Rent a Girlfriend: Different Beginnings (Short Story) Part 4

Characters:

Kazuya Kinoshita

Chizuru Mizuhara

Mami Nanami

Ruka Sarashina

Sumi Sakurasawa

Nagomi Kinoshita

Yoshiaki Kibe

Shun Kuribayashi

Sayuri Ichinose

Plot:

Chizuru could not believe that she had fallen in love with Kazuya and now just over four months of them being together had accepted his proposal. Meaning that they were now engaged. She had quit being a Rental Girlfriend and now she has no idea what to do. She needs a job that pays enough where it will cover her tuition costs for the Acting School and also cover her expenses. At the same time, Kazuya has offered to help her with her bills and she is reluctant to except that help. She has been contacted by one of the Wives from Kazuya's Department to meet for a meet and greet. So she is nervous and anxious about that. And the story Continues.

The Meet and Greet:

Arriving by Taxi, Chizuru stepped out of the back of the Taxi and exhaled nervously. The Restaurant that she had been invited to was fancier then she was used to. Though she did come to this one once before on a Rental Date. That date was hard to forget. The Client brought her here in an attempt to impress her. Impress her enough that she would forgo the Rules and go back to his Place with him. That is what he told her. When she declined, the bozo stuck her with the Check. 2,500 Yen plus tip Check. The only recourse she had was to have him Black Listed from Renting anyone else at Diamond. Entering through the main door, she checked her Coat and made her way inside. She did not expect to see over two dozen women waiting for her. "You must be Chizuru Ichinose." An much older woman asked and Chizuru nodded. The woman smiled. "It is nice to meet you...I am Kyoko Todoroki...My Husband is Captain Shoto Todoroki and he is your Kazuya's Commander." The Woman then introduced all the other women there and they went to sit down at Various tables while Chizuru sat with Kyoko at her table along with four others.

"Can I ask? What is this about?" Chizuru asked and one of the other women answered. Someone Chizuru introduced to as Akiho Shinozkai. Her husband Lieutenant Haruka Shinozaki was the Watch Commander of Day Shift.

"My dear...You see we here are some of the wives of your Kazuya's Fellow Police Officers and..." Akiho looked over at Kyoko.

"Kazuya has a job that could cause you to have doubts. Doubts about if you can handle him placing himself in danger day after day. That is what we all go through most of the time and that can be difficult on all of us as wives of Police Officers. Now we all know you and Kazuya just got engaged. But we want you to know that we are here for you if you need us." Kyoko said and Chizuru still did not fully understand and it seemed the elder woman could tell. "Let me explain. It can be hard on us at times and during those times would it not be nice to be able to have someone that can relate to you. Ones that have gone through what you could end up facing at those times. For example...When Kazuya got shot. Sure he was not injured...But what if he was?"

"Then you could use someone there that can help you deal with him being injured. Several of us has gone through that already and I can tell you that it is one of the hardest times that any of had to go through and it is not something you want to deal with alone." Akiho chimed in. "That is what we all do for each other. We are there during those times that you need someone to listen and be there for you. I can tell you that if Kazuya had been injured worse then he had...you would have met most of us already. Because we would have been there." Chizuru slowly nodded with understanding.

"So you all are like a support group?" Chizuru asked and every woman there and around her nodded.

"Yes and no. We are more of a sisterhood. Though if you need...some of us can be more then that. Friends, Mothers, Aunts anything you need. That is why we started this years ago. Because we discovered that for a Wife of a Police Officer can be difficult. We can relate to what you might be feeling or if you have any problems that you cannot resolve on your own. All you got to do is tell us and by God any number of us will be there for you." Kyoko told her and Chizuru smiled. "Now dear do you have a problem that you would like some advice or help with?" She asked and Chizuru let out a soft sigh. Then told them. But only that she had quit her last job and now was having trouble finding another. About how she hoped to someday accomplish her dreams of becoming an Accomplished Actress.

"Does that mean if you do become a famous Actress are you going to leave Kazuya?" One of the younger Women asked and Chizuru glared over at her.

"NEVER! I love him and nothing is ever going to make me leave him!" Chizuru declared sternly and the Women paled slightly. Then apologized. Kyoko and the others smiled broadly.

"I am sure Nene Fujinoki did not mean for that to be so...blatant." Akiho said and Nene nodded.

"I am sorry...It is just...I have had who I thought was a close friend tell me I could do so much better then Kazuya. I tend to get a little annoyed if someone says that." Chizuru said and thought about how Umi had said that to her right after her one time friend met Kazuya. What made him one time was a few seconds after that, he had hit on her. Mentioning that they were more suited to be together then she and Kazuya. That pissed her off so badly that she had been tempted to kick Umi in the balls. But instead she simply walked away and has not talked to him since. Kyoko clapped her hands together.

"I knew you had the right stuff to be a Cops Wife. Actually I knew it when so soon in your relationship you had to face the harsh truth. That at any time Kazuya could be injured or worse and you stayed. I have to tell you not many Women could or would." Kyoko said and Chizuru let out a sigh. Yes she had faced that truth. When she learned Kazuya had been shot, she came to the realization that he could be taken from her. That hurt her inside so badly that she thought she was going to die herself. But it also made her realize that she was in love with him and wanted to be with him no matter what.

"Enough of that...Lets do something about your problem." Akiho turned her head towards one of the other tables. "Hey Yukana isn't your Cousin a Casting Director for one of the local Television Stations?" She asked loudly and a Strawberry Blonde Woman stood and made her way over to their table. "Chizuru this is Yukana Hashiba...Her Husband is the Captain of the Eighth Prescient." She reminded Chizuru who shook the other woman's hand. "So Yukana is your Cousin a Casting Director or not?" She asked again and Yukana nodded.

"Yes she is...She works for ANN...TV Tokyo. As one a Casting Director for any of the TV Shows that come out. Why do you ask?" Yukana asked back and then was told all about Chizuru and her wish to become an Actress. "That is easy...I will call my Cousin and get her to meet with you. Give you an Interview." Chizuru smiled.

"Thank you...That would be...Wonderful." Chizuru said and Yukana went back to her table to make a phone call. Then ten minutes later returned with a slip of paper with a Telephone Number on it and times that the other Woman's Cousin would see her for that interview.

"Don't fret hon...I really made her think that you could be the next Kaley Cuoco, So she is hyped to meet you." Yukana told her and Chizuru thanked her again. By the end of the Lunch, Chizuru had almost all their phone numbers and email addresses. She thanked them all again and was about to pay her share of the extremely expensive lunch. But her hand was pushed away and was told that it was taken care of already. So she thanked them once more and she left feeling that she was not just Marrying into Kazuya's Family. But an extremely huge surrogate Family.

Returning to her Apartment Building, Chizuru used her Key to open Kazuya's door. She fed the fish and then went over to his Kitchen to brew some tea. She glanced at the Oven Clock and noticed that Kazuya should be coming home in about an hour and then in about two hours after that he would be going off to work. So she sat down to wait for him as she sipped her Tea. Even if it was only two hours, she wanted to spend that time with him. What she was really looking forward to was this Weekend. Her Grandmother and his Family had planned to take her and Kazuya on a SPA weekend. To celebrate their engagement. What it meant for her was that she would get two day and one night to be with Kazuya. "I better get a couple boxes of...Condoms. Just in case he forgets." She muttered and then blushed slightly.

SPA TRIP:

Yesterday she had the Interview with Erina Nakiri. The Head Casting Director for ANN. What shocked her was that Erina had offered her three or four Roles for a TV Sitcom, A Drama and even a Part in NCIS TOKYO. Sure in that one she is murdered by a Psychopath in the first five minutes. But like Erina told her it was her foot in the door to maybe more parts and roles. Bigger Parts and Roles. This all starts next week with her part in a Sitcom. When she got home and before telling Kazuya the good news. She sent a thank you text to Yukana.

Now it was time to go on the trip. Which had been arranged by her Grandmother and his Grandmother for the entire family to spend the weekend at the SPA. She sat behind Kazuya as he followed the Kinoshita Family Car on his Motorcycle. Inside the Car with his Father driving had both of their Grandmothers and his Mother. As they rode, she leaned closer to his Helmeted Ear. "I am so glad that we decided to come by Bike rather then in that Car with them." She said thinking about how both of their Grandmothers had said something about wanting to talk to them. Any delay was a good delay when it came down to the type of discussion that they suspected the Grandmothers wanted to have with them. Since they had gotten engaged most of the Conversations they had with the AXIS's of Grandmas revolved around when they were going to tie the knot and babies. So the two of them decided to just give vague answers when asked. It was better then the truth, that they had no idea when they planned on actually setting a wedding date and Children was not in either of their agendas for the near future.

"Want to pretend to get lost and go to another SPA? I am sure there has to be other ones around her somewhere." Kazuya suggested with a small smile and Chizuru thought about it for several moments then exhaled with a deep sigh.

"No we can't do that. Though I am really really tempted to say Let's do It." Chizuru felt they were resigned to their fate. They would have to go through the inquisition again and again until they did come up with a Wedding Date other then with the response of sooner or later. The problem was that neither of them was in a rush to actually get married yet. Oh sure they loved each other, was devoted to each other and believed for now that was more then enough. After all they were engaged and by the end of the month planned on living together. So they were not in a hurry to do anything else.

"There is the turnoff...This is the last chance to pretend to get lost." Kazuya said and Chizuru chuckled. Then they followed the Car as it turned right towards the Hotel in the distance.

The Room that they shared had two futons rolled up against the Wall and a small floor table in the center of the room. Chizuru looked about the room as Kazuya set down her and his bags on the Floor Table. "I could still pay for an upgrade for a Suite." Kazuya said and Chizuru smiled over at him.

"No this is perfect. It is cozy and not much bigger then either of our Apartments." Chizuru said and moved closer towards him. Putting her forearms over his shoulders and peering into his eyes. She was about to kiss him and perhaps suggest that they spend a few hours alone. Turn off their Cellphones and just enjoy some time together. But someone knocked on the door interrupting them. With a frown, she stepped back as Kazuya went to see who it was. Of course it was their Grandmothers. Who immediately invited Chizuru to join them in the Women's Bath and she knew why they did.

As soon as she sank into the warm water, the two Grandmothers moved themselves closer and Chizuru let out a sigh. Still wondering why she even excepted the invitation. What she wanted to do was spend a few interrupted hours with Kazuya in their Hotel Room and then perhaps go for a nice Romantic Stroll outside. She wanted some romance. She wanted Kazuya to hold her from behind with his arms around her as they watched the sun set. But that was not happening. She was stuck here with two Grandmothers that wanted to a whole slew of questions that neither she and Kazuya wanted to answer right now. "Chizuru dear...We both...Well we both are concerned." Her Grandmother said and that surprised her.

"About what?" Chizuru asked wondering if perhaps they were thinking that she and Kazuya might not be ready to be engaged. After all they only have been together for just over four months.

"Kazuya." Nagomi his Grandmother said. She closed her eyes and Chizuru could see it. Small tears welling up in the older woman's eyes. "His job...You probably feel the same way as I do. Every time he goes to work...You have this fear welling up inside you that he might...He was shot! Someone shot my Grandson and yes he was not injured. But that fear that something like that could happen again is always going to be there. As long as he is a Cop." His Grandmother sobbed and Chizuru could see that her own Grandmother also had the same thoughts and feelings about this. She slowly nodded.

"Yes I have that fear. But I also know Kazuya loves his job. He loves being a Cop. That is important to me." Chizuru said and Nagomi and her Grandmother took both of her hands in theirs.

"True...he does love being a Cop. But I believe he loves you more then that. So if you asked him...Asked him to quit. Then I...No we believe he would." Nagomi said and Sayuri nodded and gave her hand a gentle squeeze.

"Think about this Dear...Your Grandfather was taken from us...Could you handle having Kazuya taken from you as well?" Sayuri asked and Chizuru bit her bottom lip and shook her head sadly. Tears also began to form in her eyes and the two elder women became blurry.

"No...No I could not handle it. Still I will not ask him to quit. No matter how much I love him and know I could not go on without him. I just could not...I can't ask him to quit. So please don't ask me to...I just can't do it." Chizuru began to cry and the two Older women hugged her. They both could tell that she had considered already asking Kazuya to stop. To Quit. But convinced herself she just could not ask him to. Fearing that he would and at the same time fearing he wouldn't.

"We are so sorry to gang up on you about this. I know it is unfair of us to even ask. But we had to." Nagomi said and Chizuru continued to hug her and her own Grandmother.

"It is okay. It just shows that you do love him." Chizuru then smiled slightly. "Not as much as I do. But you do love him." She put in and Nagomi pushed her back gently and scowled.

"What do you mean not as much as you do? I am his Grandmother. You are only going to be his Wife. I love him a whole lot more then you do." Nagomi declared and then all three of them chuckled.

"Okay enough of this mushy stuff and us trying to manipulate you to get Kazuya to stop doing something he loves. Lets now talk about...When are you two going to have the Wedding and of course...When are you two going to make me and Nagomi Great Grandma's?" Sayuri asked and Chizuru rolled her eyes. Then smirked.

"Sooner or later on the Wedding and as for the other...You will just have to stick around for a few years Grandma." Chizuru said hoping to motivate her ailing Grandmother to do just that.

Rushing back to their Room with the intent of at least going on the Romantic Walk and watch the sunset together as she wanted. Chizuru while riding the Elevator up to her floor used her hands to put her long hair in some semblance of her normal style. She did not want to when she got to the room waste any time. But the Elevator stopped two floors from hers and a Man entered. To her surprise it was someone she knew. It was Umi. The same Umi she had not really spoken to in the last couple of months since he angered her with his comments and his attempt to hit on her. "What are you doing here?" She asked sternly and Umi smiled.

"I am here with...Uhm someone and I found out that you were here so I thought I would...Come talk to you." Umi said and Chizuru scowled at him. Then re-pushed her Floor Number on the Console. The doors shut and the Elevator continued.

"Well I do not have time to talk to you right now. I want to...Me and Kazuya have plans." Chizuru said and easily noticed when Umi winced when she mention Kazuya. He chuckled and shook his head.

"I still believe you are way too attractive to be with someone like him and I am still think we are a much better match. I am cultured, have money and not to sound self conceded. I am attractive. While he is..." Umi was about to list what he believed was Kazuya's flaws. Chizuru cut him off.

"The one I am going to marry. We are engaged Umi and I love him. You I can barely tolerate anymore. Now this is my floor...So if you will excuse me...I need to leave." Chizuru eased by him and there in the hallway was Kazuya. He was waiting for her so they could go do what they planned. He saw Umi and looked at Chizuru. Who stepped right by Umi and over to him. "Don't mind him...He is just someone that got on the Elevator when I was coming up so we can go on that Walk." She took his right hand in her left and then went over to press the down button on the Elevator. They had only about thirty minutes to get to the spot that the Hotel Clerk told them was the most Romantic Spot to see the Sun Set.

"You know I cannot believe you picked him over me." Umi commented with a scowl still holding the Elevator Doors open. Chizuru smiled over at him and then at Kazuya.

"I would any moment of time. Mainly due to I have no intention of being another notch in your bedposts. That and I think you are a complete jackass. That has to use your money and your family ties in an attempt to be an Actor." Chizuru said and then when the Elevator arrived to go down. She lightly pulled Kazuya inside and the doors shut leaving Umi standing there in utter disbelief that she had said that about him. So with a huff, he let the doors shut and went to the Roof where Shiori was supposed to meet him.

Outside the couple hurried down the footpath that led to the spot that they had been told about. Once there, Chizuru quickly moved in front of Kazuya and leaned back against him so that they both could watch as the sun set. He slipped his arms around in front of her and held her back against him. They watched the moment in silence and after the sun had fully set they just remained there enjoying their time together. Though within moments she shivered. "Guess it is a little chilly here once the sun goes down. Want to head back inside?" Kazuya asked and she shook her head.

"Not yet...I want to just be here with you for a little while longer." Chizuru said back softly, turning her head and then reached up with her left hand to turn his face towards her. She lightly kissed him and as they parted she smiled. She let out a breath and steam followed her exhale. "Kazuya...I do not want to wait...I want to...I want to be married to you as soon as possible. Say like in maybe a month or so from now." She told him and Kazuya smiled at her.

"Anything you want. How about the third of November. I can take about three days of Vacation then and with my two days off that gives us five days to go anywhere you want for a...Honeymoon." Kazuya suggested and Chizuru smiled.

"Sounds perfect. I think we should just come here. That way we are not wasting any time with travel." Chizuru suggested back and he nodded.

"Then this November...Guess we got a lot of stuff to do before then don't we?" Kazuya then leaned in and kissed her and Chizuru returned it. Off to one side where they had no idea anyone was. Two Elder Women quietly gave each other a HI-FIVE. Silently cheering and pumping their fists. What they wanted to do is rush the their two Grandchildren and hug the stuffing out of them in Celebration. Instead they sneaked back towards the Hotel. There they again gave each other a HI-FIVE and were more vocal about their Celebration. Drawing the attention of just about everyone in the Lobby and they did not care. They were one step closer to becoming Great Grandmas.

Home:

Lifting a Box, Kazuya grunted and then hefted it towards the door. Kibe and Kuri were there and they too lifted up each another Box. Then Kuri gestured with the box he was carrying at a Locked Plastic Box on the Kitchen Counter. "What is that one?" He asked and Kazuya shook his head.

"I will carry that one. It is my Lockbox for my Service Pistol and I rather no one touches it." Kazuya told them and his two friends shied away from it. They passed Chizuru who was packing another Box with Kazuya's Dishes. They all had spent the first five hours moving her things downstairs into the One Bedroom Apartment that would be her and Kazuya's Apartment after today. Not wanting to loose having Kazuya or Chizuru as tenants the Apartment Manager slash Owner had rushed the Cleaning and getting ready the Apartment in time for them to move into it. The Manager even had the Bedroom painted the light blue color that Chizuru had asked for.

"You know it is not right. My Landlord doesn't do anything for me like she did for you two." Kibe commented as he carried the box out of the Apartment and followed Kazuya down to the first floor. As they came back for more and at the door of what was no longer Kazuya's Apartment after today.

"That is because your Landlord does not like you. Remember." Kuri said and Kibe frowned at his friend.

"You blow out the Breakers one time and I am disliked. It was an accident. How was I supposed to know that you can't run a Multi-Converter into all of my Electronics? All I wanted to do was make it so I could turn on and off everything with my Computer." Kibe said as if that made it all right that he blew not only the Breakers in his Apartment. But the other twenty three Apartments as well. So he was not disliked by the Landlord. But despised.

"With you two moving in together. Maybe I can see about renting one of these." Ruka said as she brought the Towels out of the Bathroom and put them in one of the Boxes. "That is after I graduate next week and start to go to College on the Campus." She added with a small smile and Chizuru smiled over at her.

"That would be great. I would love to have you as a Neighbor." Chizuru said and then folded the top of the box she just filled shut to be carried downstairs. The two had become close friends after Ruka stopped trying to subtly take Kazuya away from her. The younger girl had given up on him after realizing that the two were so perfect for each other that she never really had a chance. She also quit being a Rental Girlfriend. Still once in a while going out with Kuri for real. They were not a couple yet, but they could be in time. That is what Chizuru believed as did Kazuya.

"So next month is the month...Are you two nervous?" Ruka asked and both Chizuru and Kazuya looked over at her. Then back at each other.

"Nope." They said together and then went back to getting everything packed and moved.

To be concluded: Maybe