Oh boy, I am in trouble. Well, I personally don't think I did anything wrong, but Usagi is looking at me like I am about to tell him I robbed a bank and stuffed each Suzuki with the cash. "So?"
"Shut up."
The problem was three little rectangular sheets of paper lying on the coffee table. Gifts I guess you could call them, for the start of Summer.
1. A weekend trip to a wood carving event
2. A weekend trip to a hot springs
3. A weekend trip to an island resort
Usagi scowled when my hand twitches. How was I supposed to know his brother and father would send me these vouchers at the same time Usagi presented his own voucher. He is the one who laid them out and now wants me to choose. So childish.
I will admit the island resort did look interesting. That was a shame to go to waste. I reached for it, wanting to read when it expires, when Usagi slammed his foot on the table. "SHIT! Give me a heart attack!"
He did not reply. Such a child. I reached for the hot springs. "Of course I would pick this."
His sour glare was gone, replaced by a large smile. "Perfect, I will call the resort." Did I mention he was a child? As he went to the phone I left to go check the mail. "Usagi, you got mail." There usually was only mail for him.
He grabbed the stack, opening them up one by on as we spoke. "We are leaving this weekend."
"And if I had work?" He glanced up at me, already catching my bluff. "Fine." I noticed him reading one piece of mail a little longer. "Something important?"
"Nothing. A family gathering to discuss inheritance. One of the chairmen had died."
"I'm sorry."
"Not someone I was close to."
"So are you going to go?"
He shook his head. "Why would I take money from people I don't care for?"
I mean I get it…but money… "It's a family gathering. You should at least go make an appearance."
"But it's the day we are supposed to leave for the hot springs."
"So we can go after. It will be fine Usagi." He let out a large sigh of frustration, reaching for a cigarette. The weekend came quick and now I was hiding out in Usagi's car. The house still looked as extravagant as last time. Many people were walking around in suits and formal kimonos. Hey, there's Kaoruko. Even though Usagi had tinted windows I still was nervous for anyone to see me so I ducked down, pretending the gray hat Hidori gave me made me invisible. A knock on the window proved me wrong.
Usagi-chichi?! "I thought that was you." He greeted me with a rather huge smile. "How are you?"
Strange, considering this was the same man who said I was a problem. "I am doing well. Thank you for the voucher."
"Good you got it. I was afraid my son would tear it up. I got it as a present but I have a business meeting in Osaka. So annoying. Are you able to use them?"
Aw man I felt guilty. "I'm sorry but Us-Usami and I made plans to go to a hot springs resort."
"The new one outside Asami?"
"Yes."
"Wow, I heard that is growing popular fast. Hot springs are fun, it has been awhile since I have been to one." He leaned away from the car. "Well, no harm, I hope you have a good time. I best be getting in."
"Uh yes, goodbye then."
"Until next time." I watched him walk into the house. That was weird. I do not get the split personalities rich people seem to have. He calls me a problem but gets me gifts.
I jumped as the car door slammed shut. Usagi 's eyes were narrowed. "Usagi?" He sped off very fast. "What's wrong?" I threw on my seat belt.
"Bad news. I forgot to finish my manuscript."
WWWWWWHHHHAAAATTTTTT?
His phone rang. "WHERE IS MY MANU…" Oh god.
My phone rang. "MISAKI, STOP HIM! WE NEED THAT MANUSCRIPT!"
"I know! I know! I'm sorry!"
"Calm down. Just be lucky I thought to bring my computer. I can work on it when we get there and email her."
"It would have been better if you finished before! Sheesh Usagi." So much for a peaceful weekend. I texted an apology to Aikawa along with his plans.
"I was excited to go on a trip with you." He grabbed my hand to kiss it.
Not this time. "You better finish it." He did not answer. "So, how did the meeting go?"
"Awful. I turned down their offer."
"Which was?"
"1.3 billion yen."
1.3 BILLION YEN! "WHY WOULD YOU TURN DOWN SO MUCH MONEY?!"
"I don't need their money. I will make my own." Yeah, but, our child would have been set for life. "I will not take their money to support our child. I will provide everything for all three of us."
"I can help."
"You won't have to."
"I can't just live off of you."
He rolled his eyes. "You are not living off of me. You will take care of the home and take care of our child. It will be my job to take care of the finances."
"Hey, you are helping too. I am not going to be left on my own caring for your child. You may make more money but do not think that will get you off the hook with your presence."
We were at a stop light, allowing him to turn to look at me. His eyes were wide. "I never thought of that." He looked back as it turned green. "I am nervous if I will even be a good father. I really could not take care of myself. Properly, without you. I do admit, I am sort of relying on you to show me."
"I don't know how to take care of someone either Usagi. We just have to love and look out for them. Nii-chan took care of me at just 18. We did struggle and butt heads but I think it is just important to let the child know that no matter what, we love them."
"I love you Misaki. Let's make a perfect family."
"Yeah."
It was a quick trip and the hot springs looked amazing. Usagi had to pull me away from the large fountain right before you walk into the lobby. A nice, gold color light lit the lobby. It smelled of lavender. "May I help you?" The woman asked.
"Checking in. Usami Akihiko."
A short pause. "I see you Usami-sama. Private villa." Private villa? Usagi paid and she handed us a key. "Just follow the cobble stone to cabin 5. I hope you enjoy your time." We did not have much luggage. One suitcase to fit both our stuff. "Private villa?"
"We have our own private bath." I wanted to scold about money but the private bath did sound awesome. It was a single room, tatami mat flooring. When we walked in there was a small table with two pillows on each side. In the middle were sliding screen doors that divided the one room into two. To the opposite from the entrance was an opening to the private bath. Oh yes, I took pictures. This was my first time going to such a place.
"Calm down." Usagi took the phone from me. "No electronics."
"The hell? You have a manuscript to finish so get out the laptop and finish it!" He mumbled under his breath, something about I remembered. He sat down at the small table and began to work. I went into the bathroom, stripping down and putting on the yukata they provided. Such a cool experience.
"Usagi, I am going to look at the main bath."
"Why?"
"I think it would be cool."
He looked reluctant. "Misaki, did you know pregnancy complications can happen from raised body temperature. I think we should go somewhere else."
"What? How do you know that?" He turned his computer and I saw a website that was explaining complications and even miscarriages from high body temperature. "You are supposed to be doing your work."
"This is serious. If I had known I would not have brought you here. We should check out at once."
"We can't! You just spent all of this money on this place. Don't let this go to waste."
"But the baby…" "I won't be in it for long." I looked back at the website. "It says ten minutes is good. I will walk around, sit down for maybe a couple of minutes, and come back, okay?" He did not look convinced. "I won't let anything happen to the baby."
He sighed, rubbing my stomach. "Please, don't be long."
I kissed the top of his head, a reward. "Good. Now finish your work." I walked out down the bamboo path. I guess there was still a lot I did not know about babies and pregnancies. I did not have any experience before and was never around pregnant women. Shinobu nearly scared me to death when she hit a piece of sushi out of my hand, saying her sister told her that fish was bad. I need to do my own research.
The scenery was beautiful, bamboo sticks scattered around the cobblestone, streams of water were on the sides. When I got to the big bath there were many women talking among themselves or washing their bodies. I took off my yukata, washed, and took a dip in the bath. It felt amazing! There was something in the water to give it a silky feeling.
Just like I promised I did not stay full submerged in the water for long, one minute at most, but did stay a moment longer to soak my feet.
"How far along are you?" I turned as a group of middle age women began to circle me.
"Excuse me?"
"Your pregnancy? How far along? I know you are expecting, a gift of mine."
"You say everything you got is a gift Noriko."
"Hush."
"Um, a little over nine weeks."
"So young. I remember when my son was still inside. By the time I was six months in I was here every day. That boy hurt every part of my body."
"Oh yes, especially the feet, my daughter was seven pounds coming out! Try walking with all that weight all day every day!"
The women began talking over each other as they told me different stories about their pregnancy. Some even began to give me tips. Some were smart, massage your feet every night. Some were okay, eat many lemons if you want a girl. Weird.
I was not keeping track of time but they were and they helped me out of the bath, washing my back, and wishing me good luck. I was glad to have gone. The fresh air outside was nice. I had my eyes closed so I did not notice the person in front of me, bumping into their arm. "Oh, excuse me." I looked, forgetting how to breathe.
USAGI-CHICHI?!
"Oh Misaki, perfect timing. I thought about finding you." This big ass place and he so happens to just 'find me.' I thought he had a business meeting! "Talking to you made me want to come myself so I was able to convince the board to have our meeting here." You can do that?
"Uh, that's great. The baths were so relaxing."
"I just came from the men's section. I have to agree, especially with toys." He pulled out a small rubber duck. I wonder if he had a room filled with them. "I was looking for you and this is perfect, I was afraid my son would keep us apart."
Uh oh. "You want to talk with me?"
"Yes, shall we go somewhere to sit?"
The hotel had a small lounge area, second lobby. I saw a pool through the glass windows. We sat at one of the many couches, Usagi-chichi waved to a waitress to get him a coffee. I declined when he offered me something. "I don't want to keep you. Akihiko will cause a scene if he has to come look for you."
I wanted to disagree but we both know it was true. "Usagi tends to be childish."
"Usagi? What a cute nickname. Can you tell me more about him?"
"Um," What do I say. "He works a lot. Even though he misses his deadline. He cannot clean or cook to save his life but sometimes he does try."
"Does he still like those bears?"
"He has a whole room dedicated to them." He laughed.
"He was always a child at heart."
"I agree."
"And how did you two meet?"
"He is my brother's best friend and was my tutor. When my brother transferred jobs, he let me stay at his place so I could go to college."
"I am surprised. Akihiko does not allow anyone in his personal space. But I guess it makes sense to let his girlfriend stay there."
It sounded bad when he said it. "I uh…"
"I'm not an idiot, I told you before I could see it. I am surprised to see Akihiko chose someone as young as you. How long have you been together?"
"Over a year."
"So long." It got quiet as he began to think. About what was a mystery. "You do seem like a nice girl Misaki but I worry about Akihiko's well-being. He may act proud but he is emotionally fragile. He does not know what to do with his emotions and act out in dramatic ways. You are young, with no family money, I am certain that once this relationship comes out, the more people will come into your life, intending to do harm."
"I understand but…" "Youngsters easily change their decisions. You can change your mind in an instant, and you have every right to. Once Akihiko's makes a decision he sticks with it until the end. You see where the two mindsets clash? And what would a fresh in college student want with a 30 year old man? Unless money is involved."
"It's not like that…" "Please do not take this the wrong way. I have a son and a wealth to look out for. You are sweet, but I do not see any reason for you two to be together, without underlying reasons."
I understood that. Our relationship is out of the normal, I can see why people would call me a gold digger. But don't I have the chance to stand up for myself? I know I do not stay with Usagi for that.
"Oh, it's you sweetie!" I looked up to see an elderly woman and a younger woman. I recognized the woman as one of the women from the bath. "Good I caught you. I just remembered something else to tell you."
Oh no. "Um, is it possible to talk later."
"Mom, she seems to be in a meeting." The woman tried to help.
"Oh hush Kimi." She looked to Usagi-chichi. "Oh, are you her father?"
"No.." "I am her boyfriend's father."
"You must be so excited. When my daughter got pregnant I bought so many girl outfits. And then she had a son, that poor boy, and my wallet." Her laugh echoed the room but I could barely hear it. I could not look at Usagi-chichi's face.
"I apologize. My mother loves babies, especially after my husband and I told her we were only having one child."
"I want more grandchildren!"
"No no it's alright." Please just get her out of here.
"Okay mom let's go."
"Good luck sweetie!" I felt the sweat falling from my face. Usagi-chichi had said he was not an idiot, and only an idiot would not pick out the topic of the conversation. "Um… she talks a lot." I tried to laugh. He did not say anything, forcing me to turn his way. I could see Usagi in him. The shock on his face mirrored to how Usagi looked in the car. Especially the nose, the way it wiggles slightly.
"Takahashi…"
"I think Usagi is looking for me, please excuse me!" I jumped up, bowed, and ran away. What else could I do? I did not want to talk to Usagi-chichi about this, not so early! And not by myself! USAGI!
"Usagi." I pulled open the door but had to grab the frames. The room started to spin and it was getting hard to breath.
"Misaki?" I heard him but I could not see him. "Misaki!"
I woke up wrapped in a futon. A cold rag on my head. "Usagi?" I moved to sit up but hands from behind pulled me back down.
"Stay down." I looked up at Usagi.
"What happened?"
"I told you those baths were a bad idea! You scared me to death when you almost passed out at the door!"
'I'm sorry."
Usagi let out a puff of air. "Just rest. I am going to go get some smokes and something for you to drink. Do you want anything?"
"No." Last I felt was his lips on cheeks.
When I woke up again I was alone. "Usagi?" No reply. I sat up, taking the rag off. I wonder how long he has been gone? I checked the time, it was pretty late. Maybe he got held up with something? I know he would scold me for not resting and moving around too soon, but I am not someone who stays down. So I got up and left to go find him.
The hotel had a mini market (all of this in one resort!) that I figured he went to. I did not see him. Leaving, I noticed a small sitting area next the market in booth style. Oh, there he is...USAGI-CHICHI! I ducked down into a booth.
Why was Usagi and Usagi-chichi together? I snuck over to the booth opposite of theirs, thankful for the tall plants that divided us. "You look good. Congratulations on your recent award. I would have sent you a gift sooner but I was away business."
"It would not mean anything."
"How are you?"
"The same as before." Sheesh, Usagi could pretend to be happy to talk to his own father. He was using the tone I have heard in his meetings, bored and uninterested. "I did not come to have a conversation, but I will tell you, leave Misaki alone." How does he know?
"Is it not a parent's duty to get to know those my child allow's in their life?"
"Not when the parent is doing unnecessary things."
I heard someone sigh, "what can I say? She just seems so innocent and young."
"She has nothing to do with you."
"But you do. I am still your father. As a child, if you ever lost something you were twice as hurt about it. You would shut yourself away from the world."
"I was a child."
"But it's still the same now."
Another sigh. "What have you been doing to Misaki?"
"I met up with Takahashi a few times. She's normal. Not that there is anything wrong with being normal but it is concerning with your different values. And let's not talk about the age gap."
"Let's not."
My hand moved to my stomach. "You need to understand Akihiko, reality is a lot harsher than it looks and if you continue this then situations will get worse. I would have stayed back if this was merely you playing around, but if things get serious, you need to wake up."
I could understand from a parent's point of view, but that's not it. That is not what Usagi is thinking, right?
"Is that all you have to say?"
"Akihiko, you and Takahashi should not be together." How dare he decide?!
"Misaki?" Oh shit, I stood up. I looked at the two, shock probably on all of our faces. Well, no point turning back.
"My Takahashi, what a surprise." His condescending attitude was pissing me off.
"Who are you to tell me my feelings?" I walked around to stand in front of them. "I know there are many things I lack compared to Usagi-san but I just know I have to try harder. I am not a parent so I can't understand your feelings but I do not have any desire to do anything with half-assed feelings."
"And until when will you continue to make an effort?"
Until when? His usual smile was gone; his eyes were narrowed, cold. He really was Usagi's father.
"Hey, do not have a conversation without me." We both turned to Usagi. "Have you read any of my new books?"
"Of course, I read every book you publish."
"Have you noticed anything different?"
He did not reply.
"People used to say my books had a cold feeling. Lately though, it has been noticed that my writing has been gentler, happier. That is because of this girl." Usagi grabbed my arm to pull me closer to him. His eyes equally cold. "She is my everything. That is all that is left. Let's go Misaki."
"Um, Usagi?" He stood up, never letting go of my arm.
"Takahashi." I stopped walking to turn back to Usagi-chichi. "What that woman said before? Can I make my own guess what she meant?" Our previous conversation came up, my hand back on my stomach. Neither Usami missed it. "I see."
Usagi did not say anything as we kept walking. He still did not say anything until we got back to our place. I yelped when he suddenly picked me up to lay me back on the futon. "Usagi."
"You are keeping things from me."
"What?" He hovered over me. His legs and arms trapped my body under him. His face so close to mine so I could see the frustration.
"You met with my father more than I thought. I knew something was up when I saw him. Is he the reason you passed out?"
"I don't kno…" "MISAKI." I froze when he raised his voice. "Please talk to me. You always try to bear the burden on your shoulders. If we have to be a team for this child then we have to talk to each other. You don't want to make people worry but by not saying anything you worry me more. Please Misaki."
I already knew my horrible habit of trying to solve everything. In a weird way it made me feel better, thinking I was doing this so no one else gets hurt. Maybe I was wrong. "I ran into him during the incident with Kaoruko. Usagi-chichi spoke to me and told me I was a problem. I also saw him after the bath and he said that I should not stay if I was only with you for other reasons. I think he is worried about me hurting you or what our relationship will do for your career. I want to help fix that, but we are also having a baby so everything will get worse. I just….don't know what to do, to prove that I am not by your side, that I am not trying to take your money, that I…"
"Is that all?" He sighed with frustration. "Such an idiotic girl."
"WHO ARE YOU CALLING AN IDI…" He kissed me to shut me up.
"Listen Misaki, no matter what happens, no matter what anyone says, I am not letting you go. I already promised I will protect you and our child from anyone." He kissed me again before I could say anything. I felt a hand on my sash, untying my yukata.
"Wait, Usagi…" I cried out as he took opened my yukata but did not take it off. He started to kiss my neck. "Usagi."
"Fall in love with me more." He moved down further, kissing my stomach. A hand was pulling off my underwear. "Fall ten-twenty times more so you will never think about leaving my side."
How could I ever leave his side? I wanted to do everything, to stay by his side.
"Thank you." Was all I could say as he thrusted in me. Usagi held such kindness, he could always make me feel better. Feel his love.
I let out a large breath as I came. Usagi following right after. He did not pull out and we laid there for a moment to catch our breath. He did finally pull out, scooping me up in his arms. "Let's clean up." He moved to the outside bath."
"That's not what it's used for." I did not have a lot of strength to fight him. The hot water felt soothing. "Misaki," I was half-asleep as his hands rubbed circular motions on my shoulders. "What my father said at the end, what did he mean?"
I had to think hard, "a woman from the bath, knew I was pregnant. She started talking about the pregnancy, in front of your father."
Usagi went silent for a moment. I faintly remember his arms tightening around me as he whispered in my ear, "I will protect you."
Spoiler alert: I am going to be diving away from the original story
Coming up next on COH:
Deja vu with Hidori along for the ride
"Misaki, I will finish checking out you can go wait in the car."
"Okay." I left him at the desk to head for the car. Even though we were at a hot springs I did not feel so relaxed. Definitely Usagi's fault. Though I was somewhat at ease. I know we had a lot of challenges but talking to Usagi really helped me. maybe I should try to talk to him about stuff, considering we do have our child to raise.
I watched Usagi rush to the car. "Bad news." He quickly put on his seat belt and started the car.
"Usagi?" What was wrong? Did Usagi-chichi do something?
"I was completely focused on you, that I did not finish my manuscript."
WWWWWWHHHAAATTTTT?!
The phone rang. "WHERE IS MY MANU..." Oh shit.
My phone rang. "MY MANUSCRIPT!"
"I'M SORRY, I'M SORRY."
"You know, I am feeling some eel. Let's head to Hamamatsu."
"SHITTY AUTHOR!"
"I'M SORRY!"
"It is all Misaki's fault."
"DON'T BLAME IT ON ME!"
Kind and loving my ass!
