"Morning Misaki."
"Good morning Kaoruko. Did you sleep well?"
"I did...stop glaring at me niichan!" We both turned to Usagi, right behind me with his usual grumpy face. Miyoko settled in his arms.
"Ignore him."
"I thought you would be gone by now."
"I paid for a full week! I still have three days!" I went to make breakfast as they still bickered. I do not know why he is so angry. He is the one who accepted that ultra rare French bear as payment. He has no one to blame but that childish attribute.
"It's so noisy." Here comes another fun person. Mizuki walked over to the couch, her glare similar to Usagi's. "Do you ever know when to shut up?"
"Do you ever know not to be ugly?"
"That was such a lame comeback."
"And you are such a lame person."
Ugh. My head is hurting a lot more. I still did not know why these two hated each other. I asked Usagi but he just grumbled. Very helpful. I was a little appreciative though; her bickering with Kaoruko kept her away from Usagi and Miyoko. She could not be in the same room with Kaoruko long. And Kaoruko has been staying near me. As well as Usagi. I'll take this headache over my previous one.
"Misaki, let's go to this chocolate shop in Shibuya. I heard the truffles are the best in Tokyo."
"Sorry Kaoruko but today I am going to see Hidori."
I heard the grunt. "Why would you hang out with her?"
"Oh right, today is when you are abandoning your daughter."
"Shut up Mizuki." I tried not to smile when Kaoruko and Usagi spoke. Kaoruko was a little louder. Mizuki turned her head.
"I was invited to go to a signing for my favorite author."
"And she has to come along?"
"We have another friend coming with us."
Uh oh. I see her thinking. "Misaki, I want to come."
Figures. "Yeah. You two go have fun. Akihiko, Miyoko and I can go spend some time in a park. Wouldn't that be fun Akihiko?"
"Get off of me." Calm down Misaki. Calm down.
"You look so disgusting right now." Thank you Kaoruko.
"No one asked you."
I had to take a breath before I looked back at Kaoruko. "Sorry but you have to have won the tickets in a raffle earlier this year."
She pouted slightly. I almost felt bad for her. Miyoko started whimpering in Usagi's arms. Time for breakfast. I got her food ready as Usagi put her in her high chair. "What time are you leaving?"
"We were meeting at 11, signing starts at 12."
"I'll take you."
"You don't have to."
"I wanna go!"
"Might as well go too."
And that is how I ended up in front of our meet up spot, three Usami's behind me and one in my arms. Hidori was already glaring while Todo looked unmoved by the hostile environment. "Hi Takahashi! Glad you made it."
"Me too. Ah Todo, these are Usagi's cousins, Kaoruko and Mizuki."
He bowed. "Nice to meet you."
"You don't have to bow to nuisances." And here we go.
"Who are you calling a nuisance!" Miyoko jumped at the yelling but did not cry. Usagi rolled his eyes and walked closer to me.
"How long will this be?"
I looked at Todo. "The signing ends at 2 so we can meet at the café over there around 2:30."
"Does that sound good?" Usagi closed his eyes to think. A few moments later he let out a sigh. "You really like this mangaka?"
"Well ya. I have always liked him since I was younger."
His eyes narrowed. He leaned down to be inches from my face. That threatening face was still there even as Miyoko was whacking his chin with the tips of her finger. "Just because of his stories?"
"Where are you going with this?" His eyes said enough. "Of course it is just because of his stories. I only met him once."
"2:30. Do not be late."
"I should tell you tha.." I grumbled into his mouth. "Not in public." I growled. Miyoko squealed as I gave her to Usagi. Ah, why couldn't she come too? I turned to the two fighting. And they even included Mizuki. Great. "Hidori, stop fighting."
My heart almost stopped when I saw her lift up the paper bag she was carrying. Not the cookies! "They started it."
Mizuki smoothed down her dress shirt. "Stop acting like a brat. You are worse than this one."
"Shut up Mizuki."
She rolled her eyes and took a few steps towards Usagi. I kept staring at the hand as it grabbed Usagi's arm. "Let's go to the bookstore nii-san. We can definitely find books we both like."
"While you're at it look up the definition of whore. I am sure you will find a picture of someone very familiar."
"Hidori!"
"OOOOOOOkay." Thank you Todo. He grabbed Hidori by the waist and dragged her back to us. "Fighting is not good in public. We are going to be late."
"They started it." I rolled my eyes. At least Miyoko seems to be enjoying herself.
We waved goodbye, parting ways. "I'm just saying she started it."
"No excuse Hidori. You are in public and they are still Usagi's family. You really did not need to say that "whore" part."
"I could have said much more if we stayed." Ten minutes and more nagging (from me) later we were at the end of the line...So long! "Damn, I guess this guy is more popular than I thought."
"Exactly! His work is recognized by a lot of people!" Todo beamed.
I looked at the line, noticing all the females. He did look a bit out of place. I kicked Hidori when I saw her looking around at all the girls. Did not stop her comments. I listened as Todo explained how these works could be manly. There was an employee directing the line into the store. "I'm so nervous!"
"You met him before."
I shrugged, "It was a while back. I doubt he even remembers me. He was so frazzled that day. Looked terrible!"
"Good thing you read it for the works and not for looks."
"Exactly." Oh god, we're next!
…..
….
Who is this?! This could not be the person I met! This man is so gorgeous. Black hair laying perfectly to the side. Smooth face. Reminds me of Usagi when he is playing nice for people. "Hello."
"Takahashi?" I looked to his editor. I recognized him while helping with Aikawa. They were arguing about something until I brought them chocolate.
"Yes, nice to see you again."
Ijuuin turned to him. "You know her?"
"Takahashi Misaki, she works part time in the editorial department. She was a huge fan of yours."
"Really?' Oh god that smile. "I have seen the postcards. If only I have given you the ticket personally."
"Oh no, I couldn't possibly ask for that!"
"Hurry up." Shut up Hidori. She growled in my ear. Not my fault her foot was so close to mine.
"Please take out your name cards."
Todo passed his. "Todo Shinnosuke."
"Yes sir, we all became friends of The Kan. We admire sensei's work." Hidori scoffed but finally kept her mouth shut. I passed him mine. "Oh." He looked at my name for a moment before signing. Hidori set down the one she got. "Thank you for coming."
"Sensei, we made cookies, please accept them."
I swear that smile will make me faint. "Thank you so much. I will cherish these!"
And just like that, it was already 2:20. We were sitting in the cafe. Usagi and them were on their way. The three of us were drinking a coffee. Well, Hidori was drinking. Todo and I were fidgeting in our seats. "Did you see him Takahashi? In all of his glory."
"We even shook his hand! He was so handsome!"
"Nothing can compare to this happiness!"
"Will you two calm down. You met a person, you didn't discover the cure for cancer."
Ugh, who invited this negative person? "But Hidori..he created The Kan, I have been reading them since it first started."
"Me too! I loved the very first story. I started writing postcards right after."
"Me too!" I am so happy to have met Todo. He did calm down and looked at Hidori with hopeful eyes. "What did you think about it?"
Uh oh. Puppy dog eyes. Hidori's weakness. There goes her rare blush. "I don't know his stories...not like anything special happened to me...but I guess this series isn't as lame as I thought." Todo smiled and I noticed him moving his seat closer. Hidori looked away, her face growing more red. Cute. "Shut up Misaki."
"I don't know what you are talking about."
"Takahashi?"
"Yes." I turned, forgetting how to breath. IJUUIN-SENSEI! Todo and I stood up. "YOU'VE WORKED HARD! ARE YOU FINISHED WITH WORK?"
He chuckled. "Yes. I wanted to get coffee when I saw you guys." He turned to me. "I wanted to ask you something."
"Yes?"
"About a year ago, did we meet at Marukawa?"
Oh my god! He remembers! He remembers! "Yes we did!"
"I thought so. I wanted to ask but I was afraid to be wrong."
"I'm surprised you still remember."
"I remember everything. I was at a dark place at that moment. Your words of encouragement helped keep me drawing. Thank you very much!" Aww. Someone catch me. Not Hidori. I hear her grumbling. He turned to Todo. "I hoped you two had a good time today."
"Yes, I am a big fan!" Todo's eyes sparkled.
Hidori rolled hers. "You did not seem that interested today. Do you not like my work?"
She opened her mouth, glancing at my don't-fuck-this-up face. "I haven't read much of your stuff. I just came to support these two. They talk nonstop about your stuff."
"That's because for the longest time, I have loved you sensei."
Why does Usagi pick the worst time to make an appearance? Hidori snickered, whispering "this will be fun." His glare seemed to darken the entire café. Miyoko started whimpering when she saw me. I shiver ran down my spine as I reached out to take her. I tried to avoid his gaze. This will be a fun conversation back home.
"Usami-sensei?" Ijuuin's editor appeared. "Sensei! It is you. Ijuuin-sensei, this is Usami-sensei."
"Usami-sensei? The novelist?"
"Are you here for work?"
I hate when he smiles. "No. The mother of my child was worried about being away from us for too long so I accompanied her for company." YOU SHITTY LIAR!
The editor looked between me and him before hitting his head. "That is right! How could I forget?! Please forgive me Takahashi."
I waved my free hand as he bowed. "No, it's alright."
"It is nice to meet you Ijuuin-sensei. I am Usami Akihiko. I have read your works." What a liar! The two shook hands.
"Nice to meet you, I am Ijuuin Kyo. It is an honor to meet Usami's family. I saw the story but I did not expect to meet Takahashi at my signing. And I received Takahashi's cookies."
He looked at me and then down at Miyoko. "A beautiful child, looks a lot like her mother."
"I would have to agree." Are they going to let go of each other's hand?
"Sensei, we have to get going."
They separated. "Takahashi, Todo, Shiima, thank you for coming today."
"Yes!"
"I hope to see you soon Usami-sensei."
"Ah."
Amazing! I was able to talk with him! This day could not get any better! "That was something new, being recognized with Miyoko."
"Misaki."
"Yes?"
"What about these cookies?" I didn't want to turn back. I did those at Hidori's place because I did not want to hear from him.
"Nii-san! Don't leave us." Kaoruko and Mizuki came walking over.
"You missed Ijuuin-sensei." Todo pointed to the doors.
She gasped. "What?! Where is he?" She ran out, dragging Todo with her. Hidori stood up. "Can we go home?"
Outside Kaoruko was looking around. "I can't believe I missed him!"
"Even if you met that mangaka there would be no meaning." Mizuki said.
Kaoruko put her hands on her waist. "It's normal to want to know about all the things my best friend loves."
Here we go. "And we already established I am Misaki's best friend!" Hidori copied her.
"You are really loved, Takahashi." That is not a good thing Todo. I turned to Mizuki scoffing. "You should see the pictures we took Takahashi. There are some great pictures of the three of us." She gestured from Miyoko to Usagi. I am starting to get annoyed at the rage inside of me.
"Misaki, tell her you love me more!" Hidori placed a hand on my shoulder. Usagi was quick to take Miyoko from me with a growl. Kaoruko grabbed my hand.
"No, she loves me!"
WHACK. My body froze. The slight sting in my hand evidence of what had happened. Mizuki's hand was still in the air in between us. Kaoruko's eyes narrowed and raised the hand she was holding shopping bags, connecting with Mizuki's head. Miyoko started whimpering. Hidori's eyes were ready to pop out. Todo stood with an awkward smile.
Mizuki rubbed her head. "WHAT THE HELL!"
"You have been pathetic this entire time! Stop trying to pick fights with Misaki. Have some dignity."
"What the fuck are you saying?"
"I'm saying if you like me, then say it."
Excuse me? What did she say? Is Mizuki blushing? Mizuki...likes Kaoruko?
"Who would like someone as ugly as you?"
"Jerk!"
So, Mizuki likes Kaoruko? "But, Kaoruko and I aren't like that."
She turned to me. Her angry eyes were less effective with that blush. "'For a whole year I heard nothing but information about you. Anything Kaoruko likes makes my blood boil, especially you!"
So this whole time, she was taking her anger out on me? What kind of immature act is that? "I knew this would happen?" Usagi sighed.
"YOU KNEW?!"
He passed Miyoko back to me. "More or less. Mizuki is bisexual."
"Why didn't you tell me?!"
"And miss a jealous Misaki?"
I got played by them again! I jumped as Hidori patted my back. "Your in-laws are fucked up." You could say that again.
That night
Ah. Today was horrible but at least there was one piece of happiness. I don't know how much time went by since I have been staring at Ijuuin's signature. My name never looked so pretty. Good thing Usagi offered to put Miyoko to bed. Sorry baby but mommy's in pure bliss.
"She's out." Usagi announced.
"Thank you. I will get up with her tomorrow." I never looked up. The couch moved as he joined me. "Is this new?"
I pulled away when I saw his hand open. "Wait, take this one." I gave him my second copy.
"Aren't they the same?"
"Yeah but the autograph one is going in my collection. I can't have anything happen to this one." He made a noise but nothing was ruining my happiness. "I can't believe that was the same man I saw last time. He looks completely different. I guess you authors have that superpower."
"I wouldn't know."
"He was so handsome! And very nice! And even better, he remembered me! He just keeps making me love him more and mo.." SLAM. Thank god I gave him the reading copy. I looked at my abused book on the table. His hand was still on top. "What's wrong?"
"You say love too much."
"So? What's wrong with expressing my love. Your love almost filled up this entire place."
"You should only say love to me or Miyoko."
What? "Huh?"
"And don't get close to that mangaka."
"What do you mean by that?"
"Intuition." His head was facing the TV but those eyes were gazing into my soul. I had to look away.
"It's not like I would get close to him like that anyway. Don't overthink things. Unless you're jealous." He stayed silent. "So I'm right? You are jealous of Ijuuin-sensei. I mean I get it, sensei is handsome." I could not finish my train of thought when I felt a tug on my arm. I found myself laying on the couch with Usagi hovering over me. I opened my mouth but only sucked up air.
"Isn't it natural to want to know about the things loved by the person I love."
I felt the room heat up. "Usagi, you have nothing to worry about. You don't need to get so jealous so easily."
"I made an exception to all Miyoko to be your number one but I have to be up there two. Just us two."
"Sheesh Usagi. You know the love I feel for you two is different from the love I feel for Ijuuin-sensei."
"How so?"
Ugh. He knows the difference. "I definitely would not think of having a kid with Ijuuin-sensei."
"Don't even joke." Great. Made it worse. He stood up. "You want coffee?"
"Tea."
I watched him head for the kitchen to gather the water. He turned his back to boil the water. "But Misaki, if the person you love says "I love" to someone else often, might their own love exceed your own?"
"What?"
"I can't help but feel uneasy."
"Usagi, you worry yourself too much."
"Isn't it normal? I love Misaki." My heart fluttered at his words. It was a bittersweet feeling. Why could I not express myself more? How could I ease his worry? I stood up to walk towards him. His back still turned as he put the jar of teabags away. He turned, startled I was there. I pushed him against the wall, with his help, and laid my body on him. My arms grabbed onto his shirt. I laid my head on the middle of his chest.
"I-I think I said something before about pushing you down. So I wanted to try."
"But we are standing"
"SHUT UP!" We stood there in silence. The tea was probably getting cold. His breathing slowed. "No matter who I loved, I would never want to be this close. Not even with Miyoko. This is the love I will only share with you. So get it through your thick head idiot."
I could not look him in the eye so I was caught off guard when my feet were no longer touching the floor. "Usagi!"
"Shh, you will wake up Miyoko." He carried me up the stairs. Guess I was not getting any tea. He laid me down on our bed. "Wait Usagi." I stopped him from taking off my skirt. "What about Kaoruko and Mizuki?"
"They are staying at our mansion. Now try not to make too much noise or you'll wake up Miyoko. If you can." I did not miss the smirk as my skirt came off.
Three days later
"Kaoruko, do you have everything?" I turned to the backseats. Kaoruko tapped her chin, eyes still looking with Miyoko in her carseat. "I think so."
"You sure? You are forgetful?" Mizuki commented from the other side of the carseat.
"Shut up."
"Quiet back there. No fighting around Miyoko." We made it to the airport. Men came out to help the two with their luggage as I got Miyoko out. This week went by too fast. Usagi may not admit it but it was fun having her around. Miyoko certainly took a liking to Kaoruko. "I am going to miss you."
She blushed. "You should just come to Paris! There are plenty of nice nannies."
"Shut up." Mizuki walked over, swinging a bag over her shoulder. I felt bad for the slight happiness I was feeling to see her leaving too.
"I am surprised to see you leaving Mizuki."
She shrugged. "I can't stay on vacation forever. It's not like I trapped a rich boyfriend I can fall back on."
Kaoruko hit her in the head. "WHY DO YOU HAVE TO BE SO MEAN?"
"I'm just telling it as it is!"
I was surprised how much I was affected. Still stung but easy to shrug off. Usagi did not look so happy though.
"You are shameless. Misaki would never have such thoughts. If you want me to like you so much then start acting like a good person."
"What? A good person? What does a good person look like?"
Her hand shot out, finger pointing at me. "Like Misaki."
And Mizuki was glaring at me. Aren't I innocent in all of this. Kaoruko hit her one more time before she walked back to look at Miyoko. I gave her to Kaoruko as Mizuki rubbed her head. "I should warn you guys though, I was actually sent by uncle."
Usagi-chichi?! "What did you do?"
"I did nothing. He told me he wanted to see Akihiko-niisan's life. He also wanted to know about Takahashi and his granddaughter."
"And he sent you?"
"I really was on vacation so it worked out. I just told him truthfully about your lives." I could only imagine what she said about me.
"Why did he ask you?"
"Those papers you signed, he never filed them." I have never seen Usagi's eyes so wide. Even mine were feeling the discomfort from being dried out. "Uncle won't let you go so easily. He said he was afraid that this little family you created will bring down Akihiko. Misaki doesn't know anything as she is still a college student. He said: "You can pull the knife out now before it becomes deeper. Whatever the hell that means. You better be prepared."
Was she encouraging me? I looked down when Usagi grabbed my hand. "Then you can tell my father that nothing will change. There is no knife, and even if I get stabbed I am strong. As long as Misaki is by my side."
What the hell is with these metaphors? Mizuki sighed, "I see. Tell him that yourself."
"Gate 32 is ready to board. Gate 32 is ready to board."
"That's your flight Mizuki."
"Yeah yeah." She grabbed a pen and paper from her bag. She scribbled on it before passing it to Kaoruko. "Here."
"What is this?"
"My phone number. In case you want to contact me." Kaoruko stood stunned, staring at the paper. She tapped Miyoko's cheek with a small smile. "Alright...see ya later."
"Uh Mizuki wait." I did not realize I reached out until I felt the fabric of her shirt. She looked at me with shock. "Um, can we exchange emails?"
"What?" Good question. We looked at each other before shrugging my hand off. She grabbed her pen and paper again. "I guess. I want pictures of Miyoko."
"Of course."
When they both left we headed towards a spot on the highest level. The outside would have been too loud for Miyoko. "They are going bye bye." Miyoko was hitting the glass.
"Why did you give her your email. She might send you bitter emails."
I shrugged. "Maybe. But Miyoko liked her so she couldn't be all that bad." And she made me strive for more. Seeing her with Usagi made me realize I wanted to look like that. A "mature" woman. "And maybe she can let Usagi-chichi know that we are happy together. That Miyoko is being taken care of properly."
I heard him sigh. "I don't know what he is planning."
"Maybe he just wants to see Miyoko. It still sounds like he cares about you. And Miyoko is his first granddaughter. If that's the case, I want to prove to him I can stand by you and raise someone from the Usami family."
I shivered when he ruffled through my hair. "No matter what, I am not letting our family go." Miyoko started crying in my ear. My ears began to ring for a few seconds.
"Okay, let's go get something to eat." Usagi chuckled, wrapping an arm around my waist and leading us out.
Next Chapter of COH:
Showdown with Usagi-chichi
OMAKE
Miyoko 4 months-Akihiko's Birthday
I stared at the calendar. Miyoko's toy jingling behind me. She was laying on the ground, alternating between putting it in her mouth or waving it in the air. She looked up at me with a smile. She was too cute. Still did not ease my troubles. The circle on the date got bigger in my eyes.
Usagi's birthday was in two days. I haven't had much of a chance to think about what to do. It was hard to think about. Usagi could buy whatever he wanted and with Miyoko I haven't been working. What would bring Usagi happiness?
Besides my first thought.
I jumped at the loud crash. "Usagi?!" I looked at the great lord, laying at the bottom of the stairs. I grabbed his arm to drag him to the couch. When I saw no bruises I moved to go make coffee. Coming back was a laugh. Usagi ended up on the floor, cuddling Miyoko as she hit his cheek with the slobbered-up toy. "You really need to keep your deadlines."
"I won't put effort into such meaningless concepts." The fuck?
I looked back at the calendar. "I might as well ask. What do you want for your birthday?"
"You." "Anything but that!" He grumbled into the carpet. "I can't afford much right now though so nothing too expensive."
"Oversea trip."
"No."
"Domestic?"
"Denied."
"A month trip to Okinawa."
"Sheesh Usagi, stop thinking about escaping." He went silent, playing with Miyoko. I took this chance to go get the laundry.
My finger hovered over the dryer. Did he say something? "What was that?"
He walked over with Miyoko in his arms. "Let's make a bento and do a cherry blossom viewing."
"Really?" He nodded. "We can do that but are you sure? Will that be too normal?"
He shrugged. "I see families do it a lot and I have never done it before. She is too young to remember but it would be a nice experience with Miyoko."
"Then let's do it! We can make the bento together!" He nodded a small smile forming until he sniffed the air. I chuckled as he left to go find the diaper bag. I guess it would make sense he has never done something so simple. I remember enjoying all the times nii-chan took me. If it makes Usagi happy, then let's make it amazing!
Or so I thought.
"It was supposed to be sunny." Usagi growled as the wind blew. Snow covered the ground. I bundled Miyoko closer to me. It would be bad for her to get sick.
"Weather channels are unreliable." We hurried back to the car. We went back to the house to turn on the TV and heat. They were talking about the sudden snowstorm. Usagi laid out the blanket and set the bento down. "Here?"
"Why not?" I set Miyoko down in between us and handed her Suzuki. The bento was good, despite Usagi adding extra rice to the onigiri.
"This seems strange."
"Once in a while you should be less negative."
"I mean...we had so much hope today just to have this happen. Is there any other day we can do this week?"
He shook his head. "My schedule is booked for the rest of March." What shitty luck!
"I'm sorry Usagi." Man, I wanted to make this the best birthday for him.
I jumped when I felt his lips touch my forehead. I looked up to see a smile on his face. "Why? Making bentos, eating together with you and Miyoko. Even with the blizzard, I still will cherish this family moment."
Why did he say that? I felt my cheeks heat up as I reached for the box next to me. "Um, Usagi-san...here." I hoped he liked it. He took the box with a confused look. "It's not much but I hope you like it. Miyoko cheered when she saw it." He opened the box to pull out a robot bear with a clock in the middle of its stomach. "May it help you keep a healthier life."
I looked up when he went quiet only to be surprised with a kiss. "Thank you."
"Not in front of Miyoko!" He chuckled, as did Miyoko who was staring at the robot. I could feel my body heat up quicker than with the heater. I hoped he really was happy just as I was. "Usagi, let's go see the cherry blossoms in April."
"All right."
I almost laughed at the realization of these moments. That from here on out, with Miyoko by our side, we would make more family memories.
