After binging a metric shit ton of Greek food, I felt so fucking fat. I didn't want to move, but fortunately, I had a boyfriend that was totally cool with carrying me on his back. Can I keep him? I think I'm going to keep him. And with my overly full tummy, I was ready to curl up in bed and clock right the fuck out. I fell off Ritsu's back and onto the bed, falling asleep on contact. This was needed. This was sorely needed. And I'm glad we did this.
The next morning, I woke up to Ritsu still snoring softly next to me. Gently, I kissed his cheek and left him to sleep. Weird. Usually, he wakes up before I do. Oh, well. That's ok. You're probably exhausted, baby. Worrying over me is a full-time job. It's alright, Ritsu. You earned the extra sleep and me not being a pain in the ass for you. I wonder if this place has continental breakfast. I left a quick note on the stationary for Ritsu, so he didn't lose his shit when he wakes up, and I headed downstairs.
It's too bad I didn't have anything to wear. Looks like I know what we'll be doing today. All because somebody wouldn't let me stop off at home and pack my overnight. We'll call that his fault, so he's going to have to deal with it. Regardless, I wanted a little something, something in my belly and some decent coffee. As long as the shit here doesn't taste like the dredged bottom of a lake, I'll be happy as a fucking clam. And who do I see in the dining room? My favorite hostess.
"Morning, Misuzu," I greeted him, eyeing up the pastries on the counter.
"Reila!" Misuzu's face lit up, "Good morning! It's so nice to see you again. Are you here by yourself this time?"
"No," I shook my head, "The ball and chain's still asleep. Actually, you might be the best person to ask this."
"Oh?" he sat with me, "What's on your mind?"
"Do you know any good boutiques in town?" I wondered, "I didn't have the chance to pack and I'd kill someone for clean clothes."
"Here," Misuzu took my hand, "If you're having a little luggage problem, I got you covered."
"Thanks," I tried to shake him off, but to no avail, "But I don't think you have anything for me."
"Nonsense," he brushed me off, "You'd be amazed at some of the things people have left in their rooms over the years. I'm sure I got something for you. At least it'd be clean. Do you need anything for Ritsu, too?"
"I don't know," I shrugged, "I'd have to ask, but that would mean waking him and I don't want to do that."
"Wait a minute," Misuzu looked me over, "You look like you're in a school uniform."
"What about it?"
"I thought you said that you and Ritsu graduated last May," he glared, "Were you lying to me?"
"Well…" I bit my lip, "Let's just say you caught us taking a mental health day. A much needed mental health day."
"In other words," Misuzu put two and two together, "You and Ritsu were skipping school and didn't want me to know about it."
"Because I wanted to skip the lecture," I nodded.
"I'm not mad, Reila," he shook his head, "I'm just disappointed."
"Look," I explained, "My dad had just left town. I was ready to fling myself into oncoming traffic. Ritsu was taking care of me in the best way he knew how."
"Oh…" Misuzu backed off, "I'm sorry, Rei. Consider the disappointment retracted."
"Thank you."
"And here," he handed me a purple dress, "I'm sure this will fit you."
"I don't know," I held it up to my body, "Might have a little trouble filling it out, but it's better than nothing. Thanks, Misuzu."
"You're welcome," Misuzu smiled a little, "And it has been washed. I promise. You know, Rei…You do look cute in purple."
"Mama always said that, too," I admitted, going behind the curtain. I stripped off my uniform and tried the dress on. And dammit, if it didn't fit like a fucking glove.
"Did she come with your dad, too?" he asked.
"I wish," I felt a sudden ache in my chest. He didn't know. I can't blame him, "She died six years ago. Almost seven. It'll be seven years in January."
"I really am batting a thousand today, aren't I?" Misuzu laughed nervously, "I'm so sorry."
"Thank you," I walked out, "Well? Good enough?"
"You, my dear Reila," he spun me around, "look absolutely adorable. It suits you. But to answer your question, there is a good boutique a few blocks into town. Quality stuff, reasonable prices."
"I appreciate it," I looked in the mirror, checking myself out a little more. Let me be vain, dammit. At least it's something clean.
"Rei?" I knew that voice. Sounds like someone woke the baby. Or, at least, he woke up on his own.
"Morning, baby," I got a quick kiss from him.
"What are you doing back here?" Ritsu wondered.
"Well," I walked out of the dark corner of Misuzu's office, "I was talking to Misuzu and complaining about how I didn't have any clean clothes, so he gave me this. What do you think? I'm cuter than hell, right?"
"Yeah," he scoffed, "But that's kind of a normal thing for you."
"Wow," I chuckled to myself, "Looks like the honeymoon's over."
"No," Ritsu pulled me into his chest, "It's not that! You know what I mean. You're always cute, Reila. Nothing changes about that."
"I'm fucking with you, Ritsu," I teased, "Ready to go?"
"Where are we going?" he gave me a look.
"You and I need to go shopping," I took his hand, "Because someone wouldn't let me go back to my place after we left school yesterday and pack. Dick."
"I thought we graduated, Rei…"
"I already know, Ritsu," Misuzu brushed him off, "Don't worry about it. You were taking care of your girlfriend. I can't fault you for that. I envy you two. You're adorable together. It's so nice to see love like yours once in a while."
"I'm sure you'll find someone one day, Misuzu," I talked him up a little, "But we need to get going. We'll be back tonight."
"Ok," he perked back up, "See you tonight!"
"Come on," I dragged Ritsu out the door.
"Hey," Ritsu asked, "How long is this going to take?"
"Not very," I promised, "Because if we're being honest, shopping's not my forte. Nor is it my favorite thing in the world. At least I don't have to go with the host club again."
"Yikes," he cringed, feeling my pain, "Sounds like hell."
"It's not pleasant," I shuddered at the memory of what the host club called love, "But it's not the worst thing in the world either. I managed."
"As long as we're done by six," Ritsu allowed, "That's all that matters."
"What's at six?" I wondered.
"You'll see at six," he assured, "Just let me give you one surprise."
"You have," I pointed out, "Do you not remember kissing me on the roof on my building? Because that surprised the shit out of me."
"I remember," Ritsu smiled a bit, "I remember that night very well. Walk or take the bike?"
"It's a pretty day," I reveled in the feeling of the sun on my face, "We can walk. Besides, according to Misuzu, there's somewhere we'll be going that's not too far away. The beauty of Karuizawa."
"Among many other things," he laced his fingers between mine, "Shall we?"
"We shall."
When we walked into that boutique Misuzu told me about, I wasn't quite sure what to think about it. There were a lot of bows and a lot of ribbons and a lot of ruffles. It's not much different from the Lolita shop that the host club tried taking me to where I ended up looking like a cupcake. Thank God, I didn't walk out with that god forsaken hot ass mess. This one struck me as a little more subtle than that one. This will be fine.
"Can I help you?" one of the young ladies working the shop walked up to us.
"Just looking, thanks," I shot her down, not wanting a repeat of the host club shopping trip. She struck me as the pushy type and I wouldn't hesitate to punch her in the throat. We don't need that. And by the grace of God, she took the hint. If I was in a better mood, then I might have actually considered her help.
Let's see…What in here is going to be skin fucking tight and show as much skin as possible on this side of indecent exposure? By the looks of this place, it's all bows and ruffles and the chance of be being able to look a little slutty like I normally did would be off the table. Dammit, Misuzu. I thought you said this place would've been good for me. It sucks that the first place was a bust. I managed to find a couple of ruffled blouses that kind of tripped my trigger, but fortunately, there was a place next door that got me all aflutter.
I've never seen so much leather in one place. And…Well…I am a girl that loves leather with her lace. Now, do I want the shorts or do I want the skirts? One of each? I know winters don't get very cold in Tokyo, so the odds of me being able to wear these year-round are pretty good. It's not like I'll freeze. And if all else fails, I can put some short leggings on and call it a day. Besides, both the shorts and the skirt with a couple of chains hanging on it worked very nicely with my boots. Alright. I'm sold.
Forty thousand yen later, I walked out of the store, fully dressed and looking like myself again. I settled on one of the frilly blouses and the tight ass leather shorts that cut off circulation at about midthigh. I thought about getting a jacket, too, but they didn't have one in my size. Most of them were too big. Ritsu had already gotten himself a few things for the weekend and sat on the bench, waiting for me. By the looks of it, he was perfectly occupied by a game on his phone. Maybe I should've brought him some Cheerios, too. Just in case he got hungry. Although, there were restaurants and cafés all over the place down here. He would've managed just fine.
"Well?" I did a little spin in front of him, "What do you think? Better?"
Ritsu didn't even need to answer. The blood trailing out of his nose told me all I needed to know. I giggled a bit and rolled my eyes, getting a tissue out of my bag for him, "Aren't you cold like that?"
"Not really," I shook my head, "Winters in New York are rough as hell. When a good nor'easter comes in, I don't leave the house for a good week. This? The way the weather is now? This is what our spring feels like."
"But it's fall…"
"Exactly," I took his hand, "Don't worry about me, Ritsu. I'm good. I feel human again. Don't get me wrong. Misuzu meant well, but that purple dress wasn't right for me."
"What?" Ritsu teased, "Too modest?"
"Way too modest," I shuddered, "I know I don't need to be on full display, but there's nothing wrong with a few windows here and there. Aren't I cute, though?"
"Adorable," he spun me around.
"You know," I spun into his chest, "You're a lot looser with shit like that now."
"Like what?"
"Us being all cute in public," I pointed out, "I kind of like it."
"That doesn't mean you need to bring attention to it!" And just like that, I've embarrassed the boy, "I can't say what's on my mind once in a while now without being under scrutiny?"
"Ritsu, relax," I settled him, "Pull the stick out of your ass. I'm not saying it's a bad thing. In fact, it's a very good thing. Strokes my ego. Makes me all warm and fuzzy inside."
"Don't make this weird," he begged.
"I'm not making it weird," I shrugged, "It's only weird if you let it be weird. Do you feel weird about being good to me?"
"Not in the least bit."
"Alright then," I nodded, "It's settled. We can move on now."
"Hey," Ritsu and I walked past another shop, "I want you to go in there and pick out a swimsuit. When you find one, let me know."
"Ok?" I gave him a look, "What would I need a swimsuit for?"
"Goddammit, Rei," Ritsu sighed out, "Just let surprises be surprises. I'm sure the one you have is fine, but that one's still in Tokyo."
"Which one?" I wondered, "I think I have six or so in my closet."
"Jesus Christ," he cradled his face in his hands, "Just go pick one out."
"Ok," I wasn't going to argue with him anymore. I'll end up giving the poor thing an aneurysm. Or at the very least, an ulcer. And he doesn't deserve that. Regardless, I walked into the shop and took a look around. Buying swimsuits was always a pain in the ass for me. They'd either be too small on the bottom or too big on the top. I haven't filled out yet, ok?! That's why a two-piece would be the best route to go. Although, Daddy would always get a little twitchy about me getting a two-piece swimsuit. It's too much skin, Reila. You don't need to be that exposed. It's my little tum-tum. Nothing to see there. If someone's getting turned on by my bellybutton, they have a problem.
Ooh…I think I may have found the one. I know I gravitate towards black too much, but I had a thing about black and purple. It's a nice combination. And when I find them in stripes on a two-piece swimsuit, I'm down. I could even look past the ruffles on it. What the hell, Rei? Ever since you got to Japan, you've been leaning more and more toward ruffles. Back when I was living in New York, that was almost unheard of. Then, the fucking host club had to take me shopping and open up Pandora's box. I love that I could blame most of my problems on them. My favorite little scapegoat.
"Hey, Ritsu?" I stuck my head out the door, "Can you come here?"
"Yeah," Ritsu came into the store, "You find something?"
"Stay here," I ordered, slinking back into a dressing room. Ritsu's going to end up needing a blood transfusion by the end of the day because of me and I'm not sure if I love it or hate it yet. I got out of my regular clothes and put on my new love of my life. After a quick look in the mirror, I'm pretty sure this was the one.
"What am I waiting on, Rei?" Ritsu groaned impatiently.
"Remember that one time," I asked, making sure everything was in place where it should be, "when you thought I was a dude? Because I have hardly any tits and wore a boy's uniform?"
"Yeah," he winced, "What about it?"
"I don't think you'll ever make that mistake again," I walked out of the dressing room and watched the drool run down his chin, "I like this one. What about you?"
"Um…" Ritsu struggled to catch his breath. Oh yeah. I got him. He's trying his best not to stare, but I don't think he realizes he's more than welcome to.
"Ritsu," I forced his gaze, "It's ok. Look all you want. I know damn well I look good. And you sure as hell want to admire the view, don't you?"
"Yeah…" he shut his eyes. Dammit, Ritsu, "Forgive me for trying to be the gentleman in our relationship."
"And I love you for it," I kissed his cheek, "But fuck, man…Let me do something nice for you."
"In the form of being drop-dead sexy?"
"Hell yeah," I smirked, "So, honest opinion. Is it too much?"
"Do you like it?"
"Not what I'm asking."
"Well," Ritsu finally got a good look at the beautiful creature in front of him, "I wouldn't say it's too much. Although, you know what would look really nice with it?"
"What's that, baby?" I stepped back into the dressing room.
However, I wasn't expecting Ritsu to follow me in. He ran his fingers from the top of my knee all the way up my thigh, "A nice, black ink tattoo going all the way up your leg."
"You think so?" I fell into him.
"I know so." Look who's finally come out to play…It's about damn time, Ritsu.
"I don't think I got any plans for tattoos in the future," I admitted, nudging him out of the dressing room before someone saw, "The little one is plenty. I'm surprised Daddy didn't see it while he was here. But for now, we'll keep them small and subtle. If I decide on any more in the future, I'll be sure to tell you."
"Ok…" I pulled the strings on my swimsuit and got redressed, "Hey, Rei?"
"Yes, Ritsu?" I folded everything back up. Only to have it taken away from me, "What the hell?"
"I got it," Ritsu insisted, "Don't worry about it. Call it my little present to you."
"Ritsu," I awed, "You don't have to do that."
"But I want to," he brushed me off, "Seriously, Rei. Don't worry about it."
"Ok," I let him go, "I'll be waiting outside."
"Ok," Ritsu gave me a little kiss and sent me on my way. Just when I think this whole shopping thing isn't for me (and it still isn't), I actually have a good experience. This was fun. No pressure. No one breathing down my neck. And some wonderful company. I'm not complaining in the least bit. When he walked back out, he handed me the bag with my new acquisition in it.
"What?" I jabbed, "Now, I have to carry it?"
"I had to carry you last night," Ritsu argued, "The least you can do is carry your own swimsuit."
"Fine," I wrapped myself around his arm and took the bag from him, "Thank you, Ritsu."
"You're welcome," he kissed the top of my head, "So? The world is our oyster. What do we do now?"
"What time is it?"
"It's…" Ritsu got his phone out, "Four o'clock on the dot."
"Holy fuck," I gasped, "Is it really that late?"
"Time flies, baby," he shrugged, "Nothing I can do about it. But you know what we can do?"
"What's that?"
"Let's go on a hike," Ritsu insisted, "The views from the mountains are absolutely fucking incredible."
"Ok," I couldn't say no to that, "But what about our six o'clock plans?"
"Don't worry about our six o'clock plans," he gave me a little swat to the nose, "I got those covered. Let's just…Take a hike through the mountains."
The nearest trail wasn't too far off Main Street. A lot of this place had such an old world charm about it. Yet I knew I could get wi-fi here. And I loved it. I loved every second of us being here. Now, I could fully understand why we didn't go to Hakone. Hakone was ok for when we wanted to go the extra mile for dinner, but Karuizawa…Karuizawa was our weekend spot. Not too far from the city, but just far enough. And the scenery. I sounded like my grandma when we'd go back to Spain. She always says that the sunsets over Madrid were the best in the world. As much as she loved living in New York, she knew that wasn't completely her home. And that's why she had to move back. I missed her. Hopefully, when I go back to New York for Christmas, we can take a few days and go to Spain.
I looked out over the mountains and got completely lost in the view. This was like something out of a painting. A scenic overlook of Karuizawa as presented by Bob Ross. I've never seen something so breathtaking. Bright shades of red and orange came together with a dark pink and a little purple as it faded into the darkening blue underneath. Mother of God…I did promise Daddy pictures, didn't I? I took my phone out and got a good one of the sun being swallowed by the mountains. I loved it here and I don't think I wanted to go back to Tokyo yet. Wait, if the sun was already setting…
"Ritsu," I asked, "What time is it?"
"Just about six," he told me, "Why?"
"Are you going to tell me what my surprise is yet?" I shoved my phone back in my pocket.
"Better," Ritsu smiled, taking my hand, "I'm going to show you instead. Come here. It's just up ahead. We made great time, too."
"Where the hell…?" But then, as we turned the corner, a small building came out of the mist, "Ritsu…What's this?"
"I made a reservation for a restaurant up here," he came clean, "I thought I'd surprise you with dinner in the mountains."
In that moment, my heart swelled to the size of a house. And I think I might cry, "Ritsu…This is so sweet…"
"I told you I'd get back at you for some of the shit you've done to me," Ritsu wrapped his arms around my waist, holding me tight, "Consider this payback."
"Payback's a bitch," I wiped my eyes, "You know, Ritsu, you are a true romantic when you want to be."
"Now, you go and say shit like that," he blushed a little, "You're making me go soft, you asshole."
"So?" I looked up at him, "I know we aren't allowed that luxury, but when it's just the two of us, it's ok. You make me soft, too. But that doesn't mean we couldn't get into a down and dirty scrap in this parking lot where we kick the absolute shit out of each other and at least one of us is going to the hospital. That's the duality we have. No one else ever has to see this part if we don't want them to. We can keep this between us or we can scream it from the rooftops. Either way doesn't matter. As long as I got you and you got me, everything's alright."
Ritsu's embrace tightened a little bit, "Poetic little shit, aren't you?"
"Yep."
"Dammit," he giggled to himself, "I love you, Reila."
"I love you, too," I nuzzled my face in his chest, "Come on. I'm hungry. I haven't eaten since breakfast."
"Why have I not fed you today?" Ritsu rolled his eyes.
"We've been busy," I wasn't going to let him beat himself up for that, "Besides, I could've and should've said something, but hindsight's 20-20."
Even the fucking restaurant was breathtaking. Then again, when they chose to have their business in the mountains, they'd kind of have to make it nice in here, too. Something to reflect the incredible beauty outside. And it works for them. Whatever gets food into my stomach. I skimmed over the menu and suddenly, I was home. These were definitely some luxury dishes, not exactly local. If I wanted something local, I'm sure we would've stayed in lower altitudes. But this place reminded me of a restaurant back home. The owner had moved to the States for an American girl he fell in love with all the way from England. I've seen his wife. And I wouldn't fuck with her in a dark alley. But his lamb was so damn good.
"Rei," Ritsu requested, "Don't gorge yourself here like you did last night. I'm not carrying you down the mountain."
"We still have to walk back down the mountain?" I whined, "Then, why the hell didn't we take the bike up here? There has to be a road somewhere. There's a parking lot outside and cars in said parking lot."
"You said you were cool with the hike," he shrugged, "But if it makes you feel any better, there is a cable car that'll take us back to town."
"You're an asshole, Ritsu," I glared a hole through him, but in the same breath, my eyes softened, "I'm guessing that was the real payback."
"Well played, if I do say so myself."
"If you're not careful, I'll push you down this mountain."
"You'd never," Ritsu gave me a little nudge under the table, "You love me too much."
"You doubt me," I smirked, "Good. Keep thinking that way."
"You got your knife on you," he assumed, "Right, Rei?"
"I don't go anywhere without it," I kicked my foot up on his leg, showing him the shiny toy I kept tucked in my boot.
"That's my girl." I could see it in his eyes. That sparkle of sheer adoration my boyfriend had for me. I wonder how long it's going to last. It could be over as soon as tomorrow. That thought crushed me. But that was a damn good reason to enjoy it while I have it.
After dinner, Ritsu told me that he had one more surprise for me. If it's anything like this one, I'm already sold. I just hoped to all things holy that it didn't involve more food. I didn't go nearly as hard here as what I did at the Greek place last night, but goddamn…I had a full belly. And the thought of a nap sounded absolutely heavenly. However, I wouldn't be getting that nap. Instead, Ritsu had brought me somewhere much better than a bed.
"Now, I get why you said to grab a swimsuit," I put things together.
"I know you're not going to say no to a hot spring," Ritsu assumed, "You seemed so peaceful at the one in Osaka. I thought you'd be ok with this one, too."
"What is it about late night trips to a hot spring with us?" I wondered, laying my head on his shoulder.
"Same thing with your elevator."
"Fair point."
"Go change?" Ritsu ordered, "Meet me back here in five minutes?"
"Deal," I stood on my toes, stealing a quick kiss from him, and walked into the locker room. I had a hard time believing this hot spring would still be open at this late of an hour, but I'll take what I can get. I couldn't have asked for a better day. If I didn't know any better, I'd think it was either my birthday or I was on death row. But my birthday wasn't for another few weeks and I haven't done anything to warrant corporal punishment.
When I walked back out, I noticed that someone couldn't wait for me. Oh, well. I dipped my toe into the hot spring and instantly fell in love all over again. Ok. This is nice. This is very nice. Without another thought, I waded over to Ritsu and wrapped his arms around me, content with life. No stalkers to worry about. No host club to bust their way into our night. Nothing to interrupt us. Everything was perfect.
"Ritsu…"
"Yeah, baby?"
I laid my head in his chest, nearly falling asleep, "I'm so glad we did this."
"Me, too," he gave me a little kiss.
This was nice. Just Ritsu and me and some naturally occurring hot water. What's not to love? And to make it even better, I caught a glimpse of the creature lurking on Ritsu's back, "She's so damn pretty…"
"Meditrina?" Ritsu wondered, warming my heart all over the place.
"Hey!" I squeaked, "You remembered her name!"
"What can I say?" he shrugged, "It was weird enough to stick out in my mind. Kind of like someone else I know."
"That wouldn't happen to be me, would it?" I assumed, cuddling into his chest.
"Maybe."
"Thanks, dick," I giggled, "I'm glad I'm your little weirdo."
"Speaking of weird," Ritsu backed off a little, "Can I ask you a question? Without you getting pissed off at me?"
"Depends on the question." And nothing got my blood boiling quite like getting the assumption I'll get pissed off beforehand.
"When we were out shopping today," he noticed, "You got really twitchy. Like your skin was going to fall off. Why?"
Dammit, Ritsu…I wasn't pissed. Then again, I should've seen this coming. I let out a heavy, exhausted sigh, "I might as well tell you. But this stays between us, got it?"
"I'll keep my mouth shut," Ritsu wrapped his arms around me again, "Is it bad?"
"The worst thing I've ever had to deal with," I confessed, "My mom's mother…"
"Your grandma…"
"No," I snapped, "That bitch is not my grandma. She can burn in fucking Hell for the shit she's done."
"Alright," Ritsu dropped it, "We don't have to talk about this if you don't want to, Rei."
"No," I settled myself, curling into him, "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to go off like that. But she'd force me into shopping adventures whether I wanted to go or not. In a perfect world, I would've been sparring with one of my uncles or spending time with Daddy, getting to know the business, or anything that wasn't shopping. I hated nothing more than going shopping with her because I knew it meant being her little Barbie doll for the afternoon. She's a materialistic bitch that's tried buying my love on more occasions than one. She never understood when to stop. And her persistence only got worse after Mama died."
"What happened?" he ran his fingers up my arm, offering any sort of comfort he could. And God bless him for it.
"After Mama died," I went on, trying my damnedest to not break down or lash out. Ritsu didn't do anything wrong and none of it was his fault, "Her mother tried taking me away from Daddy."
"Your dad?" Ritsu gave me a look, "But you two are two peas in a pod. Why would she try and split that up?"
"Because," I shook a little, "She wanted me to grow up the same way Mama did. With a silver spoon down my throat and a stick up my ass. Remember when I told you she hated Daddy with a burning passion?"
"Yeah."
"What worse thing could she do after he loses the love of his life than to take away his little girl?" a few tears fell out of my eyes. But I could manage. I swallowed the lump in my throat, "She tried using the bullshit line that he was an unfit parent. Because I shouldn't grow up around the family business. Because she lost her daughter to that shit. She'll be damned if she loses her granddaughter to it, too. But what she failed to realize was that Mama went willingly. She hated her upbringing. She hated being the debutant her mother wanted her to be. That's why she snuck out the night she met Daddy. It was the middle finger to her mother she always wanted to give her. I doubt that she even went to their wedding. And that was the life she wanted for me."
"Wait a minute," Ritsu did his best to wrap his head around the shit show I call my family tree, "She tried taking you away from your dad…"
"Si."
"But she couldn't do that," he pointed out, "You're not her daughter."
"My fucking point," I groaned, "But she wanted me to grow up a little debutant like Mama, not a street rat like Daddy. She looked down on us for years and only saw me when I was with Mama, but all of a sudden, Mama dies and that's when she wants something to do with me? I got one living parent left and she wants to take him away from me, too? And me away from him? No, no, no, bitch. Fuck that. You were using me to get to Daddy. And that's not how the fuck we play here. Imagine going through shit like that on top of grieving your mother. It's not pleasant. It was just…Shit…Bad times. Bad times all around."
"She sounds like a piece of shit human being," Ritsu hugged me tight, "But that didn't happen, did it? You still got your old man in your life. And he loves the hell out of you."
"Yeah…" Under all the anger and the hatred I had for that woman, Ritsu managed to make me smile again. Because he had a point. I did have Daddy. And Daddy had me. And nothing, ESPECIALLY NOT THAT BITCH, would separate us again. It's bad enough we had to go through this, but I knew it was for my own good. It kept me safe and out of harm's reach. Not to mention, I was getting a top notch education. I couldn't be mad at him for that. Besides, if I wouldn't have been sent to Japan, I wouldn't be sitting where I was in the arms of a little street rat like myself.
"See?" he kissed my cheek, "Everything's ok, Reila. Don't let her get to you."
"She can still go die in a fucking fire," I insisted, "And I'd love to be the one to light that fucking match and watch the bitch burn. Nothing would make my life better than to see that sight."
"Hey," Ritsu took my face between his hands, "No more. Got it?"
"Alright," I laid my head in his chest, "Can we go back to the pension now? That tirade took more out of me than I thought it would."
"Sure, baby," he helped me out of the water and got me a towel. Damn, that night air got cold. But I knew one thing was for certain. I needed a bed. And I needed to get some sleep. A pissed off tangent I didn't need to go on, but fuck, it was good to get that shit off my chest. Daddy suggested I get a doctor, but I didn't want professional help. That's what I had Ritsu for. I just needed to unload. And now, I needed to rest my heavy head. I'm sorry, Ritsu. I didn't mean to do that to you, but you were there.