents have missed you as you have them."
Biting her lip as tears of emotion pricked at her eyes, Asuka nodded briskly.
Shinsuke leaned in and kissed her forehead. "C'mon, let's go," he whispered against her skin.
"Yes," she found her voice again.
They leaned back from each other and Shinsuke smoothed out the wrinkles she had caused in his shirt with a wry smile.
Asuka flushed and jumped out of the driver's side, grabbing the gift bag she had gotten for her parents. It contained a tin of assorted Floridian candies and a bottle of craft whiskey from the St. Augustine Distillery.
"Don't forget your omiyage!" she called over the top of the vehicle as Shinsuke unfolded himself to his full height on the other side.
"I haven't," he assured her patiently and stooped to pick up his bouquet and a small box wrapped in white gift paper and red ribbon. Inside the box was a set of handcrafted wooden cooking utensils.
Asuka sighed and tried to reign in her nerves. "I'm sorry you have to deal with me being like this."
"It's not so bad," Shinsuke hobbled around the car to stand at her side. "Here, smell the flowers."
Asuka scented the bouquet of bluebells, daffodils, and pink roses. "Mmm, still fresh…You did well picking them out."
"Think so?"
Asuka nodded, feeling a little more tranquil.
Side by side they approached the house, her at a slower pace while Shinsuke limped with a crutch, as his leg had not yet fully healed. Somehow he still managed to juggle his gifts and the crutch.
The house was two-stories, mostly modern but the top leaned more towards traditional Japanese with its tiles and peaked roof. Though the houses were fairly closely spaced, her parents resided in a pleasantly quiet neighborhood.
Upon reaching the door, Asuka knocked and smiled when she heard barking on the other side.
Shinsuke's eyebrows rose. "Sounds vicious," his tone was teasing.
Asuka nudged her boyfriend's shoulder just as the front door opened. She and Shinsuke straightened quickly. "Ojamashimasu," they chorused.
"Come in, come in," her mother, Natsumi beckoned warmly.
They exchanged bows and stepped inside and into the genkan. The yapping barks had intensified and Asuka eagerly searched for the source, hoping to find the four-legged beastie before said beastie found Shinsuke.
"Oh, my darling~" her mother cried, crushing Asuka in an embrace. "How I have missed you!"
Urai Natsumi nearly matched Asuka's stature. Her hair was much longer and natural ebony, thrown up into a styled bun. Asuka inherited her button nose.
"I missed you too, mom," Asuka returned, feeling tears well up again, hugging her tight. "I have gifts from America for you and father." Her mother let go of her long enough to take the gift bag, then hugged her even tighter. Asuka opened her eyes and found her father, Haruki, a few feet away, holding a still barking Papillion.
Urai Haruki was only a few inches taller than her mother. Silver streaked black hair crowned his head and square jaw possessed a five o'clock shadow. Asuka and Haruki shared the same eyes as evidenced by the glasses perched on the bridge of her father's nose.
Haruki stepped forward with fondness in his eyes. "Rainbow Girl," he greeted. "It's been so long since I've seen you last. I'm glad to see you've made it safely."
"Yes, too long." Asuka agreed. Natsumi released her and she side hugged her father lovingly. To the dog in his arms, she gave a scratch behind her feathery ears.
Natsumi then turned her attention to Shinsuke. "Ohh and you must be the famous Nakamura Shinsuke?" Shinsuke nodded humbly. Her mother continued, "I am Urai Natsumi."
"Pleasure to meet you," Shinsuke said and limped forward.
"The pleasure is all mine. Oh let me help you with those," Natsumi offered, noticing Shinsuke's handicap.
"For you, Natsumi-san," Shinsuke said, giving her the bouquet with a bow.
"Very lovely," her mother complimented. "I must say, Nakamura-san…you look even more impressive in person~"
Shinsuke's cheeks reddened in apparent embarrassment. "Ah…T-Thank you, Urai-san."
Asuka felt flustered at her mother's forwardness. "Mom!" she complained.
"What?" Natsumi asked her, clearly oblivious. "Just saying…you found yourself a really handsome man, Asuka."
"That's enough Natsumi, can't you tell the poor boy is uncomfortable?" Haruki said, taking his daughter's side much to Asuka's delight.
"I guess my honesty isn't wanted…" Natsumi told Shinsuke with a pout. "But you appreciate it, right Nakamura-san?"
"Y-Yes," Shinsuke replied shyly. When her mother moved to take the box from him, Shinsuke politely declined and hobbled forward to Haruki.
Her father examined him like a bug under a microscope, even as he greeted Shinsuke. "Welcome. I am Urai Haruki."
"Thank you for inviting me into your home," Shinsuke said, bowing. "This is for you, Haruki-san." He offered Haruki the box.
A bud of pride blossomed in Asuka's chest as she watched her boyfriend regain his confidence in front of her father.
Haruki paused before taking the gift, looking Shinsuke over. He then also bowed deep.
Shinsuke bowed again.
Greetings out of the way, Shinsuke and Asuka set about removing their shoes in the genkan. Shinsuke had to sit down on the edge of the genkan on account of his leg.
"So you were bitten by a dog?" Haruki asked him.
"Yes, sir."
Asuka could see the gears turning in her father's head. What was he up to? She soon found out when Haruki placed his wiggling dog on the floor.
"I forgot to introduce you to Chouko, said Haruki.
Chouko immediately ran to Asuka to greet her, but the stranger in the house quickly grabbed her attention. She began barking again and even letting out little snarls.
Shit! Asuka moved to grab the dog. Shinsuke looked up at her from his spot on the floor, shaking his head.
"Chouko, huh?" Shinsuke cooed as if to a child. "A very fitting name with ears like that."
Chouko stopped snarling at least, but she continued her barking, her little body still tense.
"You look like you enjoy having those silky ears rubbed." Shinsuke lay almost flat on his back, putting himself on the dog's level. Slowly he extended his hand palm down in her direction, letting Chouko choose to close the gap between them. "Can I pet your pretty ears?"
To Asuka's amazement, the Papillion instantly calmed and hesitantly padded toward the proffered hand. Chouko sniffed Shinsuke's fingers, nosed his hand, then began licking his the back of his hand.
After a few minutes of letting Chouko acquaint herself with him, he shifted his hand at a snail's pace. When Chouko didn't react negatively, he slowly moved his hand towards her tiny head, massaging one of her ears. Chouko almost closed her eyes in bliss. By the end of their meeting, Shinsuke was able to sit up and cradle Chouko against his chest.
"Yes, you're a very good girl, Chouko-chan," her boyfriend praised.
"I don't believe it," Asuka heard her father whisper beneath his breath.
Indeed Shinsuke had accomplished quite a feat in gaining Chouko's trust so quickly and so utterly. It took Asuka's cousin several visits before Chouko would approach him without barking in alarm; much less allow him to pick her up.
"Quite charming, your man," her mother murmured appreciatively in Asuka's ear. "If I were younger and not married…"
"Mom!" Asuka hissed in mortification.
Haruki cleared his throat plainly in an effort to mask his astonishment. "Natsumi, please seat them in the dining room. Dinner will be furnished shortly." He then headed in the direction of the kitchen.
"Right this way," Natsumi said with a smile and a hand gesture. She led them down the same long hardwood hall that her husband had taken. Natsumi smelled the flowers in her hand and sighed dreamily. "I will have to find a nice vase and the perfect place for these." Moments later she stopped beside a set of shoji doors. "Speaking of flowers, I would love to show you the pride and joy of this house, Nakamura-san."
Shinsuke shifted Chouko in his free arm and gave her mother a small smile. "I would like that very much."
Natsumi slid the door open and stepped over the threshold. Asuka followed next, and behind her, Shinsuke audibly gasped before falling silent. Ahead of them lay a private backyard dominated by a moderately sized garden and small pond set up. Magnificent flowers such as chrysanthemums and amaryllis bloomed all about, a Sakura tree ruling over the smaller flora. A small red bridge arched over the koi pond, and the sound of a sōzu announced the presence of an artificial brook.
Even after seeing it so many times before, her mother's garden never failed to fill Asuka with wonder.
"Exquisite…" Shinsuke breathed as he came to stand next to Asuka, his eyes wide and searching over each new sight.
"Come, we can feed the koi," Asuka suggested.
Shinsuke eagerly hobbled after her and onto the bridge.
As they neared the pond, Asuka could more easily pick out the form of an overweight Japanese Bobtail cat. His fur was predominately white with black painting both of his ears and his tail; a large splotch of it marked his back. The cat sat at the edge of the pond, watching the colorful fish longingly.
Asuka grinned at the cat. "Hello, Torou. Still dreaming of having the energy to catch one?"
Torou didn't spare her a glance, merely twitched his short tail. However as if understanding her, he reached out with one paw and harmlessly batted at the head of one of the koi mouthing at the surface. The fish didn't fear the cat and the cat was so well fed that he barely registered as a threat to them.
"My, you haven't missed a meal Torou-kun," Shinsuke chuckled as they passed the feline.
Hearing a new voice, Torou glanced up with keen eyes, pupils momentarily wide as he took in Shinsuke's shape. Soon enough though, the fish had regained his attention.
"Not much phases him, unlike Chouko,"Asuka explained the cat's temperament. "But he is very choosey about whose lap he will occupy. Usually, he favors mom, but he'll pick dad when it's time to eat."
"I see," Shinsuke said. "Well, at least I have Chouko's affection." He nuzzled the little dog and she bathed his face with canine kisses.
Asuka took a moment to smile fondly at the two before reaching into a small crimson box fastened to the railing of the bridge. Producing koi food from the box, she sprinkled the pellets down upon the crowd of waiting mouths below. Shinsuke's focus left Chouko and he moved beside Asuka to peer down at the fish. Asuka's smile widened and she gathered more pellets for him.
"Here."
Gingerly Shinsuke bent to place Chouko on the ground before taking the koi food into his hand. He showered the pellets into the water, eyes crinkling at the corners as he observed the fish gobbling up his offering.
Asuka felt eyes on her and looked across the garden to see her mother staring at them with a sense of knowing. Heat encroached over Asuka's face and she swiftly turned back to the koi.
After a few more moments of silence, Shinsuke said, "This place is…so peaceful…it's like a sanctuary from the rest of the world. Magical."
"It is…" Asuka agreed. "It's one of the things I look forward to when I visit home."
"I would love a garden like this of my own," Shinsuke whispered. He then turned from the fish, catching her eyes with his. "A magical sanctuary…" his voice lowered, eyes becoming hooded. Asuka's gaze lowered to his mouth and she found herself licking her lips. She started gravitating towards him. He also seemed to draw closer. "A sanctuary for just you and me."
Asuka tilted her head back as his descended. Their lips were only a hair's breadth away when her father's voice sent her lurching backward until her back whacked against the opposite side of the bridge. Because of his bad leg, Shinsuke only flinched in response.
"The table is set," Haruki called.
Her mother was suddenly nowhere to be seen. Natsumi had clearly planned this all out.
Asuka held a hand over her racing heart after her father took his leave. How long had he been standing there? She hoped he wasn't pissed.
"C'mon," Asuka said, gritting her teeth at her mother's scheming.
She led Shinsuke to the dining room, Chouko hot on their heels. The extendable dining room table was furnished with a large pot, several platters of food, and individual cups, plates, bowls, and chopsticks for the four of them. The cuisine consisted of nishime, yaki onigiri, harusume salad, salmon nabanzuke, saba oshizushi, okra otihashi, and rice. A teakettle was also within easy reach.
Haruki invited them to sit on one side of the table, while he and his wife occupied the other. It didn't escape Asuka's notice that her father seated himself directly across from Shinsuke. Nor did she miss the bottle of whiskey and sake cups beside him.
He's planning to get Shinsuke drunk and interrogate him?!
Asuka's worry crept back into place and she tried not to shake as she took her chopsticks to say the customary "Itadakimasu."
"Please help yourself to whatever you like, Nakamura-san," said Haruki.
"Thank you," Shinsuke inclined his head.
Everyone began to dig in, putting food from the pots and platters onto their plates and bowls. Asuka picked out a little bit of everything, and everyone else seemed to have the same thing in mind.
At first, they all ate in a semi-awkward silence before Shinsuke broke it with a sound of culinary pleasure. "Asuka was right, your food is amazing Urai-san~"
Haruki looked up at her boyfriend, brows raised.
Shinsuke smiled. "Asuka told me you were quite the chef."
"Well, I suppose she wasn't lying," Haruki grunted.
"No need to be modest. This is top-notch." Shinsuke made an "O" with his fingers. "You will have to show me your restaurant before we leave Osaka…Murasaki is the name, right? Ohh hi," Shinsuke suddenly addressed his lap, or more accurately the cat sitting there.
Asuka paused mid-chew to gape at the feline's preference change. Her father stared flabbergasted. Her mother only looked mildly surprised.
"Is it all right if I feed him?" Shinsuke looked to her father after Torou started meowing and tapping him for food.
"I don't see why not." Haruki watched shrewdly from behind his glasses as her boyfriend fed the cat some morsels of salmon. Her father raised a hand to push the frames back into place. "I'm very eager to try this whiskey…" Haruki opened the bottle. "I'd like for you to drink with me."
"Ohh that's not necessary," Asuka interjected, hoping she didn't sound too desperate. "We've already tried it. It's very good."
"Nonsense," Shinsuke said undaunted and held up his cup for Haruki to pour the liquor into. "Allow me." Shinsuke gestured to the bottle and her father handed it over for her boyfriend to serve him his drink. Shinsuke then filled hers and her mother's cups.
Haruki raised his cup and Shinsuke, and Natsumi followed his example. Asuka lifted hers more reluctantly.
"Kanpai," they all said – Asuka's voice a murmur – then they all downed the whiskey.
"Oh! It kind of burns…" her mother exclaimed, making a face.
"Americans like their alcohol strong." Asuka gave a faint wince. She preferred drinking wine to hard liquor.
"It's not so bad," Haruki shrugged, examining the bottle.
"Not bad at all," Shinsuke agreed.
"Care for another?"
"Sure." Shinsuke lifted his cup for more, then returned the favor for her father.
Asuka waved her hand when Shinsuke offered her another round. "I'm good, someone's gotta remain relatively sober."
"I must politely decline as well," Natsumi said apologetically.
"Guess that means more for us, right, Nakamura-san?" her father asked, raising his cup.
Shinsuke grinned and raised his own in answer. They both downed their drinks at the same time.
Oh god, this isn't happening…Asuka mentally face-palmed. My father is conducting a drinking contest with my boyfriend. She felt her anxiety mounting. Who would win this battle of intoxication? Her father could hold his drink fairly well, however, Shinsuke had more experience with American alcohols. It will be close…I should see if I can intercede on this foolishness.
"So tell me more about yourself, Nakamura-san?" Haruki asked, voice a tad thicker.
Shinsuke's gaze was relaxed, lids lowered. "What would you like to know?" he countered.
Asuka pinched Shinsuke's thigh in warning. Don't get too cheeky with him!
"Why wrestling?" Haruki filled Shinsuke's cup.
"My grandmother," Shinsuke replied, pouring for her father before drinking his shot. "My father wanted me to be a famous baseball player, but I didn't even like watching it with him. I enjoyed watching wrestling with my grandma much more. Plus I wanted to become stronger and I couldn't exactly become a ninja."
"You wanted to be a ninja when you were a boy?" Natsumi asked, interested.
"Yes," Shinsuke chuckled.
Her mother tittered. "How cute."
"But then I realized I would have to be an assassin." Her boyfriend said forthrightly.
A temporary pause issued after his words where the only sound was their chewing. Asuka's worry grew and she looked back and forth between her parents. Her mother continued smiling at Shinsuke, but her father lifted a brow.
"So I decided I would become a strong famous wrestler instead." Shinsuke finished, likely sensing he might have ended his sentence badly.
"Baseball would have been a bit easier on your body, don't you think?" Haruki queried as he began a new round of drinks.
"It would…but my heart wouldn't have been all in," Shinsuke reasoned. "Besides, I wanted to see the world…Can't say that I know of too many Japanese baseball players that compete outside of our country's leagues. And I don't think I would have met Asuka otherwise. Isn't it interesting how we never before met until we both left Japan?"
"Hmph, quite…" said her father, his tone less enthused.
"I think it's wonderful that you carved your own path separate from your father's," Natsumi verbally applauded between bites of rice.
"Perhaps so," Shinsuke murmured, eyes becoming mildly distant.
Asuka could tell that it wasn't the alcohol doing that to him, but thoughts of his father. Under the table, she took his hand in hers. Shinsuke seemed to return to the present, his head lolling minutely as he squeezed Asuka's hand in return. He turned and gave her a quirk of his lips.
"So what was it like training under Inoki-san?" her father went on with his questioning. A slight slur tinged his speech. "Did you ever wonder about failure? About giving up?"
"Failure? All the time," Shinsuke admitted. "I made so many mistakes when I was a rookie and the training often made me wonder if I would die. At times I thought I was done. But Inoki must have seen something in me to keep pushing me back then. That didn't help my peers' jealousy, but I couldn't care about them. I could only just focus on myself just to survive the industry. And I guess I simply wanted to succeed more than anything. Giving up? I never considered it. I'd rather fail taking a risk than to give up without trying."
Her father slurped his noodles, a thoughtful look upon his face. Shinsuke returned to his food as well giving more scraps to Torou and a few to Chouko. Sensing a decent pause in the conversation and that her father seemed satisfied at the moment, Asuka relaxed and focused on dinner. Soon all their plates began to empty.
"So how is your injury fairing, Nakamura-san?" her mother asked this time.
"It's coming along well now I think," Shinsuke replied. "I suffered a fever early on, but Asuka helped me fight it off and heal. I am very grateful to her for that."
Natsumi nodded. "I'm glad to hear that. Asuka is very caring with the people she loves."
Asuka tried to hide her rapidly forming blush behind her bowl of rice, pretending to be nothing more than hungry. She felt Shinsuke's eyes on her for a moment before the heat of his gaze turned elsewhere. She lowered her bowl and steered the conversation towards safer territory.
"How's stuff with the salon going, mom?"
"Oh just fine, darling," Natsumi replied happily. "You shouldn't have to ask me. You should see the money coming in, being that you're the owner. I just run things here."
Shinsuke turned to her, surprise evident on his face. "You own a hair salon?"
"It's nothing," Asuka waved him away self-depreciatingly, the blush she hoped to be rid making itself known again.
"It is something," he nudged her shoulder gently. "How come you never told me?"
Asuka stared into her rice bowl, Shinsuke's praise making butterflies form in her stomach. "So I don't toot my own horn. I have enough advertisers doing that for me…"
Her boyfriend hummed. "You know, I could use a trim. Would you do me the honor sometime, Asuka?"
"I…Of course," she nodded.
Thoughts of running her hands through his wavy tresses invaded her head and made her belly flip flop. It wasn't like she didn't do just that every day but she found herself wanting to do that right now. Among other things that weren't proper.
Beneath the table, Asuka felt a hand on her knee. She nearly choked on her food and tossed the contents of her bowl.
"Are you okay, Asuka?" her father asked in alarm.
"F-Fine," she replied after a coughing fit. "Just my throat got too dry, I think." Please don't look…she thought desperately as she reached for her cup of tea to hide her blush.
The touch wasn't particularly salacious as a hand on her thigh. However, her knees were sensitive to his hands and the initial contact had practically scorched her considering her recent train of thought.
"So what else do you do to keep busy when you're not wrestling? What other interests do you have?" Natsumi carried on.
Asuka moved all her focus to the conversation so as not to react to the thumb drawing circles lightly on her knee.
"Many things." Shinsuke's eye brightened. "Most notably drawing, painting, surfing, camping, making and selling T-shirt designs for RVCA. And I just like to try new things."
"Like what?" And just like that Haruki was readying more rounds, one after the other, causing Shinsuke to remove his hand from her knee.
"Different martial arts…artistic mediums. I enjoy experimenting." Now Shinsuke had started to speak slower as if his mind was trying to catch up with his mouth. "In fact…your daughter and I…we sort of…experimented on something together."
Oh no…Asuka inwardly panicked. Please don't be too loose-tongued!
"Really?" her father asked, heavy-lidded eyes narrowing – in question or suspicion, Asuka couldn't tell.
"Yes!" Shinsuke said in excitement. He pulled out his phone and fiddled with it for several minutes before it appeared he found what he was looking for. "See for yourself, Urai-san." He passed his phone over the table.
Haruki fixed the placement of his glasses once more before looking at the pixels on the screen, drink-slowed mind fitting them all together to form a picture of what he was seeing. "You and Asuka…painted this together?" Her father questioned with sudden interest, turning the phone around so Asuka could finally see the image.
It was the abstract painting they had collaborated on while he was recovering. Asuka breathed a literal sigh of relief.
"Yes," Shinsuke said proudly. "It's our baby~"
Damnit, stop digging holes! Asuka's cheeks flared with heat.
Her father said nothing to that, merely passed the phone to his wife for her to see.
"Lovely work, both of you! Asuka I think you found your soul mate in all ways~" Natsumi said dreamily.
Haruki sent his wife a sideways look. "Your baby, huh?" he said once he turned back to Shinsuke. "Are you hoping to have children…Nakamura-san?"
Shinsuke looked taken aback by the question. "Children with Asuka? Well…to be honest…I haven't put much serious thought into it." He looked at Asuka questioningly.
Her face heated as she recalled fancying what their children would look like and she wanted to cover her face.
"I'm sure Asuka would love to have babies~" Natsumi chimed in,
Asuka began chugging down her tea in an effort to disguise her blush. She said nothing.
"Hn…certainly not so soon," her father shook his head.
"Don't you want grandchildren?" her mother asked her husband.
"I do…but this…is not the time." Haruki slurred.
"Asuka isn't getting any younger, dear," her mother argued.
Oh my god! Asuka internally screamed.
Beside her, Shinsuke shifted uneasily on his cushion. Perhaps he was becoming as uncomfortable as she felt.
"Mom, dad," Asuka decided it was time to butt in. "Thank you so much for dinner. It was nice catching up. I'm starting to feel the exhaustion of travel hit me though, and I'm sure Shinsuke feels the same. Maybe it's a good time for us to turn in for the night." Under the table, she crossed her fingers that she and her boyfriend would be free of this scrutiny.
"I see…Well then…I should show you to your rooms." Haruki nodded as he stumbled to his feet. He still sounded quite buzzed.
"Oh don't worry." Natsumi placed a hand on her husband's shoulder. "I'll set them up."
"I see what you're doing…you wily minx." Haruki eyed his wife. "I will have no trouble…showing them to their…separate rooms."
"But…" Asuka started, not wanting to be separated from Shinsuke. "Shinsuke and I are both adults…"
"She's right. And they won't get to practice making babies if they don't share rooms," Natsumi butted in.
Haruki stared at her mother in shock and Shinsuke had enough sense about him to look awkward.
"Mom!" Asuka wailed in embarrassment.
"What?" Her mother asked as though they were talking about the weather.
Shaking her head, Asuka turned back to her father. "We've shared rooms on many occasions already."
"So you've been practicing already?" Natsumi butted in again, sounding hopeful.
"No!" Asuka's cheeks flamed as her humiliation heightened. Her parents didn't need to know she had fooled around with Shinsuke in other ways!
Shinsuke played with his hair and appeared to find a spot on the floor quite interesting. As if sensing her boyfriend's nerves, Chouko sat next to him, whining and pawing at his pant leg.
"Enough," Haruki said quietly, but it was enough to draw everyone's attention. "Asuka…I don't care what you two do at home…or on the road. But this is my home…and you will sleep in separate rooms.
She was about to argue anew when Shinsuke lifted his head and nodded, submitting her father's wishes. Sounding almost completely sober, he said, "Of course… Urai-san. We accept your conditions."
Asuka pouted like a teenager but Shinsuke flashed her a look that said, You wanted me to make a good impression. Let me do that.
Sighing, she reluctantly yielded. "Fine…"
Her parents helped them bring their necessary belongings inside the house and to the second floor where the bedrooms were; her father stumbling and Shinsuke hobbling. Shinsuke was shown to his room first, a minimally furnished guestroom with a hidden futon bed and a small chest of drawers. Haruki and Asuka unfurled the bed for him onto the floor.
"Are you going to be okay sleeping like this?" she asked Shinsuke, gesturing to his leg.
"Don't worry…I'll be fine." His hand twitched at his side as though he wanted to touch her but was refraining, even while under the influence. "Goodnight," he said softly, caressing her instead with his voice.
Asuka bit her bottom lip, wanting to kiss him so badly. "Goodnight, Shinsuke," she reciprocated.
Shinsuke gave her a small, but affectionate smile then looked past her to her parents. "Thank you for your hospitality…Haruki-san…Natsumi-san." He then bowed as best he could in his condition.
"You've been wonderful company, Nakamura-san," her mother bowed lowly.
Haruki inclined his head. "Indeed you have. Glad to finally meet you…Nakamura-san. Goodnight."
"Goodnight to you and Natsumi-san." Shinsuke returned.
She followed her parents, looking between her father and Shinsuke as she left the guestroom.
Her father led her to her usual guestroom, which was a little more lavishly furnished with a platform bed, tea table, worktable, and décor which featured some of her old paintings.
Her mother pulled her into another tight hug, stroking her hair. "I love you and I'm so happy to have you home, darling. I wish we could have you for longer."
"Me too, mom." Asuka hugged back just as fiercely. "And you and dad are always welcome to visit America some time."
"We will try one day," Natsumi promised before letting her go.
Haruki whispered something to his wife and she bid Asuka goodnight before leaving the room. When her father then sat on the edge of the bed, Asuka joined him.
"I didn't get to talk much to you tonight…for that I'm sorry. But I hope you understand my reasoning."
"I do." Asuka nodded.
"You are…still happy with your career…and living in America?" he asked.
"Yes. Even if not everything is going exactly my way, Shinsuke always makes things a lot more bearable. And I've made so many new friends that make it worth it too. America is very different, but I like staying there. The fans have been very supportive and bring a lot of energy for me to feed off of. I have my side projects that bring me joy too."
Her father stroked the short gray stubble speckling his jaw before eventually nodding. "I am glad to hear that." He looked at her. "I am very proud you…and all you have accomplished…Rainbow Girl."
Despite her age, Asuka felt again like the little girl she once was, basking in her father's praise. "Thanks, dad," she bowed her head in gratitude. "So Murasaki has been going well?"
"Yes," he said in his way of putting her at ease. "We've got a good source of regulars…and new faces are streaming in every day. Business keeps growing and growing…especially when we add new items to the menu."
"That's wonderful. I am so very proud of you too, dad," she said with a wide grin. "Let's continue carving our paths."
Haruki matched her smile. "Of course. Let's stop at nothing."
"Right!"
They exchanged another pair of confident smiles. "Tomorrow…I wish to treat you and Shinsuke to breakfast at the restaurant. I want you to see how everything has grown."
"Sounds good." Asuka nodded. "And Shinsuke has been eager to see it."
"Hn…and I'm looking forward to seeing how he stacks up."
"What?" she inquired nervously.
"Nothing. Goodnight dear." Haruki hugged her briefly.
"Er. Goodnight," she returned as he walked to the door. Her father gave her a wave over his shoulder before stepping out of her room.
After Haruki left, Asuka turned to her luggage and dug out her sleepwear. Because she wouldn't have a whole lot of time to spend with her family tomorrow, she immediately changed and then settled into her bed before turning out the lights.
And what ensued next was a long period of tossing and turning. Though she first shifted into her preferred position for sleep, Asuka ended up lying there for a while without succumbing. And no matter what way she turned, onto her stomach, back, or upon either side, sleep continued to elude her.
What was her father planning for Shinsuke tomorrow?
She attempted to find relief with a cool glass of water from the washroom. When that didn't work, she tried paging through one of her e-books on her Kindle. Her eyes grew tired of the screen, but they weren't tired enough to seek slumber. She tried an audiobook instead.
That didn't work either.
Asuka then discovered her problem right away. It wasn't coolness she wanted, but the warmth of a lanky body beside hers. She didn't need printed text or English words read to her, but to see the contours of tanned skin and the serenity of a smooth Japanese voice.
She needed Shinsuke or she wouldn't get a wink of sleep.
Unable to withstand her yearning a moment longer, Asuka got out of bed and quietly padded out of her room, down the hall, and slid open the door to Shinsuke's room. Inside she saw the upper part of his body rising in silhouette against the moonlight.
"A-Asuka?" he asked lowly.
"Shh," she placed a finger over her lips then stepped in, closing the door behind her.
Shinsuke said nothing more as she crawled under the covers with him. Pressing her front against his, Asuka happily buried her face in the crook of his neck. A pleased sigh escaped her as the scent of ocean, pine, and whiskey surrounded her, already lulling her. She wrapped her arms around his bare torso and pulled him closer.
Slowly and tentatively Shinsuke's arms encircled her, one hand trailing up and down her back before massaging the nape of her neck. "Are you okay?" he whispered, sounding much more sober.
"Mhmm," Asuka mumbled. "Couldn't sleep. Needed to feel you next to me."
His fingers weaved through her hair. "But your father—"
She cut him off with a lingering kiss. A small moan issued from his throat and she swallowed it greedily. "I'll go back to my room in the morning…" she said, giving him kisses that were more innocent than the first. "Mmm…now sleep…Anata."
Shinsuke quietly relented and hauled her closer like a second skin. A calming silence fell over them, marked only by the sound of their breathing and the rustle of his hand over her back.
Yes, this is what I needed, Asuka smiled faintly as sleep finally began to creep over her.
The next morning Asuka found she and Shinsuke had shifted during the night. He was spooning her and she could tell he was awake by the cadence of his breathing.
Asuka yawned and stretched, turning over onto her back. "How long have you been awake?" she asked while rubbing the sleep from her eyes.
"A little while now," he replied lowly.
She looked at her iWatch, The time read 6:30 am. "Did you sleep last night?"
"Off and on," he mumbled. "It's a little hard for a man to sleep in the residence of his girlfriend's father when said girlfriend shouldn't be in the room. Your father tolerated me last night, but one misstep from me this early on could change that."
"Oh, sorry," she whispered sheepishly. She gave him an apologetic kiss.
Shinsuke inhaled through his nose as he reciprocated. "Mmm…but having you…next to me…more than makes up…for the lack of…sleep."
His touch trailed over her side and rested over her stomach, his fingers splaying there. Whether by intent or accident, his pinky grazed the waistband of her sleep bottoms. Asuka licked her lips, imagining his fingers going lower, but they didn't. His hand ghosted over her abdomen to her hip and simply pulled her closer.
"I feel like you've been teasing me since last night…" she whined. "Won't you touch me a little?"
"I am touching you."
Asuka huffed. "You know exactly what I mean."
"Indeed I do." Shinsuke's lips brushed over the shell of her ear.
Desire shot through her and she considered following her mother's advice from the night before. She bit his lower lip and claimed his mouth. Shinsuke groaned softly, tongue doing wickedly good things to hers. Hooking one leg around his hip, Asuka prepared to climb his body.
His strong arms held her fast in place.
"Shinsukeee," she pleaded, unashamed by how pathetic she sounded.
"Not here," he rasped. "Not now."
Asuka wanted to scream "When?" but her sanity prevailed and she thought better of it.
Shinsuke snuggled her head under his chin. "I just wanna lay here with you for just a bit longer before you have to make your grand escape."
"I wish I could lay here with you forever," she blurted out.
She could hear the smile in his voice. "Me too."
Asuka stayed in his room a bit longer, basking in his warmth and stealing kisses when she could before sneaking out and tiptoeing back to her room. She felt sure that she had bypassed her father's notice, but a small inkling of doubt made her wonder.
Her certainty of a mission complete became absolute when her father greeted them the next morning, seeming none the wiser.
The four of them swiftly got ready and left for Murasaki. The restaurant had definitely improved since she had last seen it. There was a shiny new sign and inside a section had been added on for extra seating. And the place was completely packed with customers.
And to think, all of this was just a tiny hole in the wall in the beginning.
Shinsuke's head seemed to be on a swivel, constantly taking in every bit of décor and plates of food on their way through with a visible sense of awe. Some customers took heed of her and Shinsuke's arrival. It was hard to miss her colorful hair and Shinsuke's height after all. Those patrons either did a double-take, whispered amongst themselves, or said ecstatic but politely short greetings to her and Shinsuke.
Haruki led them to the private booth always designated for him and his family. Asuka and her mother seated themselves, but her father remained standing.
Before Shinsuke could sit down, Haruki asked him, "Do you cook, Nakamura-san?"
"Yes," Shinsuke paused then resumed standing. "When I can rather, and I'm sure I'm nowhere near as good as you or Asuka."
"We shall see," her father stated. "Come with me to the kitchen, please."
Asuka's hands suddenly became sweaty.
"Alright," Shinsuke nodded. He took his cell phone out of his pocket, thumbed the screen, and gave the device to her mother. "Won't you keep this for me? It's been yelling at me all morning and it won't do for me to have it with me while cooking."
"Oh, sure," Her mother accepted it happily and peered at the screen.
"Oh, Haruki! Look, it's a picture of him and Asuka~" She turned the phone around so her husband could see.
Haruki gave a nod and a grunt at the picture, then turned and walked towards the kitchen. Shinsuke sent her a small wave before hobbling after him.
Asuka crossed her legs under the table or else she'd be tempted to follow them. "Great, dad's going to murder my boyfriend with one of his sushi knives…" she agonized aloud. Or worse…spill the beans about my past…Asuka shivered.
"He's not going to kill your boyfriend, darling," her mother promised, likely sensing Asuka's unease. But it didn't take long for her to go back to snooping on Shinsuke's phone. "Oh, you two are so adorable~"
Asuka barely registered Natsumi's words, her nerves beginning to fray with worry.
"You love him, don't you?"
That pulled Asuka from her own head. "Wha—?"
"I saw how you looked at him in the garden last night." Natsumi gave her the phone for safekeeping. "And I saw how he looked at you. You both look so happy in those pictures too. You love him and he loves you."
"I…dunno…" Asuka bit her lip. She did know, knew at least that she loved Shinsuke. It both exhilarated and sometimes scared her how fast she fell for him. But did he really love her too? "I think…maybe it's too early to tell."
Her mother shook her head. "Believe what you want, but I know what I saw."
After a while of catching up with her mother and discussing some more details about her relationship with Shinsuke, both their significant others showed up with a cart of food. What surprised her was that they looked completely cordial with each other, smiling and laughing.
"See, your father didn't kill him," Natsumi whispered with a smile.
"I guess that's something, huh?" Asuka conceded.
"You're quite the cook yourself, Shinsuke-kun." Haruki said. "Not bad at all."
Asuka startled at the suffix. She saw Shinsuke's eyes widen. She turned towards her father to question him but he still kept his gaze on her boyfriend.
"But you haven't eaten it yet to know for sure." Shinsuke rubbed the back of his head.
"Don't sell yourself short," said her father. "I sampled here and there, and what I ate was delicious. Besides, you worked in harmony with my staff and me. That is no easy task."
Shinsuke flushed and bowed. "Thank you, Haruki-san."
"So when do we get a sample, Shinsuke-kun?" Natsumi asked, adopting her husband's suffix.
"Yes, I too am curious about this "delicious" food," Asuka couldn't help but add wryly.
The two men seemed to remember their significant others then and quickly went about setting the table.
"Mmmmm~!" Amazing flavors exploded over Asuka's taste buds when she took her first bite of Shinsuke's okonomiyaki. It was like a spiritual experience and her body shook. "S-So goood~"
"Really?" Shinsuke asked tentatively.
"Mhmmmm~" Asuka mumbled around a mouthful.
"Scrumptious~" her mother tacked on. "Almost as good as yours, darling."
"Almost," Haruki echoed pointedly then returned to his food. "If you ever decide to quit wrestling…you're welcome to work here anytime."
"I'm honored by your offer, Haruki-san," Shinsuke's ears turned pink. "Who knows what the future may bring."
After everyone finished eating. Haruki pulled Asuka aside to the restaurant's office, shooing out his assistant manager.
"You were right, Shinsuke is a good man," her father acknowledged once they were alone. "I believe he is the right sort of person for you. I can see it. It pleases me that you have found him and I wish you both all the happiness in the world."
Asuka's lips parted at her fathers' admission, a feeling of immense relief stirring in her chest. "Thank you, dad. That means so much to me."
Haruki pulled her into a hug, kissed her head, and simply held her for a few minutes. "I love you, Asuka."
"I love you too, dad," she said, embracing him back. Thank you for accepting Shinsuke.
Author's Notes: Found that Asuka owned a hair salon so wanted to include that in here. And I really enjoyed writing Shinsuke's parents being complete opposites of their first impressions of Shinsuke. This whole chapter was fun~ Reviews and faves are appreciated and be sure to check out my AO3~