Attn: Ch. 97 Spoilers a.k.a female Akito. Ever since I read Vol. 13 a couple of years ago I somehow can never imagine Akito has a man again. So, female Akito it is!
Seven
Mixed with complex feelings, Hatori remained silent during the long drive to the banquet hall. Tooru made no attempt to converse with her reserved husband despite her giddy state. When they reached their destination, Tooru was greeted by lovely adornments that decorated the banquet hall and a beaming- though breathless- mother-in-law. Mrs. Souma, having left the wedding ceremony soon after their first kiss, stood near the entrance with a wrinkled brow and a smile.
"You haven't been married for more than ten minutes," Mrs. Souma said, clasping and releasing her son's warm hands. "But you'll have to forgive me for I'm going to kidnap your little bride for just a moment."
Hatori nodded as he glimpsed at his flushed young wife, admiring her innocent beauty for a mere second before walking off and settling matters with the DJ and frustrated caterers.
Caught off guard, Tooru was half dragged into the women's restroom where she was placed on a stool, having her tiara and hair yanked and re-combed by strange women whom were evidently under Mrs. Souma's orders. A curling iron was brought forth as an elderly woman curled the ends of Tooru's flattened hair, and just when Tooru thought it was over, the woman continued to gather her lush hair and proceeded to style it in a complicated, but beautiful, up do. After what seemed like a painful eternity, the tiara was brought back into place.
"There, child. You look magnificent with your hair up and freshly curled again. Oh, do you need more lipstick? It seems to have worn off. No? Do you prefer lip gloss?"
Once Tooru was left feeling fresh and rejuvenated, Mrs. Souma dragged her to the corner of the restroom; instructing the other ladies to lock the door, and ordered Tooru to take off her clothes. Bewildered, the young bride gaped at the older woman with widened eyes.
"There's no need to feel embarrassed, girl. We're all women here!" Mrs. Souma exclaimed impatiently, tugging at the bridal gown's zipper.
"B-but, people might be coming any minute now! I don't see why I have to take off my clothes!"
The older woman stopped, then looked into Tooru's eyes before throwing back her head and letting out a loud and hearty laugh. "Oh dear, dear. I purchased an evening gown. Did you honestly expect me to allow you to wear your wedding gown until the end of the night? Also, your guests won't arrive until a good twenty minutes now- just like I had instructed them."
"You bought me another dress? But, I thought all brides wore their wedding gowns to both the ceremony and the reception!"
"Not with me they don't," Mrs. Souma replied almost devilishly. "I couldn't decide which dress to chose, so I thought...why not both?"
Nods and sighs of approval erupted in the stuffy restroom as they saw the red faced girl with her small Elvin-like features in her seductive lingerie. Bowing her head in shame, Tooru allowed her mother-in-law to help her into her new dress, which was equally as beautiful as her wedding gown. No wonder Mrs. Souma couldn't decide, Tooru thought as she slowly lifted her head to look at her reflection, blushing.
The gown was not traditional in the western sense, but glamorously modern in an almost European feel. The solid straps were of pure silk as it lingered onto her small, pale shoulders; softening her delicate features considerably. However, the neck line plunged deep as it exposed her soft bosom audaciously. The rest of her sleek gown clung to her thin body; hugging her soft curves as it gingerly flowed and blossomed just above her knees.
"Ah, doesn't it just advocate femininity?" Mrs. Souma said proudly. "It's almost fragile, but also alluringly sexy and bold. Hah! I made an excellent choice indeed!"
Tooru smiled uneasily as she turned away from her reflection. "Auntie, I am so very grateful for everything you have done for me. But, I don't really think I deserve this-- it must have cost a fortune."
"Now, now, I don't want to hear any sort of nonsense coming from you. You deserve every single thing on this earth because you are not only my only child's wife, but his savior. I had never seen him look so agitated with embarrassment!" Mrs. Souma said with a chuckle. "I can't begin to tell you how much of a relief it is to see such humanly characteristics coming from him. In any case, let's get out of this stuffy room and greet my insane family, shall we?"
The new mother-in-law ran around the reception hall; giving her last instructions to her temporary staff and ordered a wandering Tooru to take her seat next to Hatori before their new guests arrived. Their table was elaborate compared to everyone's finely decorated tables, and was placed on the side so that everyone would be facing them.
Hatori eyed her exquisitely seductive gown as she rushed quickly to her seat beside him. She smiled nervously as she saw his seemingly skeptical eyes looking at her gown and blank expression.
"Ah, your mother picked it," Tooru explained anxiously, fearing that he didn't like it.
He said nothing as he turned away. He caught his mothers glimmering eyes and scowled at her mischievousness. Of course this modest little mouse wouldn't have picked such a dress! It was like he was seeing her completely and utterly naked! No dress should clutch onto a body like that. Moreover, no neckline should ever be so low!
"I can change if you'd like?" Tooru offered after a moment, seeing that he was deeply disturbed.
"No, I like it," Hatori replied quickly. And he did. A lot.
Still skeptic, Tooru began to feel rather discouraged until guests began pouring in by the minute. So many unfamiliar faces were chatting amongst themselves as they glanced at their new family member curiously. Mrs. Souma greeted them warmly, though keeping up with her provisional authority by ordering everyone to stand in a single line before they pay their respects to the newly wedded couple.
Gradually the disheveled line began to move forward and Tooru couldn't help but feel edgy with nervousness and excitement as her new family approached.
The first to be welcomed were the elderly members of the family. Their speech was incoherent as they muttered about something or other after they bowed respectfully in greeting. Tooru smiled as they continued rambling before they retired to their assigned table.
Other members of the large family came and went quietly before a blonde boy of about fifteen years of age bounced at the sight of the new bride.
"Guten Abend! My name is Momiji Souma, proud cousin of Mr. Hatori Souma himself! Nice to meet you, Mrs. Hatori Souma!" Exclaimed the cheerful boy as he bowed courteously to her.
Smiling confidently, Tooru bent over just as considerately. "Thank you Mr. Souma. It's also very nice to meet you."
Beaming, the little blonde turned over to his cousin with an excited grin. "Wow! You sure got a schönes mädchen, Ha'ri!"
Hatori said nothing but bowed as if he were a mere stranger. But, Tooru could clearly see that there was a unique bond between the two gentlemen.
However, a beautiful man with long silver hair disrupted their meeting as he placed his hand on the young boy's head and smiled widely at him. Tooru immediately recognized him as one of the two gentlemen who had teased her husband, and smiled to herself in acknowledgement.
"You truly are a selfish being, my little Momiji! How can you just stand here cruelly and hog her up all to yourself? I want to see her too you know! Now run along Little One."
"But I wanna be with the bride!" Momiji whined.
Pushing the boy behind him, the striking man bowed before the dazzled bride and posed before her.
"I am Ayame Souma: the lovely and adoring cousin of your darling little husband!" Aya exclaimed enthusiastically as he suddenly caught hold of Tooru's hands. "You are truly beautiful, my bride! But, I must inform you that I must steal Hatori away from you every now and then! Ha! Ha! Ha! There is nothing to fear! I'll bring him back to you safe and sound after I'm done with him."
Tooru looked at him in complete shock; obviously confused at his rash exclamations. Smiling awkwardly in response, she began to feel angry tremors erupting from her husband's once composed state.
"Don't say such stupid things," Hatori said through clenched teeth.
"First loves never die, Tori! Ha! Ha! Ha! Though, I must say: I wouldn't mind stealing your pretty little wife either. She is certainly quite an eyeful."
"What do you think you're doing?" A tall, slender man interrupted, placing his hand on his loud and ornate cousin while Tooru looked up to him in relief.
He was beautiful and would have been deliciously mysterious if she hadn't caught such humorous merriment in his black eyes. Nevertheless, she was grateful for his intervention.
"You aren't cheating on me already, are you my dear Aya?"
Never mind.
"Quite on the contrary, my beloved Gure!" Responded the silver-headed man with a sweet yet cheesy grin.
"Uh, uh nice to meet you!" Tooru interjected, bowing and wondering where her mother-in-law was.
"Oh, what a sweet little spouse you have! My name is Shigure Souma and it is also my pleasure. It's not very often that people get to meet such a well-known novelist such as myself."
"Really?" Tooru exclaimed excitedly, oblivious to her husband's miserable moan.
Before Shigure could reply, however, a red faced brute charged in front of him; gathering him by the collar and yelled at him for his vanity and inconsideration.
"We're not going to stand in line all day because of you! I'm hungry, damn it!"
"Why, you certainly aren't the--"
"Shut up!" Screamed the red-headed man, before shoving the two gentlemen out of his way.
"The name is Kyo Souma," he said gruffly, bowing slightly.
"A-ah, n-nice to meet you. My name is--" stammered the bewildered bride
"I know who you are," he chided before walking off.
Tooru blushed furiously until she saw a young man with a gentle smile walk forward. His hair was a light purple- nearly silver- and held an aura of beauty and innocence as he looked at her kindly with his violet eyes.
"I apologize on my cousins' and brother's behalf's. They can be quite eccentric," he began, bowing to her. "My name is Yuki Souma and it is certainly a pleasure to meet you."
There had been rumors about Hatori's new fiancée. Rumors of how she was nothing special and plain and homely as one can be. Rumors that she had bewitched him for the family wealth. It was then he realized that Akito had never met the girl; she had merely let her jealousy get the best of her. It was fortunate that she was too ill to act upon her invitation, he thought silently to himself.
Tooru had never been drunk in her life- more or less drank alcohol for that matter. But, here she was… giggling to herself merrily as her exhausted husband took it upon himself to be her designated driver during their drive home. He was glad to see that she got along with most of his family members, as insane as they are.
Their first dance together had been an awkward one as his relations looked onward, nudging each other, whooping, and winking. Hatori was never one for song and dance, yet he soon found how surprisingly settling it was once he grasped it. He had been afraid to touch her at first…in fact, he didn't want to touch her. The thought of placing his hands on her slim waist was disconcerting for him. In spite of that, however, he tucked in his discomfort and allowed himself to lead his self-conscious wife in the dance.
Afterwards, many joined in as they began requesting her attention. Drinks poured in, laughter erupted, and soon enough the tension evaporated into thin air. Her friend Saki, as he learned, had clung to her side and danced with her when his foolish relatives weren't cutting in. Hatori stood near, keeping an eye on his fanatical cousins as he watched and listened.
"Oh my goodness!" Tooru exclaimed, interrupting his thoughts as she did so. "I need to use the restroom really bad!"
"We're almost there," Hatori replied, amused by her drunken state.
Tooru was convinced that the exotic fruit punch that Mr. Ayame Souma had given her was not at all punch- more so non-alcoholic. She should have known that the exotic taste of the drink was actually alcohol not some rare and bizarre fruit from afar! But he made it sound so compelling and true….
I am truly sorry for the extremely late update. The past half year have been both challenging and traumatic for me. To tell you the truth, I had lost confidence in myself, thus leading me to nearly abandon this work of fiction. I had just recently turned 16 years of age and I am currently six months pregnant. I don't know why I am telling you, my readers, this but I suppose it feels good to just say it out loud in public. My therapist encouraged me to continue writing and to my surprise I found that this story has lifted my spirits up tremendously. I can move on and accept and acknowledge my fate.
So, for those of who you had commented in the past and those who will comment in the future, I say THANK YOU for your encouraging words.
.Hae-jang Lee.
chiisana-inori- Thank you very muchly!
Just call me Blue- Thank you yet again!Haritori- -gushes- Thank you, dear! I'm so you thought it was cute and enjoyable xD
Chiratsuku- Haha, yes it is true xD
DarkAngeloftheblacksnow- Kiss my lil' ass : )
kitsunedemon- Hello dear! So, I finally wrote the reception. Even though Aya and Shigure showed up briefly, I do hope that you found it enjoyable!
fluorescentpinkfairies a.k.a. raspberry-ichigo- Thank you so much for your review! Your long awaited fluff is bound to come : )
purejoy- Thank you!
ladysnape575- Thank you very much! And I'm glad that my er…little Japanese lesson helped you in the long run : )
Joflower- It's my Jo! Hellooo! I'm sorry I haven't been reading your story lately…I hope you'll understand! But I'll be sure to check it out as soon as possible!
Hatorifan- Thank you! And thank goodness you don't get mohm-sal as often. It's just plain horrible : (
Fan999123- Thank you!
Sam I Am- lol thank you! I'll get to Tori's past in the near future so no worries!
bleumoon469 a.k.a sepiaNocturnity- Thank you Thank you! Especially on your compliment on my "good" style, lol…it makes me feel a bit embarrassed. And I agree with you completely on the last bit
Placid Snowflake- Wow…your review just made my day. Literally! I'm grinning from ear to ear now, LOL.
Mist's Child- I'm so sorry if this is so extremely late But thank you for your review!
kuromeru tenshi- Eee! Thank you so much Yes, Bi is very popular in Korea…but I guess he's gaining popularity elsewhere! Cool! Bi is amazingly talented and is such a great dancer! If you haven't yet, you should check him out!
Frankie CrowOverflow- No worries! He won't be a tightass for long…I'll make sure of that! Heee, but thank you!
firewindgurl- Yay! I'm glad you stuck around I hope this chapter will be somewhat enjoyable for you as it's rather blandish…lol
Delfeh- Awww thank you very much I hope Omiai's further chapters will also be just as fulfilling.
AKA Hummer- Thank you!
kuro-chan10307- LOL, yes they are pretty insane aren't they?
Gina- Ahhh, I know I'm late! (Forgive me please!) Hopefully I'll be able to reach the climax within this year lol xD kidding!
kiratsume- I apologize for not updating as soon…but I hope that you'll continue to read my story! PrayForTheFallen- Thank you so much! I'm glad you liked it!
Aaya-chan- I'm so glad that a fellow Korean liked my story ! Mohm sal is death, isn't it? I'm so glad that I haven't gotten it this year. But no worries, I don't plan on discontinuing this story though I probably should have warned or informed my readers about my lack of updates sooner… xD
Itasuko-chan- Thank you for your review! As for the spelling of Tooru and Souma, I understand that the English manga translates them as "Tohru" and "Sohma". However, I chose to spell them in the romaji form of Tooru (which is spelt in hiragana in the Japanese manga) and Souma which is spelt in Kanji. I hope you'll understand my decision : )