Liebestraum
Chapter 28: Affrettando (Or, hurrying and pressing onward)

Shiori watched with great amusement as her son flitted about their home.

He was actually nervous.

"What time do you expect Asuka?" she asked, keeping the smile off her face.

"Any moment now, I believe."

Shiori couldn't recall the last time Shuichi was this jittery. It spoke volumes about how important this girl was to him.

And he almost lost her. My dear son.

It had been three weeks since he had returned from the mountains. Asuka had been picked up by some traffickers and though Shiori didn't know the specifics, she knew Asuka had been badly injured from the ordeal. She had returned to Tokyo and was staying with Kuwabara's family. Shuichi said it was the safest place she could be while having help recovering since her great aunt was very unwell.

That poor girl.

Since then, Shiori had hardly seen her son. After school he'd go to Kuwabara's house and wouldn't return until very late in the evening. In the morning, he'd get up and go see Asuka before school.

They were in the kitchen when Shiori heard a light knock. Her son practically flew to answer the door. A moment later she heard it swing open.

"Hi," she heard Shuichi say, breathless.

"Hi," a melodic voice answered.

"Thank you Shizuru, for driving Asuka."

"It's not a problem. Asuka, call me when you're ready to be picked up?"

"Sounds good," she said.

The door clicked shut.

"Let's put that over here for now," Shuichi said. "Come here?" There was a moment of silence and then, "I missed you."

There was light laughter before Asuka said, "we saw each other yesterday for a bit."

"I always miss you when we're apart. How are you feeling today, love?"

"Alright. I had a weak spell earlier, but I feel fine now."

Shiori had never heard her son speak with such tenderness. She hadn't meant to overhear their conversation, but the entry way door was so close to the kitchen and it couldn't be helped.

As discreetly as she could, Shiori crept out of the kitchen to walk to the living room. As she did so, she saw Shuichi standing in the entryway with Asuka. His hands gently cupped her cheeks as Asuka looked up at her son with utter devotion.

They didn't even notice her walk by. The scene made Shiori want to weep.

"Is Asuka here?" Her husband Kazuya asked when she entered the living room.

"Yes." The word caught in her throat.

"Everything alright, dear?"

Shiori gave a light chuckle. "I think my son found his match."

Kazuya furrowed his brow. "That's a very serious assessment, Shiori. Besides, don't you think they're a little too young to know that?"

"You'll see."

A couple minutes later Shuichi and Asuka entered the living room. Shiori assumed Asuka would be beautiful, but she still wasn't prepared for the sight the two of them made together. Asuka had violet eyes and hair that cascaded down her body in waves. She was delicate, and Shiori thought it complimented her son's features so well.

"Mother, father, this is Asuka."

Asuka bowed and her hair fell forward. "It's very nice to meet you. Thank you so much for having me."

"Asuka brought a melon for later, which I already brought to the kitchen," Shuichi said.

"Thank you Asuka," Shiori said. "That will be perfect for after dinner. Which," she glanced at the clock, "should be ready in just a few minutes."

"Shuichi, or rather, our other Shuichi," Kazuya said, "is probably upstairs in his room. I'll fetch him."

"We can head to the dining room," Shiori said.

They followed, and Shuichi pulled out a chair for Asuka to sit in.

"Thank you," she said with a dazzling smile.

Shuichi's hand lightly grazed her shoulder as he sat down next to her.

Now that Shiori was closer to Asuka, she could see it plain as day: in her eyes sat an old soul, like that of her son.

Shiori had never been religious, but she had come to believe in reincarnation since having Shuichi. Her son had been wildly mature for his age, yes, fiercely intelligent, yes, but it was more than that. It was just something in his eyes that said "ancient" to her. She first started noticing it when he was a small child.

She believed people weren't aware of their reincarnations but somehow, her son was. She could think of no other reason to explain the feeling she got from him. Shiori believed this made him even more special than he already was. She also believed Shuichi's awareness of his past lives made relating to his peers difficult.

But in a stunning turn of events, here sat Asuka with the same olden gleam in her eye. It was unmistakable.

Were they traveling souls bound together somehow? Or was it a coincidence that her son met a girl the same as him?

Either way, it made Shiori ecstatic. Her son had found someone who completely understood him. She had feared he would go through life without ever meeting someone who could.

There was a bounding sound down the stairs as the other Shuichi came into view. His eyes widened when he saw Asuka. "Wow! You're really pretty."

She laughed. "Thank you."

"Hatanaka?" Shiori asked. She usually called him by his last name when both boys were in the same room to avoid confusion. "Will you help me bring out dinner?"

"Sure Mom."

Shiori loved that the boys referred to them both as mom and dad, but she knew the change in family dynamics was difficult for her son, though he never once complained about it. They'd been two peas in a pod for so long.

Shiori remembered asking Shuichi what he thought about bringing more people into their family and he simply said, "I'll be off to do my own thing at some point. You should seize your happiness while you can, mother."

So kind.

Hatanaka helped carry out the numerous plates to the dining room. Rice, pickled radishes, grilled fish cakes, salad, eggplant, and dashi soup were all on the menu. Once the plates were on the table, everyone said their thanks and began to eat.

"So Asuka," Kazuya said, "I hear you are an expert piano player."

"I don't know if I could categorize myself as an expert, but I deeply enjoy playing. It's very important to me." A wistful look shone on Asuka's face.

"Are you thinking that's what you'd like to do as a career?"

Asuka helped herself to some radishes. "I hope so. But it is a very difficult career path, and the future is uncertain. All I can do is try my very best."

"Asuka has won awards for arrangement composition and piano interpretation," Shuichi said.

"That is very impressive. Perhaps you could play something for us later if you don't mind?" Kazuya asked.

"I would love that."

"You're in for something special," Shuichi said.

Asuka smiled and there was a brief silence.

"How was work today Dad?" Hatanaka asked after eating a piece of his fish cake.

Kazuya sighed. "The international trading has been slower than I'd hoped. We are making a profit though, so that is a good sign."

"Are the difficulties associated with the recession that hit most of the west?" Asuka asked.

Kazuya looked up from his meal stunned. "Yes Asuka, that's precisely why it's been difficult. Are you interested in foreign markets and trade?"

"I only know a little from what Shuichi has told me, but it is fascinating."

"Indeed, it is. The American economy is battling inflation with an extremely high unemployment rate. Of course, our own housing crisis has made our own economy suffer."

Asuka asked Kazuya some more questions about their company, and the merger which took place last year. Shiori looked over at Shuichi and saw the pride in his eyes as he silently listened to his stepfather and girlfriend discuss international economics.

Her son was also very good at playing the market. She'd given him some stocks when he was younger and had showed interest in her work. Since then, he had turned the small investments into a rather large sum that would set him up for whatever future he wanted. Shiori remembered Kazuya's face when she told him how much Shuichi made on his own. His comment was, "I hope he comes and works for me when he's older."

After dinner, Asuka insisted on bringing her own plates to the kitchen. Shiori walked next to her, hoping to get a moment alone.

"Thank you for dinner," Asuka said, looking over at her. "It's really nice to have a meal with a family."

Shiori heard the sadness in her voice. "Shuichi told me your parents died a long time ago, and that you were living with your great aunt?"

"Yes, that's right. My aunt did the best she could, but she's very old. She just put herself in a nursing home because her health is in rapid decline."

"I see. I'm sorry to hear that."

Asuka set the plates on the counter and pushed her hair behind her ear. She got a faraway look in her eye, like she was remembering something from a long time ago. "I'm just glad I am where I am now. It was hard, but I am so very happy."

"I can see how much you love Shuichi."

Shiori hoped stating it wouldn't push Asuka away. She just wanted Asuka to know how evident it was, and that it was so good.

Instead of denying it or flushing with embarrassment Asuka whispered, "with everything I have."

Shiori pulled the girl into a hug. Asuka sniffled and returned the embrace.

"I'm so, so glad Asuka. I've never seen my son this happy. That's because of you. I'm looking forward to you being a part of our family."

"Thank you," Asuka whispered. "Truly, Shiori. Thank you."

They returned to the living room where Asuka picked up her hair and sat down at the piano.

"Any requests, Shuichi?" Asuka asked.

He smiled tenderly. "Would you play Un Sosprio and the third movement from your recital?"

There was history between them having to do with those pieces, but what it was Shiori would never know.

The music was so beautiful Shiori almost wept. Even on their upright piano, Asuka managed to coax a sound out that she'd never heard before. Asuka's hands delicately flittered up and down the keys in a melody that was wistful and romantic. It left her breathless, and when she looked over at Shuichi, she saw his wide green eyes full of adoration as he stared at the girl he loved.

I already know that she is perfect for you, Shuichi.

Shiori could see Asuka getting more exhausted as the night wore on. Shuichi noticed as well and asked, "Would you like me to call Shizuru to pick you up?"

"No, I'm fine." Asuka stood up, and her legs buckled. Before anyone had time to react her son was there to support her. Shiori could see how frustrated Asuka was and the worry in her son's eyes.

"It's alright," Shiori said. "There will be plenty more dinners, Asuka. Why don't we get you home?"

Asuka placed a hand on her forehead. "Thank you. I'm having such a wonderful time I don't want to leave, but perhaps it would be best."

"I'll call Shizuru," Shuichi said, and helped Asuka sit back down.

Shiori wanted to ask Asuka the doctor's opinion on her situation but refrained as it wasn't her business. Instead, she asked Asuka if she was planning on re-entering a school in Tokyo once she was healed.

"I hope to," Asuka said. "There is a school that already offered me a scholarship, which is quite fortunate. I'll need to find a place to live again as well. Living alone will be...a challenge for me, but I don't wish to burden the Kuwabaras any longer than necessary. That's a little ways off though. For now, I'm just trying my best to take it one day at a time, and not put too much pressure on myself."

"That's good," said Kazuya.

"Asuka?" Shuichi gently said from the living room entryway, "Shizuru will be here soon. She was at the store and is fairly close. "

Shiori could see that her son loathed the idea of sending Asuka away. The pain was evident in his features. Even so, with precise gentle movements he helped Asuka off the couch. She turned to their family and bowed.

"It was so nice to meet you all," Asuka said. "Thank you for your hospitality."

"We hope to see you soon," Shiori said with a smile.

"Goodnight, Asuka," said Kazuya.

"Night!" their other Shuichi said.

Shiori watched the pair leave. A part of her wanted to watch them say their goodbyes to each other.

I know what you're thinking, Shuichi. It'll be okay.

"Shuichi?" Shiori said to her other son. "Why don't you head upstairs and go to bed."

"Aw, why can't I stay? I'm not tired."

"Go on," Kazuya said. "Listen to your mother."

"Okay," he said, and turned to head up the stairs.

Once he left Kazuya asked, "why did you want him in his room?"

"Our other son will want to speak to just the two us."

Shiori offered nothing else to her husband. She knew it was best to let her son speak for himself. Sometime later he walked back into the living room and stopped just before the couch.

"Where is Shuichi?" he asked looking around.

"He went upstairs to bed," Shiori said.

"I see. May I speak to the two of you, then?"

"Of course," Kazuya said.

There was a pause. Shuichi flexed his hands into a fist to still the nervousness that Shiori could see on his face. Then her son dropped to the ground and bowed with his nose touching the floor. "Mother, Father. I want to marry Asuka, and I want to do it as soon as possible."

Shiori smiled. She placed a hand on her husband's arm to get his attention and nodded when he looked over at her.

"Asuka has no family save for her one distant relative who is old," Shuichi continued. "She's been through so much and has had to endure everything alone. And I…" he said still looking at the ground, "I want to take care of her. Marrying her is the best way for me to do that. I know it's strange since neither of us have graduated, but I am certain there is no one else for me. Waiting will only make things harder for Asuka."

"You wouldn't have come to us without having done a great deal of thinking," Kazuya said. "What's your plan?"

Shuichi pushed himself up and tucked his knees under his legs to sit on them. "I will cash out most of my investments. Asuka has some money from her parents as well, and that will be more than enough for us to live on until we graduate. Father, I want to come work at the company instead of going to college. That's not just because of Asuka, though it would certainly help us. I believe working for you would make me the happiest, regardless."

Kazuya regarded Shuichi for a long while. The room was silent and Shuichi kept his gaze lowered while he waited for an answer.

"If you'd asked us this before meeting her, I would've had a different opinion," Kazuya said finally. "You are both very young, after all. But having met Asuka I understand the situation better now. You are thinking like an adult. As for a job, I would love to have you come work for me."

Shuichi's shoulders slouched in relief.

"I was always going to offer you a position. We can discuss the specifics later this week so you can have a starting number in mind. I'm sure that will be helpful to you as your plan for your future."

"Very helpful. Thank you father," Shuichi said bowing again.

"I also may be able to provide a very part time paid internship for you, provided you can balance going to school, having a wife and having a job."

Shuichi set his mouth in a straight, determined line. "I can, and I will."

"Good."

Shiori scooted off the couch and embraced her son in a fierce hug. "I love you, and I'm so very proud of you Shuichi. And I love Asuka too. I know how difficult it's been with everything that happened to her. She'll be safest and happiest with you, and I know you'll feel the same."

They pulled apart and there was a shimmer in his eyes. "Yes Mother. Thank you. Thank you both for understanding. I wasn't sure if you would. I know this is outlandish."

"You are not a typical high schooler," Shiori said. "And neither is Asuka."

Shuichi gave one of those "old soul" smiles and said, "no Mother. We are not." He bowed again and gave his thanks before turning to head up the stairs. His steps were light, and it made Shiori's heart light as well.

"You knew he was going to ask for permission to do that, didn't you?" Kazuya asked.

"I may have had an inkling."

Kazuya shook his head. "That son of yours." Then he looked out of the living room toward the door. "He found himself quite the woman."

"He most certainly did."

Author's Note:

Well hello! Some of you might be sensing that this fic is wrapping up, and I will tell you that your suspicions are correct. You'll be hearing from me a lot in the next couple of weeks as I endeavor to get the rest of the chapters out. I've got a couple of non fan fic writing projects that DESPERATELY need my attention, lol. It'll be good for me to have this story completely done and posted so it's out of my brain and I'm no longer editing.

Don't worry though, there shall be more fluff and even some action before we're done. I'm looking forward to sharing the rest of what I've written with you all.

Thank you to all the guests who logged in to offer me their opinions about turning this fic into an M rating. It was such a treat to hear from all of you! So far the answer has been unequivocally "yes" to my question, with a couple of suggestions to do a one shot if I wanted to keep this story a T rating. I'm still thinking about which way to go with that, but there will be an explicit chapter one way or another.

Tashio: Congrats on completing a semester! It was good to hear from you. As for slice of life and some action, I am happy to say I can deliver what you hope to see for once, lol. I hope you enjoy the end of this story.

See all of you soon!