Chapter 11: Hands To Yourself

Misaki woke up feeling empowered. She changed out of her silk tunic into a black lacy tank top and short blue silk shorts.

Misaki washed up and sat down at her vanity table. She picked up a brush and swirled some face powder on. Then, she added a hint of blush. Misaki carefully uncapped her lipstick and applied it. Next it was the mascara and eyeliner. A bit of pearl gray eyeshadow and she was done. Misaki looked over her outfit in the full length mirror. It was sexy but it was effortless.

Misaki smiled to herself and gave her hair a tousle. "We'll see, Takumi..." she said to herself. Misaki unlocked the bedroom door and headed downstairs.

"Good morning," Takumi said with a smile.

"Good morning, honey," Misaki greeted, leaning against the counter.

Takumi set the plate of food on the counter and reached out to hold Misaki. Misaki gently pushed his hands away.

"New rules..." she said, pursing her lips. Sakura said to look sexy but Misaki honestly had no idea how to do that. "There will be no intercourse, no kissing, hugging or touching from now on," she said with a sympathetic smile.

Takumi swore under his breath. "You're kidding, right?!" he exclaimed.

Misaki shook her head. "I am dead serious, darling," she said. "Keep your hands to yourself." With that said, Misaki picked up her plate and went to go eat breakfast.

Takumi went to the bar and fixed himself a drink. "No touching...?" he said to himself, shaking his head. Misaki sure was fighting dirty... This was hardly fair!

"Are you going anywhere?" Takumi asked, with a glass in hand.

Misaki shook her head. "Staying home with you," she said with a smile.

Takumi downed the rest of his drink. "Wonderful..." he said.

Takumi never really realized how much physical contact he had with Misaki. He realized almost every response he instinctively had was to touch. He wanted to hold her hand, hug her, kiss her but Misaki wouldn't let him.

"Misaki..." he whined. "Can we have a break...? One kiss!" he begged.

Misaki being very heartless, slapped the contract on the table. "After you sign you are welcome to come back to the bedroom," she said. "I will even tolerate your pervertedness."

"Tempting but no..." Takumi said, sliding the paper back over.

Misaki picked it up. "Your loss..."

The Walker household had a small bar. Usually it was only used for parties or gatherings because Misaki didn't have any alcohol tolerance and Takumi wasn't into drinking. But for the past few days, Takumi found himself more often pouring himself a drink. It was the only thing that calmed his nerves down. His beautiful wife rarely cared about her appearances but was now dressing up everyday, even if she wasn't going anywhere.

Work was hardly a distraction for Takumi. Even as he typed away on his computer, his mind was filled with Misaki.

"Misaki," Takumi said, walking into the kitchen. "Can we talk?"

Misaki was pouring herself tea from her favorite tea pot. "Of course," she said gesturing to the chair in front of her. She poured Takumi a cup of tea. "It's green tea," she told him as he sat down.

"I see..." Takumi said, taking a sip. "Misaki, why are you doing this?" he asked.

"What do you mean? Green tea is good for you," Misaki said.

"You know that's not what I mean," Takumi said, propping his elbows on the table. "Why are you so determined to get a job?"

Misaki set her cup back in its saucer. "I like working. I like doing something useful with my life. I'm not your trophy wife that you keep."

"A trophy wife?" Takumi asked, raising an eyebrow. "Really Misaki? You really think I see you as a piece of decoration?"

"No...but others will think that,"

"Why do you care what they think?"

"Because!" Misaki said. "It hurts my pride that it looks like I'm a gold digger."

"So this is about your pride?"

"Isn't you keeping me at home about your pride...?" Misaki retorted.

"No, it's not," Takumi said. His tone was serious. "It's about you."

"But I want to work..." Misaki whined.

"You're not a trophy wife," Takumi said. "First of all, there's a half year age difference between us, not a forty year difference. Second of all, you didn't marry me for my money. I didn't marry you for your outward appearance. And lastly I love you. I really do have your best interest at heart."

Misaki pouted. "You would actually say no to me?" she asked.

Takumi took a deep breath. "Don't look at me like that," he said, avoiding her large pleading eyes. "You know I can't fight you when you're like this?"

"So you'll say yes?"

"I'm sorry," Takumi said, getting up. "I stand by my decision."

Misaki stood up and walked out of the kitchen with her arms crossed.

Takumi trailed behind her. He wanted to comfort her but Misaki just laid on the couch feeling desolated.

"So is this argument done?" Takumi said.

Misaki sat up. "No," she said. "I guess you might as well get comfortable in the guest room because I'm not speaking to you."

Takumi ran his hands through his hair. "I still can't come back...?"

Misaki nodded. "And you will continue to keep your hands to yourself."

Takumi had Misaki pinned down on the couch in a blink of an eye. Misaki's dark hair spilled over the seat cushion and her teeth were biting down on her lower lip.

"A locked door wouldn't stop me if I had that intention..." he said in a low voice.

Misaki smiled. "I know..." she said, stroking his face. "But your honor and love would," she added.

"Oh, so you do know my love for you," Takumi said. "How interesting..."

Misaki brushed the hair out of his eyes. Her heart was fluttering as Takumi's lips were only inches from her. His hands gently yet firmly pressed against her shoulders. Misaki forced her poker face on. "If I didn't want you to touch me, you wouldn't lay a finger on me," she said in an even voice.

"You really don't want me?" Takumi asked. His lips were only centimeters away now.

Misaki's eyes were mesmerized by his soft lips that were right there. His soft touch was a word away. Misaki swallowed hard.

"I don't..." she whispered. Such a lie...Misaki actually found it lonely to sleep alone. She missed Takumi's strong arms around her. Her words and body wanted two different things.

Takumi got off her immediately. "As you say," he said, holding out his hand.

Misaki sighed and let Takumi pull her up.

"Want to go watch a movie?" Takumi suggested.

As they watch a movie, Misaki sat on one end of the couch while Takumi sat on the other. Takumi didn't even know what the movie was about. He spent the entire hour and a half staring at Misaki.

"Good night," Takumi said, walking Misaki to the door.

Misaki leaned against the door frame. Her elbow rested against the wooden frame. "Good night, Takumi," she said, closing the door.

Takumi sighed and went to go brush his teeth. He splashed his face with cold water and rolled onto his bed. Takumi laid in bed fiddling with his phone. He couldn't sleep...

Incoming conference call

"Hello?" Takumi asked.

"Hey Takumi, what's up?" Tora asked.

Takumi sighed. "The guest room..." he muttered.

"This is honestly going way too far..." Kuuga added. "I have needs."

"Don't we all..." Tora said.

Takumi could hear Tora set a glass down on the table. "Tora, don't get wasted," he said.

"Maybe if I pass out on the floor...Ruri would care..." Tora said.

"Don't be an idiot," Takumi said. "If you have an accident who's going to take care of Ruri?"

"You two of course..." Tora slurred.

"Okay, you're just drunk now," Kuuga said.

"I'm going to sleep..." Takumi said. "Tora, get a grip on yourself. They won't hold out forever."

"Let's hope so..." Kuuga said. "But Sakura doesn't even seem to have those kind of needs."

Takumi shrugged and then remembered he was on the phone. "I refuse to believe my wife doesn't need me physically."

With that, he hung up. Takumi got out of bed knowing he couldn't fall asleep.

He trudged off to his office and got started on tomorrows work. After finishing a huge stack of work he rested his head on his desk and closed his eyes.

Takumi jerked up the next day feeling confused. He must have fallen asleep at his desk last night. His hands touched the blanket wrapped around his shoulders and the pillow on his desk.

A smile touched his lips. Misaki still thought about him! He leaned back in his large swivel chair thinking about her.

After a moment, Takumi notices the time and jumped up. He was late!

Takumi ran to the bathroom, washed his face, brushed his teeth and ran downstairs.

Misaki stood by the counter arranging fruit of a plate. Her hair was perfectly brushed and she was wearing the apron Suzana had gotten her.

"Good morning," he said, filling his thermos. "I'm running late this morning-"

Misaki pulled him over. "No, your not...I called and told them you were going to be coming in a little late..." Misaki said.

"I see..." Takumi said, sitting at the counter.

Misaki set out a simple breakfast for him and sat across.

"Why are you up so early?" Takumi asked, nibbling on a piece of fruit.

Misaki shrugged. "A little surprise..." she said.

"Uh huh..." Takumi said, taking a sip of his coffee. He definitely knew what his devious wife was up to. He only prayed that he wouldn't end up doing something he regretted.

Misaki smoothed out his messy hair. Her fingers were gentle against his scalp. He reached out and took her hand. Misaki immediately retracted her hand.

"Well, I'll go lay out your clothes," she said, getting up. She gave him a bright smile and left the kitchen.

Takumi dropped the fork into the plate and got himself a shot glass of vodka. He just felt hot and uncomfortable all over.

Takumi went upstairs and got changed. Misaki walked him to the car and waved as he drove off. He smiled and waved back.

Misaki put her hands on her hips. "I'd like to see how long you'll last, Takumi Walker..." she said, firmly.

Misaki got changed and headed up to the gym. She was fired up today!

"Wow..." Julian remarked as Misaki kicked the punching bag so hard it almost broke off the chain.

Misaki broke into a breathless laugh and sat down on the mat.

"Just wow..." Julian said. "What did you have for breakfast?!"

Misaki giggled as she took a sip of her water. "I am just so full of energy today," she told him.

"May I inquire why?" Julian asked.

"I think Takumi is going to let me get a job soon..." she said with a big smile.

"Really?!" Julian asked. "That's great news!"

Misaki nodded. "Nothing's been settled yet but I have a feeling he'll come through."

Julian nodded. "What made him change his mind? Or what will make him change his mind?"

Misaki capped her water. "My charm of course..." she joked.

"That will be a force to be reckoned with," Julian agreed. "How about a celebration?"

"Well its not quite official yet-"

"Oh, who cares," Julian said, clapping her on the back. "Drinks on me!"

Misaki sighed. It was still light out...

"Just a little bubbly?" Julian asked.

"Alright," Misaki said. What could a glass of champagne do anyways?

They went upstairs to the cafe and ordered champagne and crab cakes. Misaki was like addicted to the crab cakes here. They were just so good!

"Cheers," Julian said, clinking glasses with her.

"Cheers," Misaki said, taking a sip from the delicate flute.

"So what job were you thinking?" Julian asked.

"Probably a law firm," Misaki said. "What about you? I thought you were going to get something full time."

Julian set his flute of champagne down. "I have a few interviews for some companies as a finance manager. Hopefully, I'll get a second interview."

"I'm sure you'll do great," Misaki said.

"If you ever run into someone important...put in a good word for me," Julian teased.

"I'll keep that in mind," Misaki promised.

They finished up their little snack and headed down to the main lobby. Julian walked Misaki outside.

"Lunch was great," Julian said.

Misaki nodded. "Yeah, I'll see you around," she said with a wave.

Julian nodded. Misaki turned and headed toward her car.

"Misaki!" Julian called.

"Hm?" Misaki asked.

"I-"

A car horn honked. Misaki recognized the car immediately.

"Takumi!" she said, waving to the tall man that elegantly slid out of the car.

"Hey Beautiful," Takumi said, walking over. "I came to pick you up," he said, taking Misaki's gym bag.

"What a pleasant surprise," Misaki said. "Julian!" she called, waving him over. "This is my husband Takumi. Takumi, this is Julian."

"Mr. Walker," Julian said, shaking his hand.

"Takumi is fine," Takumi said. "Thanks for your hard work."

Julian shifted his weight to the other foot. "It's nothing..." he said.

"Ready to go home?" Takumi asked Misaki.

Misaki nodded. "Oh Julian, did you want to say something to me?" she asked.

Julian shook his head. "Have a safe trip back," he said. "Nice meeting you, Mr. Walker," he said with a nod.

Takumi nodded back and opened the car door for Misaki. Misaki got in and Takumi closed it.

He walked to the driver's ride and opened his own door. He studied this trainer. He was certainly young, very fit, brown hair, blue eyed...

They made eye contact for one moment before Takumi got into the car.

"How was today's session?" Takumi asked.

"It was great," Misaki said. "My kick boxing was on fire today! Even Julian was impressed."

"I see," Takumi said. "Did you have lunch already?"

Misaki nodded. "I ate at the gym cafe. Julian-"

"You had lunch with Julian?" Takumi asked.

"Yeah..." Misaki said. "He invited me and since I was going to eat there anyways...so I agreed."

"Mhm..." Takumi said, parking the car in their garage.

Misaki got out and went inside. She was tired...

"Taku-" Misaki came face to face with him. "What's wrong?" she asked.

"You had alcohol?" he asked. He looked rather serious.

"Um...a glass of champagne..." Misaki explained. "I didn't even finish one glass!"

"Uh huh..."

"What with you?"

"Nothing."

"You're not jealous are you?" Misaki asked.

Takumi rested his hands on the counter and caged Misaki in. "You won't even let me touch you but you're okay with being around Julian."

Misaki blushed. "It's not like that," she muttered.

"What's it like?"

Misaki bit her lower lip. She leaned over and gave Takumi a kiss on the cheek. "I only love you," she promised. "No one can ever...I mean no one...can ever take your place in my heart." Misaki looked away, her face was beet red.

Takumi smiled. "I'm glad," he said, patting her head. "Can I make love to you now?" he asked after a pause.

"No!" Misaki said, pushing him away. "We still have a deal," she reminded him.

"But Misa Chan can't say all those romantic words without making me want to hold her and kiss her..."

"Control yourself, Takumi!" Misaki said, picking up a pillow.

Takumi picked up his own pillow. "Let's see how good your fighting skills really are," he said with a glint in his eye.

Misaki laughed. "You are so on..."