Dinner Announcement
Invitations had gone out, chefs informed, dinner menus planned, mansion spotless, butlers prepared, maids ready at a notice. Extra preparation, the focus of entire household, especially the young master and mistress. All in preparation for one important guest, Domyoji Kaede, Tsukasa's mother!
Tsubaki lightly knocked on the door, barely hearing Tsukushi. She entered the bedroom, Tsukushi, looking pale, sat in front of a mirrored vanity desk, surrounded by makeup. Gently brushing Tsukushi's hair, Tsubaki said, " You look so pale. Are you ok?" Tsukushi faintly smiled. Shaking her head, with trembling hands, she said, "Tsubaki, I am scared. What will she say? We haven't been married a year." Closing her eyes, tears forming. Tsubaki knelt down, wrapping her arms around the young woman. Comforting her, " Tsukushi, I love you and my stupid brother. Speaking of him, where is that idiot? Leaving you here to greet our mother alone. I'll show him my fist." In demonstration, she holds up her manicured fingers curled into a ball. Tsukushi met her eyes in the mirror, "He will be here. Besides you, my family, friends are here to support us." Tsubaki smiled, "Ok, then let's get you ready. Every one should be arriving soon".
Everyone gathered in the cozy sitting room, although with the anxious atmosphere, it did not feel cozy. Nervous glances, anxiously awaiting Tsukushi's entrance. Tsubaki tightly linked her arm with Tsukushi, entering, smiling in greeting at everyone. She patted Tsukushi's hand, departing to stand next to her husband, who casually wrapped an arm around her shoulders. In turn, Tsukushi greeted her parents, brother, Kazuya, his wife and parents, Yuki and her parents. Hugging her parents, they excitedly asked about Tsukasa. Perfect timing, Tsukasa, in an elegant black suit, appeared in the doorway. Tsukasa, ever the charming Domyoji heir, smiled, graciously meeting everyone's eyes. He greeted each guest personally. As Tsukushi watched him, her heart warmed. In the past five years, he had grown into such a fine young man. Smiling tenderly, she observed him; more handsome, taller, deeper voiced. Feeling her eyes, he immediately came to her, holding her hand. Looking down at her, smiled and tenderly squeezed her hand.
Soft murmurs ceased upon the domineering, commanding, woman that walked into the room. Coldly looking at her son and his wife, she nodded for the butler to usher everyone into the dining hall. Kaede sat at the head of the table with Tuskasa, Tsukushi on one side, Tsubaki and her husband on the opposite side. All the other guests, placed equally on both sides. Nervously, Tsukushi picked at her food. She felt Tsubaki's concern. Looking up, saw her smile, gesturing for her to eat more.
Finally, dinner over, everyone adjourned to the large living room, where a dessert table with wine was set up. Tsukasa guided Tsukushi to the fire place, smiling, he leaned down, gently kissing her cheek. "You look radiant, my beautiful wife." Gazing fondly at her, he appreciated her curves, curled hair and petite frame. Pulling her gently in front of him, placing his arms protectively around her, clearing his throat with a gruff, "ahem, ahem." Commanding everybody's attention, including his frowning Mother. In a deep, gruff voice, "We have an announcement." Waiting a brief pause, he said " We are having a baby." Overjoyed Tsukushi's parents rushed to the young couple, hugging them.
Everyone's happiness was abundant in the room, except one person. Shivering, Tsukushi glanced at Kaede, fearful of her reaction. Tsukasa kept his arm tightly around her shoulders, just to prevent his wife from fleeing. Watching his mother walk towards them, nothing revealed in her expression. No hugging, jumping, excitement came from her. Silence fell in the room. Kaede smiled at her son, "Congratulations Tsukasa. You are responsible on training the next Domyoji heir." No other words expressed, just those cold, impersonal words. Reflecting what Domyoji Kaede found important. Next, she rested her cold eyes on Tsukushi, no words, just a cold stare. Tsukushi shivered. noticeably, Tsukasa tightened his grip. Staring intently into Tsukushi's eyes, Kaede's softened with briefest sparkle. Turning she left the room. Standing outside the door, Tama saw, brightest smile briefly light Kaede's face. Tama, smiled, with the knowledge of Kaede's secret safe. Perhaps the icy queen had a heart after all.
Sitting on the sofa, enjoying the fire, Tsukushi leaned into Tsukasa, grateful the night is over. Kissing her head, entwined their fingers. Relaxing back, he heavily sighed, "Another battle down." Tsukushi smiled, squeezing his hand. She didn't mention the very faint moment of tenderness in Kaede's eyes. Tama, peeking in at the young couple, lovingly smiled. Perhaps that girl was finally taming the beast's mother too. A weed can flourish in any hostile environment, in particular this hardy one.