Chapter 16
Naoto (April 27, 2016)
My friends and I made our way up the hill, letting Chie lead. She was so strong physically that the slanted path was bit harder on the rest of us. I was told by Yukiko that Chie was excelling in the top five of her class in her physical training. I wondered if Narukami would be awaiting us at the top. It seemed an odd place for him to show up. I figured the day would eventually lead us to the Dojima residence.
"Slow down, Chie," Yukiko said. "You're marching up there like it's your birthday."
"I'm pumped up!" She replied excitedly. "Come on, slow pokes."
At the top, we saw the open field and familiar gazebo where the daycare was usually located. Instead of several kids running around, there was only one child seated there on top of the table. She waved us over, a smile on her eager face.
"Nana-chan!" Teddie said excitedly, running over in her direction.
This was the biggest surprise of the day. I wasn't expecting to run into Nanako-chan of all people. The beautiful eleven-year-old was growing up fast. She would soon be my height, which I suppose wasn't saying much as the smallest of our friends. She had her long brown hair pulled back in a ponytail and wore a black summer dress with a floral pattern.
"Happy birthday Naoto!" She called.
"Thanks," I replied, giving her a hug once Teddie let her go. "I'm surprised to see you."
"Detective Loveline had to help with the mystery!" she said, recalling her favorite childhood TV show. "I've got some stuff for you. I bought it with my own allowance and everything."
She brought her hand from behind her back and held out a gift bag and bright yellow rose tied to it with a ribbon.
I took the bag, removed the tissue paper and looked inside. Yosuke and Rise gathered behind me to look over my shoulder.
It was a blue leather bound book of Japanese riddles and short mysteries by one of my favorite writers. This gift was by far my favorite.
"It's perfect Nanako-chan," I said, holding out an arm for another hug. "Thank you."
"You're very welcome," she said, returning my embrace. "Dad helped me pick it out. He says he's sorry he couldn't be here today."
"That's okay," I reassured her. "He's probably busy with work. Especially on a Friday."
Nanako winked. "Yep. Read your clue! Do you like the rose?"
"It's lovely," I told her honestly. "So far the bouquet appears to be one in a different color for each clue."
"We picked our favorite colors," Nanako said, gesturing to Rise's bouquet.
I smiled again and read the clue attached the brilliant yellow rose.
A place that exists to enrich the mind, where in year three, you left behind.
Though it is a building of which I speak, you need not enter to find what you seek.
On the back was another rhyme.
Yellow is mellow but still depends on being around my flower friends.
I handed the yellow flower over to Rise, who took it and sniffed the growing bouquet. "Thank you. So, next destination?"
"Yasogami," I replied. "But apparently not inside of the school...just nearby I suppose."
"Thank God for that," Yosuke said. "I've given enough of my life to that place. I don't even miss my professors."
"Me either," Chie said. "Everyone ready to go?"
"Nanako-chan doesn't have a scooter though," I pointed out. "Will she be able to keep up with us?"
"Sure," Nanako said, picking up the gift bag. "I can ride my bicycle. It has a basket and everything."
"We're not far from the school actually," Yukiko said. "How about we take a walk over? It won't take long. I'd hate for Nanako to fall behind us."
"True," Yosuke agreed.
Teddie put an arm around Nanako-chan. "I will guard this little one with my Teddie life! We shall march forward, gang!"
"You're so weird," Chie said to him.
I laughed. "Okay. A walk it is. Does everyone have everything they need?"
The group concurred. I worried slightly about leaving our scooters behind, but it was no different than leaving them outside a facility we might be visiting on a normal day. The town was so small it would take us no time to circle back and get them later.
We headed toward Yasogami, which was only a few blocks away. The walk felt nostalgic. I remembered when I first moved here. Never could I have anticipated the bonds I had with these wonderful people or the connection with Kanji. I loved him desperately and knew I always would.
"Hey look it's the school!" Nanako said, pointing ahead. "I'll be going here in five years!"
"Don't get too excited," Yosuke said. "The place is lame."
Chie smacked his arm. "Don't tell her that! Let her be excited!"
Yukiko began to giggle at their banter.
The school was indeed right at the end of the path we were walking. The new school year would have just started.
Standing just outside the gates was a tall young man with silver hair and a kind smile. He wore a blue Yasogami high school tracksuit which somehow still fit him three years post graduation.
"Senpai!" Rise said excitedly, rushing forward to hug her boyfriend. She jumped into his arms, and he caught her at the waist.
"She just saw him early this morning," Yosuke muttered. "She's acting like she hasn't seen him in days."
"Oh, like you and Chie aren't the same way," Yukiko said. "Be nice."
"How come she still calls him Senpai when she and big bro aren't in high school anymore?" Nanako asked.
"Because Rise-san is strange," Teddie answered her.
As we grew closer, Narukami disentangled himself from his girlfriend and waved at me.
"Hey Naoto. Happy birthday."
"Thank you," I replied, glancing around. "Being here is quite nostalgic."
"It really is," Yu agreed. "I went inside to say hello to some of my old teachers. Some wanted me to stick around, but I told them I couldn't because it's your birthday. They told me to tell you hi though."
Nanako came over and hugged Yu as well. "Big bro, give Naoto-chan her present now. We gotta hurry."
"Alright we'll hurry," he agreed, ruffling her hair.
Yu pointed upward. Hanging on the gate was a gift bag and a single white rose poking out of it.
I went over to retrieve it, stretching up on to my tip toes.
This time everyone gathered around me as I reached inside the bag. It was a small jewelry box. My first thought was hoping it wasn't too expensive. As I slid it open, a silver charm bracelet sat nestled into a cotton square.
"I hope it's not too lame," Narukami said. "It's from my uncle Dojima and I. We thought you'd like it."
I examined the seven charms there. A tiny film camera. A microphone. A Japanese gi. A skull with crossbones. A pair of headphones. A pink kimono. A teddy bear. Each charm representing the people I loved most.
"We picked out our own charms," Chie said. "Is that okay?"
It was more than okay. It was perfect. Somewhere my insecurities were still screaming that this was all too much. Too much money. Too much time. The anniversary of my birth did not deserve such attention. Yet I suspected this was only a prelude to what Kanji had planned. He orchestrated the extremities. Perhaps to show just how much he loved me.
"Thank you all," I said, my voice cracking. "Everything has been lovely thus far. I am undeserving."
"You deserve all the great gifts Naoto-chan!" Nanako said. "Read your next rose clue!"
"I'm excited for this one," Rise said happily.
I took what I thought to be the final rose out of the bag and read the note tag yet again.
You've made it this far, here's my final request:
It's one to ponder as you may have guessed.
When you saw me here, you had something to inquire,
Though I mistook your true desire.
Ever since then, in my memory you've stayed.
So I ask this of you on your birthday:
Recall our first meeting. It's a tedious task.
But go to that location. I have something to ask.
I hesitated before turning over the tag. Warmth flooded through me as I thought back to my first interaction with Kanji. I was firm yet vague. He was strong but clueless. Now we were madly in love. Life did weird things sometimes.
"What's it say?" Nanako asked anxiously.
I handed Nanako the rose and she scrunched up her face as she read it, then beamed. "This is romantic. I like this clue best of all."
"As do I," I told her cheerfully. "I think the most thoughtful part is the mention of how confused Kanji was by my intentions after we first met. It is a most creative way of conducting a mystery."
Rise beamed. "Isn't it though?"
I nodded. "I suppose we are off to Tatsumi Textiles then, to see what Kanji has in store for me."
They all beamed. Nanako ducked her head under Yu's arm. Not for the first time that day, I suspected they all knew exactly what was coming.
Kanji (April 27, 2016)
"Hanamura-san says they're almost here," Ma said, checking her cell phone.
"Going to pace again," I replied, getting to my feet.
"Will you stop that?" Dojima asked. "Everything is going to be fine."
"But what if it isn't?" I asked for what felt like the thirtieth time. "This whole thing was stupid wasn't it? The flowers were too much. No...the gifts were too much. From everyone. I probably scared the hell out of her."
Yakushiji-san, Dojima-san, and Ma looked at me, slightly exasperated.
"It's true!" I told them. "When she gets here, I'm going to ask her to come to dinner with me. That's still a question without asking the real question I want to ask. Maybe on her next birthday. We've only been together for...well...not even a year yet. What kind of moron asks a girl to marry him after eleven months?"
"You apparently," Dojima said, starting to laugh.
Ma laughed as well. "Sweetheart, you need to calm down. You've been making a fuss about this for two weeks."
"Three," Yakushiji-san corrected. "He came to Shirogane-san three weeks ago and asked for permission. He was a nervous wreck then as well."
"This is stupid," I muttered as I paced back and forth. "This is really stupid. How about, when they get here, you tell them that I passed out and had to go to the hospital?"
Ma rolled her eyes. "Kanji Tatsumi."
Oh great. The full name. Now I knew I was getting on her nerves. Yakushiji-san bringing up what happened three weeks ago was sending me off the rails even more. I thought back to that day again.
My pacing skills were in full affect in Shirogane-san's office at the estate. He sat behind his desk, smirking as though slightly amused.
"Did you come here to show me your pacing skills?" He asked.
I paused. "Uh. No. I...I want to ask you something," I replied.
"You've said that three times and have yet to actually ask," he responded, chuckling.
I sighed and sank down into one of his comfortable arm chairs. "Sorry. I'm just...nervous. Now that I'm here, it's harder to do this. Uh. You know that...I love Naoto right?"
"I think there's a small island of indigenous people off the coast of Australia who might not know," he joked. "You might send them a memo. Other than that, the rest of the world is up to date."
I nervously started to rub the tension out of my neck. "Uh. Good. Cause...God I don't even know how to say it."
"Just say what you need to say, son," Shirogane-san said.
I stared at him in surprise. "Son?"
"Forgive the honorific. But you know that I like and approve of you very much.You've been good for my Naoto. I've come to think of you and your mother as part of our family."
My eyes slid closed and a sigh of relief came from me. Hearing that was exactly what I needed. "Good. I'm glad you think so. I...I really like you and Yakushiji-san as well. I um...well...I'd like to make that part of the family bit official. I...I'd like your uh. Your permission to marry Naoto. I mean to ask her...to marry me. If...if that's okay."
I was a fucking idiot and he knew it. This was the stupidest thing I'd ever done.
He surprised me when he grinned widely. "I can't say I'm not surprised. But I know how much my granddaughter means to you so I can't pretend we wouldn't have gotten here eventually. I'll say this much. You're a good, upstanding young man. You're talented. Your career is stable. You love my granddaughter with an intensity I rarely see in young couples who claim similar feelings. However, the permission you need to marry Naoto should come from Naoto. So I won't give you that. What I will give you is my blessing."
A dizzy sensation shot through me. "Wait...are you shitting me?"
The moment the words came out, I regretted them. I hated swearing in front of Naoto's grandfather even if he knew I did it all the time.
He laughed openly. "No, Kanji-kun I do not jest. If you're going to propose to Naoto, I am thrilled to support you and be in attendance. Do you know how you're going to do it?"
"I've got a few ideas," I said honestly. "I wanted to talk to you first though. Even Ma doesn't know yet. I want to ask Naoto on her birthday this year."
He clapped his hands together. "Fantastic idea. Allow me to give you some assistance." He stood as I stared at him in confusion. "Follow me."
I did as I was told and followed him into the hall and toward his wing of the house. I'd never been on this side of the estate because I never had a reason to. Each person in the estate had their own wing and I'd only ever been in Naoto's.
"Wait here," Shirogane-san said as we stepped into a small foyer.
I waited impatiently, rubbing my sweaty palms on my jeans and hoping Naoto wouldn't come home early.
When Shirogane-san came back, he was beaming and held out a small black jewelry box.
"If you're going to propose, you'll need a ring," he said matter-of-factly. "This one is a family heirloom. When my son was alive, he used this to propose to Naoto's mother. Now, I will warn you that it's missing a stone. I'm not sure when that happened, but it is beautiful regardless. I'm happy to replace the stone. I just wanted to wait until it was the right time."
I took the box in shaking hands and opened it. It was a vintage style ring which was, like he said, missing a small stone on the left side. But aside from that, it looked amazing. At least to my standards.
"It's incredible," I said. "Naoto's family legacy means a lot to her and this kinda symbolizes that. I was going to have Rise, Yukiko and Chie help me pick one out at the store and now I don't have to."
Shirogane-san winked. "I'll get this sent off if you like."
I shook my head. "No, with all due respect Shirogane-san, I'd like to pay for the stone at least since I'm not paying for the ring. You can tell me where to get it fixed though."
He held out his hand. "Deal."
I shook it and beamed. "Deal."
There was the sound of a door opening somewhere in the house, then someone called, "Kanji? I have something to tell you!"
I grinned and quickly pocketed the ring. "Up here, Naoto."
Shirogane-san chuckled. "Don't worry Tatsumi. Your secret is safe with me. Let me know if there's anything else I can do to help."
A week later, the ring was at the jewelers with a 72 hour time window before the stone could be replaced. Still plenty of time before Naoto's birthday. I'd managed to gather all my friends at Ma's place to put the proposal plan into action. After explaining what I wanted, Rise was easily the most excited.
"I know, I know, I know," she said in a high pitched squeal. "We each have to give her a different rose at our assigned locations and your mom is still working on writing the clues. Can we PLEASE see the ring now?"
"I wanna see it too," Chie chimed in.
"Me three," Yukiko said.
"I'll pass," Yosuke joked.
"Shut up Yosuke," Teddie scolded him. "This is important to Kanji."
"It's at the jeweler getting a stone replaced," I told the girls. "But I'll let you see a picture of it."
I took out my phone, pulled a picture of it up in my camera app and showed them. Rise quickly snatched the phone and a squeal I was sure would summon dogs if it was an octave higher escaped her mouth. Even Narukami covered his ears.
"I'm sure you've heard her make similar noises," Yosuke teased his best friend, causing Chie to elbow him.
"THIS IS THE PRETTIEST RING EVER OH MY GOD," Rise shrieked in one breath, ignoring the guys. "KANJI. I LOVE IT."
"Calm down Rise," Yukiko said, giggling. "Kanji isn't proposing to you."
"I know!" She said excitedly. "But I'm so happy for him I could just cry. It's beautiful, Kanji. You said it belonged to Naoto's mother? This is straight out of a fairy tale."
"I love the color," Chie said. "It suits Naoto perfectly!"
"She's going to love it Kanji," Yukiko said. "You have nothing to worry about."
"I hope you're right," I said. "I've been trying to come up with the right thing to say for a week now. I wonder if I should write it down. Ma is much more poetic than me. That's why she's helping write the clues."
"Speak from your heart," Yukiko said. "Do that, and you'll be fine. Don't write it down. You can do it."
"We'll be right there with you," Narukami said.
I sighed. "Thanks guys. I'll need your support."
The only thing that had gone wrong leading up to this point was Naoto's grandfather not showing. Even the different colored roses were easy enough to find. Shirogane-san had gone out of town on a case and due to weather, he was stuck on a long layover. He wouldn't be back until tonight, and called to tell me this morning.
I wasn't mad at him. I understood completely. Rise would more than likely video the entire proposal anyway.
"You're going to be fine," Dojima said. "She loves you. You can do this."
I closed my eyes and pictured Naoto's perfect, beautiful face. I hoped they were right.
Naoto (April 27, 2016)
Our group continued on through the shopping district and toward the direction of Tatsumi Textiles. Each of my friends was still carrying a bag or box with the gift I'd been given for my birthday. I felt a mixture of things as we came to the end of the mystery. Excitement, nervousness, and anticipation.
Rise walked to the front of our group and looped her arm through mine. "We're almost there, Naoto. You ready?"
"Ready for what?" I asked.
"To see your man of course," she replied. "Duh."
"I suppose I am," I replied.
"Good," Chie said. "Cause he's standing over there."
I looked ahead and sure enough Kanji was standing just outside of Tatsumi Textiles. An instant flashback appeared in my mind to the fifteen-year-old boy who thought I had more than a mystery to solve when we first met. Today he was wearing a navy blue button down shirt, black jeans and black boots. He looked handsome as always. In his hand was a deep purple rose and behind him stood his mother, Dojima-san and Yakushiji-san.
I ran forward and didn't stop until I nearly collided with Kanji as my arms wrapped tightly around his waist.
"You did all this, you, you...you insane fool," I said, squeezing him tighter.
I felt his warm hand press against my back as he chuckled. "Yeah, I did. Couldn't help it. I wanted you to have a happy birthday."
"Well I certainly have," I said staring up at him. "The flowers and gifts from everyone were beautiful, but a bit much if I'm honest. There was no need to spend so much time or money."
"There kinda was," he said, cupping my face in his hand. "I needed you to know just how much I love you. I'm not even sure today accurately says it."
"Believe me it does," I said. "Is the purple rose mine as well?"
He nodded and handed it to me. "The last one of the day."
I took the lovely flower and sniffed appreciatively. "These are lovely. Where did you find them in so many colors?"
"There's a florist in Inaba who grows them," he told me. "They were surprisingly easy to find."
I heard my friends begin to gather behind me and looked to see them standing in a line, all except Nanako, who'd rushed to her father's side.
"Forgive my rudeness," I said to Dojima-san, Tatsumi-san and Yakushiji-san. "Greetings to you all as well."
"You weren't rude at all dear," Kanji's mother said. "You were excited. And good for you. Happy birthday."
Dojima-san and Yakushiji-san also echoed the birthday wishes.
I stared around at everyone, still feeling slightly confused. "So...aside from my birthday, what exactly is going on here? I thought you and I had a dinner date."
"We do," he said, taking my hand. "But...there's something else, too."
He also looked around at our small audience before addressing me again. Some of them nodded back.
"Well. You know I love you like I've never loved anyone else right?" he asked, kissing the back of my hand.
"Of course I do," I said softly. "I love you very much as well."
He took a deep breath and nodded, then went on. "Being with you has been amazing. But I'm also familiar with being alone. When I was a kid, my dad died and told me before he left that he wanted me to be a strong man, it left me with a complex as you all know."
Our friends laughed lightly at this, and I smiled.
"As time went on, I started acting out, getting real protective of Ma. Then I met you guys and you showed me I was already man enough and didn't have to be alone anymore. When I first met you though, it threw me off. I wasn't sure what to do with my confusion about another guy. That kind of developed into something more, even after we found out you were a woman. I've been hung up on you since the day we met and I wouldn't trade anything that's happened between us. No matter what I did, you were always in the center of it, even if you weren't involved, because I always thought about you. I'm glad that even though it ain't your responsibility to help me work through my issues or make me feel more like a man, you do that anyway. Naturally. Just by being yourself. You like, represent everything that's calm and good and stable in the world."
The wetness on my face told me I was crying before I even knew I was. His public declaration was so sweet and sincere. My own heart felt as though it were increasing size in my chest.
He took my other hand and squeezed both. "I want to keep you in my life forever. I want to make you happy the only way I know how, just to thank you for all the things you've done for me even if you didn't realize it. So, in order for that to happen..."
Kanji let go of my hands and slid down to kneel on one knee. My hands flew over my mouth, because now, I knew what was happening. I knew what his next request would be. I was dizzy with anticipation as I stopped breathing.
Kanji pulled out a small black ring box, opened it and kept his dark eyes steady on mine as he held it out. Inside the box was a beautiful, vintage style ring with a large sapphire blue stone at the center and small white diamonds that circled the main stone and continued down either side of the golden band.
"Naoto Shirogane," Kanji said clearly. "I love you. Will you be my wife?"
This was a dream, I thought to myself. It has to be. There was no way Kanji was proposing. Actually proposing. To me. With a beautiful ring. With words so heartfelt I wanted to squeeze him and never let him go. This had to be some kind of fantasy.
I stared back at my boyfriends steady gaze. I thought of all we'd been through together to get where we were now. Not only had he taken the time to put together something so well thought out, he'd involved all the friends we made and the people closest to us. That spoke volumes. My love for him was something so much deeper than even I could put into proper words. I wanted to spend my life with him. Not a single doubt was in my mind on that subject. So, despite the nervousness and shock, I took a deep breath, and answered his question as firmly as I could.
"Yes, Kanji Tatsumi," I replied, wiping away tears. "I accept and will become your wife."
The smile on his face was pure bliss as he took my left hand and slid the beautiful ring on to my third finger. I only had a second to admire it before he stood, pulled me in close and kissed me deeply. Our friends and family applauded, and Rise cheered loudly. The moment still felt as though it weren't real somehow, despite the very real emotions flooding through me. I was engaged. I was going to be Kanji's wife.
When we finally separated, our friends gathered around us with congratulations and Rise insisted on seeing the ring on my hand since she'd apparently only seen a photo of it up until now.
"The ring has a unique Shirogane family history," Yakushiji-san said, wiping his eyes. "It belonged to your mother. Your father proposed to her with it."
I stared down at the sapphire and diamond stones. "Are...are you serious? This...was my mother's…"
"It was," Kanji confirmed happily. "When I went to tell your grandpa what I wanted to do, he offered it for me to give to you. I hope you don't mind that I didn't buy you a more modern ring I guess?. I...I still could if you want."
I shook my head as my eyes filled with tears. "This one is perfect. It has history. I...I never knew about this momento."
"Your grandfather wanted to wait," Yakushiji-san said. "I like to think he would have passed this on to you eventually even if you weren't engaged though."
Kanji's mother stepped forward with her arms outstretched. "Welcome to the family, Naoto."
I blushed and hugged her quickly. "Thank you. I feel...very welcome today. I'm glad you're okay with me marrying your son."
"It's more than okay," Tatsumi-san said. "I trust you to keep him in line."
"Ha, ha," Kanji said, rolling his eyes.
"When's the wedding?" Nanako asked excitedly. "Can it be soon? Maybe tomorrow?"
Everyone laughed, and Teddie ruffled her hair.
"Soon," Kanji told her. "We need time to plan."
"I want to help plan!" Rise exclaimed excitedly. "Please? Please can I?"
"Calm down, Rise you sound like Nanako," Narukami said, putting an arm around his girlfriend.
"I want you to all have a role of some sort in the wedding," I said. "You've all been amazing today. Thank you."
"And we still have to go to dinner," Kanji said, pulling me in close.
"Have fun guys," Yosuke said we'll leave all Naoto's birthday stuff with her secretary to take back. "I know I give you guys a hard time, but congrats. Have fun tonight. Can't wait for the wedding. You will have an open bar, right?"
Chie groaned. "Aaaand he ruined the nice moment."
"Let us know what locations you're thinking of when you come up with some," Yukiko replied. "I'm sure I can arrange something for you guys at the Inn. Or maybe just some of our services or catering."
"You're going to overwhelm them," Dojima said, chuckling.
"That's what I'm saying," Narukami agreed with his uncle. "You guys should get out of here before Rise comes up with even more ideas."
"Go have fun," Tatsumi-san said with a bow.
I nodded and hugged each of them goodbye. Kanji did the same, promising to call Rise tomorrow. I then let him escort me away to indulge in other plans for the evening, excited for what else was to come.
"It's just that I'm a lot to deal with in the long term," Naoto said as we sat together in a hammock on the front porch of the Shirogane estate after dinner that night.
"You are perfect," I said, kissing her forehead. "I thought about what I wanted to do for a long time. Are you changing your mind on me?"
She looked at her engagement ring for the millionth time that evening. "No. I just want you to know it's not too late to change yours."
"What kind of sense does that make?" I said, chuckling.
She bit her lip. "I...I have terrible sleeping habits, like kicking or talking in my sleep. I can be rather moody even on regular days. When I'm consumed with a case, I require long periods of thought without disruption. I travel a lot. Occasionally a month at a time. Sometimes the situations I put myself in are rather dangerous. I...I am undecided on the matter of children. I like having my own space. If we were to purchase a home together...I would require an office space of sorts. I'm a picky eater and like having my food prepared a particular way. I'm also very stubborn."
I took her perfect face between my hands. "You think I don't know all of that after dating you for almost a year and knowing you for six? The only thing we haven't discussed is kids. I do know I'd be marrying a detective. I know you can't always be around and I know that your job is demanding and dangerous. None of that stops me from wanting you as my wife."
Naoto sighed, leaned in and kissed me softly. I wrapped my arms around her waist and kissed her back, groaning as she pressed herself even closer.
"Anything else?" I said, our lips still brushing.
"I...just...don't want you to be lonely," she said breathlessly. "I want you to be my husband, but not my lonely husband."
"I won't be," he said. "You're mine. I'm yours. A few months out of the year when you'll be working out of town doesn't change that. I got a job of my own. And our friends are here."
Another kiss. "Hmmmm. And...about kids?"
"Not now," I said honestly. "But some day. Maybe. Once we've been married for awhile and talked about it some more. And don't you dare bring up your job in relation to a kid. It'll be fine. Deployed military parents see their kids a whole lot less than you will."
Her breath tickled as she moved her lips along my jawline and up to my ear. "Would you still...want me physically? I've heard that things in the bedroom tend to calm down or cease once a couple has decided to marry."
I nearly laughed at the crazy question. "I'm always going to want you. I want you now, but I'm trying to be good because we're outside. All I want to do is take you upstairs and taste you until you can't stand it anymore."
Her body shuddered. She was still shy to an extent, but when she was having an orgasm, it was like seeing an entirely different Naoto. One who lost that proper, business like attitude. One with a potty mouth. Not nearly as bad as mine, but I considered it a compliment when ever the words came because she tried so hard to hold them back.
"Why are you the way that you are?" She asked seductively, whispering directly into my ear. "Can't you control yourself?"
"Not even a little," I said, grabbing her hips.
We stopped talking at that point and just started kissing more enthusiastically. When my jeans began to tighten at the crotch, I knew I was in trouble. She was just so damn sexy. We were supposed to be behaving ourselves because her grandfather was on his way back to Inaba from the train station and Naoto wanted to tell him about the engagement.
I was about two seconds from suggesting we abandon that plan so I could take her upstairs to her wing of the estate when the flash of headlights and the sound of an approaching car interrupted us.
"Dammit," Naoto said, resting her head on my shoulder. Case and point about the potty mouth thing.
"You were the one that wanted to wait up for your grandfather," I teased.
"I know," she said with a sigh. "Can...can you give us a moment? I think you may need to calm yourself down."
I glanced down. She wasn't wrong. I wasn't quite hard enough to give myself away but I could still tell.
"Go on," I said, pulling my jacket into my lap. "I'll be there in a second."
She giggled and left the hammock. I couldn't help but stare at how perfect her legs were in her new jeans. She might be short, but that didn't make it any less hot when her legs were wrapped around my waist, or resting on my shoulders while I…
Fuck. I needed to calm down. I shook my head to try and clear it as I watched Naoto approach her grandfather's car. I waited a minute or two before heading over, excited to hear what he would have to say about the engagement.
"It's perfect isn't it?" Naoto was asking as she held out her left hand for her grandpa to see.
"A perfect fit for a perfect future bride," Shirogane-san said. "Happy birthday, Naoto. I'm so sorry I didn't see it in person."
"That's okay!" Naoto said, taking out her phone. "Rise recorded it with her phone and sent it to me. You'll be able to watch it with Kanji and I this evening."
Naoto's grandfather smiled as he saw me approaching. "I'm glad to hear the day was a success."
"Me too," I told him. "I was a nervous wreck. You should have seen me before she got there."
He laughed. "If it was anything like the day you told me you wanted to ask, I'm sure I've got a clear picture."
Naoto stared between the two of us. "He asked you for permission? You planned this together?"
Shirogane-san smiled and pulled his granddaughter in for another hug. "Yes we did although I did tell him that permission needed to come from you. I gave him my blessing and the ring."
Naoto looked at her hand again. "It's so beautiful."
Her grandfather winked at me. "Welcome to the family, son."
I grinned widely. "Thanks."
"Oh!" Naoto said excitedly, bouncing on her feet. "Grandfather...can...can Yakushiji-san officiate at the ceremony?"
Confused, I stared down at my fiance. "Is he like...registered for that?"
"Indeed he is," Shirogane-san said. "And I'm sure he'd be delighted to marry you both, but we should ask him first. Come on, let's head for the house."
Naoto took her grandfather's bag in one hand and my hand in the other as we walked toward the estate.
I let out another deep breath and smiled again. It felt like I could truly breathe for the first time in weeks. Planning the wedding would be cinch compared to the anxiety around the proposal. As we entered the house and Naoto called for Yakushiji-san I stayed quiet for the most part, letting her gush with excitement as they told Shirogane-san about the scavenger hunt in more detail.
I allowed my mind to drift a bit thinking about what kind of dress Naoto would wear and how much pre-wedding torment Rise would put her through. She'd probably do the same to me or make Narukami do it.
I glanced across the kitchen and saw the bouquet of roses Naoto had gathered throughout the day sitting in a vase by the stove. Just look at them made my heart swell in my chest. Mentally, I patted myself on the back. Whatever happened going forward, it would be worth it knowing I was going to marry the woman of my dreams.
Note: THEY'RE GETTING MARRIED! YAY! Next week is the last week for the story. Only one chapter and the epilogue remain. I don't want to think about though because it'll make me sad. I really hope you guys liked the proposal. Kanji and Naoto are just too precious. I'll see you next week on Tuesday, September 22nd.