A/N: This chapter just kept going. Definitely the longest chapter to date. Honestly I'm not sure how it happened. I was just typing away and next thing I knew, BAM! 19 pages and 7000+ words. Any who, hope you enjoy.
I disclaim this story in the name of my people, the fanfic authors.
Chapter 11: Family
Kyoko realized as soon as Kuon and his father emerged from the governor's office that she really should stop making assumptions about people she had never personally met and had only heard stories about. Especially if those stories were about pirates or military officers.
Her first experience with this epiphany had been with Kuon's alternate persona. All of the tales she'd been told had led her to believe that Captain Tsuruga would be a cold, haughty, and dangerous man who could occasionally be prevailed upon for mercy. In actuality, he had been a warm and caring individual who only barely fit within the definition of what a pirate should be. And that was before she discovered his true identity.
Now she was faced with yet another misconception. The image she had formed of Governor Kuu Hizuri was based on what little Kuon had shared and the boastful tales from the Navy. She had pictured him as a strong and unyielding man who cared more for King and Country then for his own family.
What she witnessed as the two men exited the office was a completely different sort of man. He was smiling warmly at something her captain had said, then broke into a deep belly laugh, slapping Kuon on the back, which staggered the younger man. With his gleeful expression and twinkling eyes, Kyoko noticed that this was who Kuon had gotten his handsome features from.
When the door had opened, Kyoko and Mr. Yashiro had both stood, the first mate blocking her from being observed. She watched as the governor was introduced to Mr. Yashiro. The older man offered a hand and eagerly pumped up and down.
Kyoko giggled to herself. Kuu Hizuri appeared amiable and kindhearted in direct opposition to her assumptions. She felt that he was a loving father as well.
Her small laugh had gained the attention of the governor. He turned to Kuon momentarily. "Is this her?" Confusion flashed through her even as her friend nodded. Governor Hizuri faced her again and grasped her hand, bowing low over it. "Your servant, Ms. Mogami. I believe I have you to thank for my son's presence here."
Mr. Yashiro's jaw dropped in amazement, as Kyoko blushed at the governor's words. "S-son?" He stammered, for once at a loss for words.
Kuon grimaced, apparently having wanted to keep that information secret for the time being. "Yes, this is my father, Governor Kuu Hizuri."
If possibly, Mr. Yashiro's mouth gaped even wider. "Not the Kuu Hizuri? Tamer of the China Sea and Hero of the Battle of 1720?"
"Oh dear, do they still call me those ridiculous names?" The governor chuckled, amused by the first mate's reaction. With an air of great dignity, he swept his worn tricorn hat from his head and bowed grandly. "You would be correct, my good sir. I am he." Resettling the hat, Governor Hizuri spread his arms wide in a gesture that encompassed all three companions. "I welcome you and your crew to Bridgetown. I grant you temporary asylum while you make repairs to your ship." He turned to Kuon, regret tempering his handsome face. "I'm sorry I cannot do more."
The captain shook his head and grunted in negation. "I understand, sir. I'm sorry to put you in this position."
"Nonsense, boy." The governor waved a dismissive hand. Then he gave Kuon a sharp look. "All of you will, of course, be staying at the house."
Kyoko finally found her voice. The thought that the governor would be sheltering as well as abetting a pirate crew? It was too much. She bowed lowly in gratitude. "Oh no, sir, we couldn't possibly-" she began to protest when she felt a shiver of dread creep down her spine. She'd only experienced this feeling a few times before. The most feared of all reactions. 'Please don't let it be that,' she thought desperately as she chanced a glimpse of the governor's face.
Her worst fears were realized.
The Puppy-Dog Pout.
She'd first encountered the Pout from Kuon and had been its victim several times since joining his crew. It was devastating. The soulful eyes and trembling lip could break even the most hardened of hearts.
But now she knew that her friend was a mere novice. Here was the Master.
Slumping her shoulders, Kyoko sighed in defeat. There was just no fighting against that Pout.
Sensing his victory, Governor Hizuri rubbed his hands together in glee. "Excellent. Shall we proceed?" He then led the way to where his carriage awaited.
Kuon and Mr. Yashiro joined her in watching the enthusiastic governor. The first mate asked in a bemused tone. "Was that the-"
"Puppy-Dog Pout." The captain and cook answered in unison. "His ultimate weapon," Kuon added, affection lacing his words.
Mr. Yashiro shuddered in fear. "Brutal."
"Yup," he agreed, emphasizing the final 'p' with a pop. "Try living with it. Well," he said as he stepped forward to follow his father. "Shall we?" He gestured for Kyoko to precede him out of the building.
Kyoko ruminated as she trailed after the governor that the day thus far had gone completely against her expectations. She had anticipated much more anger and threatening than had taken place. Now her main concern was much more ominous: how was she to survive that Pout?
O.o.O
The ride to the Hizuri homestead was filled with chatter, much of it from Governor Hizuri. He asked question after question to each of them. To Mr. Yashiro, he asked about the Dark Moon and their adventures. Kuon was quizzed about the crew and the Pirate King.
As for her, he wanted to know her story. What she had done in London and why she had travelled to the Caribbean and so forth. She answered willingly enough, although she had the impression that the governor was interested out of something more than curiosity. Perhaps it was the type of questions that had tipped her off, but most likely it was the mischievous twinkle in his eye.
She shot an inquiring glance at her captain, only to receive a shrug in return. Apparently Kuon was as in the dark at his father's behaviour as she was.
They continued in this vein for the whole of the trip. Eventually, they arrived in a quiet residential street lined with hibiscus bushes interspersed with tall palm trees. Each house on the street was enormous and beautiful, an obvious indicator of the wealth of their occupants. Kyoko's head twisted back and forth, trying to absorb all of the grandeur of the neighborhood.
Finally, they pulled up in front of the largest house yet, taking up an entire block: a three story mansion painted a bright sunny yellow. The color was broken up by white trim, latticed balconies, and Grecian columns. The carriage stopped in front of a short sweep of steps that lead to an wide front door from which a liveried footman appeared.
As they arrived, the footman approached and opened the carriage door. The governor descended first. "Ah, James, is my darling wife at home?"
"Yes, sir." The young man answered with a grin. "I believe you'll find her in the library."
"Excellent." The governor practically cackled much to the bemusement of his guests. "I have a most wonderful surprise for her." He jogged up the stairs to the front door, gesturing for them to follow.
The interior of the house was much like the outside: bright and sunny with white trim. The main hall was open to the second story with a grand white staircase which split halfway up, then leading to the balconies on opposite sides. The windows around the front door reached to the ceiling and were unshuttered, allowing the early afternoon light to stream in.
Multicolored brown parquet zigzagged across the floor, creating geometric patterns pleasing to the eye. The pale green of the walls and the strategically placed Chippendale tables were almost entirely covered by exotic hangings and knick-knacks from around the world. Kyoko was not entirely sure where each piece was from, but she thought she could detect an Asian flair here and an Indian design there, with some African thrown in for good measure. It was quite the eclectic collection.
The Fuwa's house back in London had been typical of English society; lovely but rather dull. Everything had been chosen for the purpose of decoration, with no life or personality tainting the delicate items.
This was the home of an explorer, filled with the treasures of a lifetime of adventure. Souvenirs from a life at sea that told stories. If given a choice between the two homes, she knew which one she preferred.
"Welcome to my humble abode," Governor Hizuri said. "Allow me to give you a short tour." He gestured towards the doors leading off the hall. "Parlour." The first door on the left. "My office." First door on the right. "Dining room." Second door on the right. "Ballroom." Two doors at the back of the hall on either side of the staircase. "And the library." The second door on the left to which he led them.
At the door, the governor faced his companions with a finger to his lips indicating silence. He then knocked, calling out, "Juliena! It is I, your darling. May I come in?"
His tone was so sickly sweet that Kyoko couldn't help the giggle that escaped. She clapped her hands over her mouth quickly at Governor Hizuri's amused glare.
Apparently she hadn't been the only one to find his antics silly, for a bell-like laugh was his response. Before entering, the governor motioned for the three to hide behind the door and to wait. Once they were situated, he slipped into the room, leaving the door open behind him so they could hear.
"Ah, my love! How wonderful you look this afternoon." A pause, most likely for a kiss of greeting. "Have the social climbers been treating you well?"
The light laughter rang out again. "Kuu, you know they're no match for me." Juliena Hizuri's voice was soft and of a low timbre, pleasing to the ear. Kyoko glanced at Kuon in time to catch his anxious expression and see the lump that he nervously swallowed.
She reached out and lay a hand on his arm in comfort, knowing that he was worrying over this meeting more than the one with his father. After all, he had spent most of his youth at his mother's side while his father was off at sea.
His eyes darted to hers and he nodded once in thanks, moving his hand to squeeze her fingers. They were so distracted by their exchange that they both missed the look of absolute triumph on Mr. Yashiro's face.
Kyoko returned her attention to the conversation taking place in the next room. "...have a surprise for you," Governor Hizuri was saying.
"It had better not be like that time-" Mrs. Hizuri's tone was scolding.
"No, no. Of course not," the governor interrupted. "This one I know you'll like."
A long suffering sigh. "Alright. What is it?"
"Not what, but who." A pause, almost of reluctance. "They're friends of Lory's."
A crash came from the room, possibly a book falling to the floor. Or being tossed at someone. "What!?" The dulcet tones from before were replaced by what could almost be called a screech. "That kidnapper?" Kyoko saw Kuon wince.
"Hush, my dove. It's not what you think." A longer pause this time. "Don't be angry."
"...fine."
"You are calm?"
"I'm calm." The glare behind the words was audible.
"May I bring them in?"
"Yes." She did sound calmer, more collected.
Footsteps approached the door. "May I present Ms. Kyoko Mogami, Mr. Yukihito Yashiro, and Captain Ren Tsuruga."
They entered the library. The space was filled with floor-to-ceiling bookcases of a warm red wood, only making room along the wall for a pair of French doors leading out onto a small veranda. A large and intricate Persian carpet covered the parquet floors, swirling red, brown, and white patterns distinct against a black background. Two leather couches faced each other over a low sitting table while a pair of wing backed armchairs and a high tea table sat before the French doors. Several gilded lamps were placed around the room to provide illumination during the night.
And there, having just risen from one of the armchairs, was Juliena Hizuri. Simply put, she was the loveliest lady Kyoko had ever seen. Her soft golden hair was arranged in curls that cascaded over her shoulders. Her features were fine and even and, despite being somewhere near middle age, still glowed with youthful vigor. Her figure was that of a girl half her age and clothed in a simple cream gown embroidered with green leaves and pink roses all along the bodice, sleeves, and skirt panels.
She inclined her head gracefully to Kyoko. "Ms. Mogami," who bowed as she was in breeches rather than a dress. "And..." She tilted her head curiously, not sure which man she was addressing.
"Yukihito Yashiro, ma'am." The first mate advanced and bowed low over the lady's extended hand.
"Mr. Yashiro." Mrs. Hizuri smiled radiantly, then flicked her gaze behind them. "I thought there were three of you."
Kyoko turned around in time to see the governor step out into the hall and begin whispering to her captain, who had seemingly lost his nerve. She swiveled back around and bowed apologetically. "Begging your pardon, my lady, but it seems our captain was delayed."
"Oh, that's alright," the lady laughed, waving a hand. "I understand." Then her gaze sharpened onto Kyoko. "Tell me, Ms. Mogami. Are you a sailor?"
Shocked at the bluntness of the question, Kyoko's mouth flopped open like a fish. She was saved from embarrassment by Mr. Yashiro's intervention. "Actually, my lady, she is the cook on board the Dark Moon."
"Is that so?" Mrs. Hizuri nodded her understanding. "I see." She then leaned forward with a hand cupped around her mouth. "Trousers are so much more comfortable aboard ship, aren't they, dear?" She winked conspiratorially at Kyoko's stunned expression.
"You mean- you too?" She finally managed to stammer.
The lady smiled knowingly. "Anytime I sail, actually."
Surprise evident in his voice, Mr. Yashiro asked, "The governor doesn't mind?"
She shook her head, her curls swinging gently. "It is at his insistence. Claims that it's safer." She shrugged one shoulder. "Who am I to argue if it gets me out of a corset?"
Kyoko giggled at the boldness of Mrs. Hizuri and at the first mate's flustered countenance. For a lady, she was awfully straightforward. The girl relished the deviation. "I agree most heartily, Mrs. Hizuri."
"Oh, please," the lady begged. "Mrs. Hizuri was my mother-in-law. You must call me Juliena. All of my friends do." She smiled brightly, the action causing her dark green eyes to sparkle with mirth. They were a perfect match to Kuon's own, Kyoko realized.
Suddenly, Juliena's attention was drawn to something over their shoulders. Judging by the stunned expression the older woman now wore, Kyoko figured that her captain had finally overcome his anxiety. Turning showed Kuon standing in the doorway with Governor Hizuri at his side. His nervousness was apparent in the way he stood and the way he fidgeted his hands. A fretful smile adorned his lips.
The governor wrapped an arm around Kuon's back, beaming ear to ear. "Juliena, my love, may I present Captain Tsuruga? Or better known as-"
"Kuon." Her soft voice cut through her husband's words like a knife. Witnessing the lady's tearful expression made it hard for Kyoko not to join in with tears of her own.
The captain swallowed hard. "Hello, mother."
Juliena gasped and clutched a hand to her mouth in an attempt to hold back her cries. After a moment however, she gave in, sobbed loudly, and launched herself at her son. He caught her easily and allowed her to soak his shirt with her tears. Kuon whispered apologies and reassurances to the weeping woman while his father stood by, tears of his own wetting his cheeks.
Even though she felt distinctly out of place and was sure that Mr. Yashiro was feeling much the same, Kyoko was still glad she was there to see this family reunion. However, the raw emotion and obvious affection between parents and child made her lonely for something she had never had herself. A proper family.
Eventually, Juliena pulled back from her son's embrace and reached up to his face with a single hand. She caressed his cheek. "Kuon," she whispered as he smiled down at her.
Then, quick as a thought, her hand thwapped him upside the head. Hard.
"How dare you just run away like you did? No note, no message, nothing." She glared at her son, who was now clutching at the side of his head, a look of dismay on his face. "You didn't even have the decency to write. Not even once in the years you were gone. You could've died and I would never have known."
For some reason, Kuon glared briefly at his father, who happened to be looking in the other direction and didn't notice. He turned back to the furious Juliena. "Oh, mother, five years and all you can think to do is yell at me?" He then attempted the infamous Puppy-Dog Pout but was brought up short by the blazing heat in his mother's eyes.
"Don't you even think of using that on me, Kuon Alexander Hizuri. I've been married to your father for almost twenty-five years. I'm immune." She crossed her arms sullenly and turned away from her son.
Kuon slumped in defeat. "You're right and I'm sorry. For everything." He knelt on the floor at her feet and clasped his hands in supplication. "I should have never put you through that pain and uncertainty. I should have written. I'm deeply sorry. Please forgive me?"
It didn't take long for Juliena to relax her stance and wind her arms around her son's form. He wrapped his own arms around her hips and the governor joined them in the embrace. The sense of happiness that radiated from the trio washed over Kyoko and made her want to dance and twirl and laugh giddily. She shared a broad grin with Mr. Yashiro who wore a similar expression of joy. In unison, the two broke into energetic applause.
This brought the attention of the family to the fact that they had an audience. Governor Hizuri grinned widely and bowed at the applause while Kuon flushed to his roots and clambered to his feet, mightily embarrassed. Juliena gasped loudly, a hand fluttering to her lips. "Oh, do pardon us. It's just that-"
Mr. Yashiro raised a hand to forestall her excuses. "Believe me, madam, when I say explanations are quite unnecessary. We understand, don't we, Ms. Mogami?"
Kyoko nodded vigorously in agreement. "Of course we do." She smiled gently at her captain. "I'm happy that you've managed to reconcile." Her friend gave her a lopsided smirk that caused her heart to flop in her chest. She blushed wildly and ducked her head, avoiding eye contact.
"Well," the governor spoke up, swinging an arm around his wife and his son. "I think this calls for a celebration."
"Tonight?" Juliena asked incredulously. He nodded energetically. "But, dear, on such short notice? Who would we invite?"
"Bah," he waved his hand dismissively. "I happen to know of a whole ship of sailors who would probably enjoy an evening of entertainment. Right, son?" Governor Hizuri winked at Kuon. Turning back to his wife, he added, "And I'm sure the maids and footmen would appreciate a night off as well."
"Oh." The older woman clapped her hands in glee, like a small child receiving a treat and not a lady being handed a potential logistical nightmare. "A servants' ball of sorts? Wonderful." She crossed to a bell pull to summon one of the servants. A footman appeared momentarily. "George, would you be so kind as to ask Simmons and Mrs. Baxter to join us." The gentleman bowed and left.
Juliena then flitted over to a cleverly hidden desk in one of the bookcases. She pulled down what had appeared to be a cabinet door and settled it on a sturdy rod, creating a level surface on which to write. Withdrawing a sheet of paper, ink bottle, and quill from a drawer within the shelf, she began jotting down notes. "I think we should keep it simple. Sandwiches and the like would be easiest. All set up on a side board. Oh, but what about music?"
"Don't worry, mother," Kuon interjected. "A few of my men can play and wouldn't mind as long as they can get breaks."
"Excellent news, my boy," Governor Hizuri piped in. "I do believe a couple of our boys know some tunes as well."
The lady of the house was ecstatic. "Fabulous, darlings." She glanced up at her son, concerned. "Are you sure your crew wouldn't mind?"
"Not a bit," the captain assured her.
She smiled lovingly up at Kuon and Kyoko's heart squeezed in envy. If only her own mother- but it wouldn't do to dwell on such things.
At that moment, the butler and housekeeper arrived and immediately went to help Juliena plan the impromptu ball. Governor Hizuri claimed that his expertise was no longer necessary and proceeded to corner Mr. Yashiro to discuss how to get the crew to the house. Kyoko took the opportunity to approach her captain, who had retreated to one of the couches and collapsed, stretched out with one arm over his eyes.
She prodded him gently in the arm with a fingertip. Kuon shifted his forearm and peered at her questioningly from one cracked eye. "May I join you?" She asked, gesturing to the couch.
His answer was to swing his long legs down to the floor and lever his body up, creating enough room for her to perch on the cushions. His head flopped onto the back of the couch, his eyes closed once again. "Do you think it's strange," he muttered after a few moments, "that I've been through storms and battles, but have never felt as tired as I do after this morning?"
"Not so strange," she responded, doing her best not to notice the way his words caused his throat to move. "Emotions can be more draining than actions sometimes."
Kuon rolled his face towards her and smiled sadly. "Is that why you hide from certain ones?"
She lowered her brows in confusion. "What do you mean?"
He gazed at her, seeming to measure her reaction against something in his mind. Whatever it was, Kyoko felt as if she had been found wanting. Her captain sighed heavily and sat up fully, avoiding her confused and increasingly upset expression. "Never mind. Forget I said anything. Please excuse me." He rose stiffly and walked over to rescue his first mate from his father.
Kyoko remained seated, pondering what her friend could've possibly meant. She was so lost in thought that she didn't notice when Juliena approached her.
"Ms. Kyoko?"
The gentle voice startled the girl, making her jump. She lifted her eyes to the concerned visage of Kuon's mother. "Mrs. Hizuri."
The lady quirked a half smile as she joined the cook on the couch. "Now I told you to call me Juliena, dear."
She blushed lightly, returning the older woman's smile and nodding. "Juliena, then."
"If you'll forgive my asking," Juliena placed a comforting hand over Kyoko's own, stilling her fidgeting fingers. "But you seem troubled. Was it something my son said?"
The girl frowned, unsure if she truly knew the source of her discomfort. "No." She shook her head. "Yes. Maybe?" Sheepishly, Kyoko lowered her eyes from Juliena's baffled gaze and released a heavy sigh. "I don't know," she finally admitted. "He said something odd and I'm trying to understand what he meant."
"Oh? And what did he say?"
She heaved another sigh, this time casting her eyes to the ceiling. "He asked why I hide from certain emotions." Kyoko brought her gaze back to Juliena. "Is that not a strange thing to ask?"
The older lady tilted her head in contemplation. "It is. Unless." She fixed her attention on the cook, who appeared nervous.
"Unless?" Kyoko prompted after a moment's silence.
"Unless you are hiding from something."
The girl swallowed. "I'm not- I have no idea-" she stammered.
"I believe you do," Juliena interrupted. "Otherwise you wouldn't be fretting so. Now." She clapped her hands together and sat up straighter, her full and weighty attention fixed on Kyoko. "Let us conduct an experiment."
Kyoko was confused. "An experiment?"
"Yes." Juliena grasped one of the cook's hands. "I want you to tell me how you feel about-" she glanced around before her eye alighted on her quarry. "Mr. Yashiro."
Feeling rather silly, Kyoko turned and considered the first mate. He was standing with her captain and the governor, an indulgent smile on his face as the two other men chatted lively. As she watched, his gaze flicked around the room, finally landing on her. He then rolled his eyes and slightly shook his head, conveying his amusement at his companions. She giggled at his expression and turned back to Juliena. "I feel a great deal of respect and admiration for Mr. Yashiro. He is a good man, a stalwart companion, and a forgiving individual."
Juliena nodded in understanding. "Good." She lay a hand on her breast. "How about myself? What are your feelings towards me?"
"I feel-" Kyoko's voice trembled slightly. "You make me feel-" She sighed, resigned to her fate. "Envious."
"Oh?" Juliena was surprised. "How so?"
Kyoko hid behind her hands, embarrassed at her confession. "I'm jealous of your relationship with your son." She slumped her shoulders and buried her face in her knees. A warm hand rested on her back, moving in gentle sweeps. The comfort radiating from that gesture gave Kyoko the strength she needed to sit up straight and face Juliena.
The concern in the older lady's gaze almost unmade her. Kyoko took a deep breath and spoke. "My own mother was a hard and unfeeling woman. Nothing I did was ever good enough." Kyoko clenched a fist in anger. "I would work myself to the bone for the smallest amount of approval but it never came. Then, when I was nine, she left. No explaination, no warning. She was just gone. If it hadn't been for the charity of the family she had worked for, I would've been on the streets." She sighed, the remembered abandonment heavy on her heart. "Seeing your reaction to Kuon made me wish for a mother like you. Someone to make me feel wanted and safe. It's silly, I know."
A gentle touch at her cheek roused the girl from her revery. Juliena was holding a dainty white handkerchief and was wiping at the tears Kyoko hadn't even realized she was shedding. The lady smiled sadly at her. "No, my dear. Not silly at all." To Kyoko's great surprise, she was enveloped in a warm embrace. "I've always wanted a daughter," Juliena was saying. "I would be honored if you thought of me as your mother."
Pushing back, Kyoko smiled gratefully at the older woman. "Thank you."
After a moment of recovery, Juliena cleared her throat. "Now, where were we? Ah, yes." She fixed Kyoko with an intent stare. "Not to rush you, but we should continue our experiment."
Kyoko nodded confidently, feeling significantly lighter and more at ease.
"Our next target is...Kuon."
And the ease went right out the window. "K-kuon?" She stammered. "Why him?"
Juliena smirked and responded with the most parent-like response. "Because I said so, of course."
The girl frowned, reaching up to grasp the pouch which still hung about her neck. She fidgeted with the string as she considered her response. "He makes me feel..." She mumbled, trying to sort through the mess in her head.
"Confused," she finally admitted. "Nervous sometimes, but in a good way?" She wasn't entirely sure if it was good or not. "Sometimes I feel warm when he looks at me a certain way or when we accidently touch hands." She scowled suddenly, thinking of her captain's lackadaisical attitude towards his wellbeing. "Frustrated, when he won't eat or take care of himself. Angry when he uses his Pout and how it always works." Her expression smoothed out as she continued. "Grateful for all he's done for me. Happy anytime he smiles or laughs. Lonely if I don't see him all day. And-"
"What about love?"
Shocked, Kyoko stared at Juliena. "L-love?" She managed to stutter, before waving her hands in denial. "There's no way! I couldn't possibly-"
"And why ever not?" Juliena's voice was curious as opposed to angry.
"Well, I-" Kyoko paused, ashamed by her past feelings. "I believed I was in love before."
"Oh?"
Kyoko ducked her head. "Yes. I gave up everything for that...boy and all he did was throw it back in my face." Her anger at the situation was roiling in her gut. "I swore to never let myself fall for that ever again."
"But how does 'now' compare to 'then'?" Her reasonable tone brought Kyoko back from her black mood.
"What do you mean?"
Juliena smiled gently. "How does what you feel for my son compare to what you felt for your past love? Does it feel the same?"
She thought back on the one-sided and draining emotions that she had felt for Shoutarou. Everything had always been about what he wanted and what was best for him. There had never been anything about her.
With Kuon, it was the complete opposite. He worried about her, he taught her. Hell, he'd fought off a bounty hunter for her. And because of all that, Kyoko's feelings were bigger, deeper. The desire to be, not just a servant, but a true partner, to support and help each other. The attraction.
She finally recognized that the warmth she had been feeling every time he smiled or laughed, every time they touched, was a soul deep attraction for her dear friend. Not only for his handsome features and lean body (although that was there. God, yes, was it there), but for his humor, his cleverness, his steadfastness. Everything that made him Kuon.
Was this...love?
A pit opened in her stomach, sucking away all of the positives, leaving only fear. Fear that everything she had achieved and worked so hard for would be eclipsed by this new and burning need. Fear that she would be reduced to the simpering and naive girl she had been before. No. She refused to be that foolish again.
Her feelings must have shown on her face for Juliena wrapped her arms around the panic-stricken girl and rocked her gently, trying to calm her. "Shh, my girl," she whispered. "There is no need to be afraid." She bestowed a kiss to the top of Kyoko's head. "The right kind of love makes you stronger than you could possibly be without it. Stronger because you support each other, not just one or the other. You are deserving of such a love, my dear."
Kyoko's shoulders hitched in soft sobs. She wanted to see past her fear, to the beautiful ideal Juliena described. But her past still held her back. She cried for her lost innocence and hardened heart as Juliena held her, murmuring reassurances. Soon, the lady's soft voice lulled Kyoko into a light doze.
What seemed like hours later, but in actuality was only minutes, Kyoko heard footsteps approach. "Is everything alright?" Kuon asked, his voice thick with concern.
"Everything's fine, darling." Juliena's voice was low, so as not to disturb the girl. "She just needs a brief rest before the party tonight." She shifted slightly under Kyoko's weight. "We should get her to a proper bed though. If I could only reach the bell pull."
"Here, let me." Kyoko felt strong arms curl under her legs and around her shoulders. She was lifted with great ease and cradled gently against a body that smelled of the salty sea air and time spent in the sun. "Where should I take her?"
Juliena's response was lost, as a deeper sleep came over Kyoko, safe in the arms of her captain. And her love.
O.o.O
The clock above the mantle chimed 8 o'clock. Hearing the sound, Ren observed the setup for his homecoming festivities with an admiring eye. He had known that his mother was an accomplished hostess, but this was remarkable. In only a few short hours, she had managed to arrange a simple, yet lovely affair for his crew and her staff.
The ballroom had been cleaned from top to bottom. The white and golden checkerboard tile gleamed and reflected the light from a chandelier and several wall sconces. A long bank of windows and French doors opposite the entrances had their soft crimson curtains drawn back, revealing the darkness of the night. There were a number of chairs and couches along the pristine white moulded walls to accommodate those who wished to rest between dance sets. The fireplace on one end of the elongated room blazed merrily while the other end was set up for the musicians of the evening.
The instruments had already been prepared. A fiddle, a mandolin, and a flute were resting on chair seats, awaiting the Ishibashi brothers. A harpsichord and a violin were in reserve for when the house servants would relieve the brothers. A harp sat further back, just in case the lady of the house chose to showcase her own talents.
There were no refreshments in this room. Those had been arranged in the dining room in a rather novel manner. The consensus between Juliena, the housekeeper and the cook had been that a buffet style supper of sandwiches, various side dishes, and desserts would be the simplest to set up and to maintain, allowing for all of the servants to enjoy the evening with a minimum of fuss. Ren was amazed by the efficiency and thought that had been exercised in the limited time frame.
A clatter behind him indicated that the first guests were entering the ballroom. Unfortunately, pirate crews being predominately male, there weren't as many women as there were men. Six housemaids, two kitchen maids, the cook and the housekeeper, Juliena, Kyoko, and Kotonami made up the fairer half of the assembly. He and his crew numbered 18, while the Hizuri household contributed an additional 7 men. However, the deficiency wouldn't be a problem. The Dark Moon crew was accustomed to partnering each other on those nights when the mood for dancing came over them.
"How does it look?"
The captain turned to face his father, who had just entered. Kuu hadn't bothered to change out of his dark blue coat or his brown waistcoat and breeches. He appeared comfortable and relaxed, happy with the way his world was shaped. Ren envied Kuu's piece of mind. "I'm impressed with how much mother accomplished so quickly," he commented.
"Ah, yes." Kuu beamed with pride. "My Juliena is quite amazing, isn't she?"
Chuckling at his father's enthusiasm, Ren watched as Hikaru and his brothers settled in the musicians' section and began a discussion of what they were to play. The servants and pirates were beginning to mingle and chat while waiting for the music to start. He glanced around, but didn't see the face he was most anxious to see.
"Father, have you seen Kyoko?" When his father chortled merrily, Ren's stomach dropped. "Where is she?" He asked, dreading the answer.
"Don't worry, son. She's in good hands."
Ren groaned and let his head fall back. "Oh, no. You let her take Kyoko?"
"Oi!" Kuu thumped his arm. "Your mother has impeccable fashion sense."
"Yes, but she tends to turn into a bit of a beast, doesn't she?"
"That's true," his father conceded. "But I believe your lady will hold her own."
Shocked, he sputtered indignantly. "M-my lady?" Ren was ashamed to note the distinct crack in his voice.
Kuu raised a surprised brow. "Isn't she?"
Ren shook his head. "No, sir. She's-" He struggled to find a way to describe the situation. "She's had bad experiences. I don't wish to cause her undue distress."
His father hummed thoughtfully. "Well, don't take too long. Otherwise," he pierced his son with a stern glare. "Someone else will make off with your treasure." He then turned on his heel and made his way to where Tobacco Tom and the butler seemed to be having a lively discussion.
The captain stared after his father, a bemused look on his face. He shook off his bewilderment before heading out into the hall. "I need a drink," he muttered, making his way to the dining room in search of some form of alcohol.
As it was, he didn't get very far in his quest for, as he was passing the staircase, someone called his name. He looked up to see his mother descending from the upper floor. She was clothed in a sack-back gown of emerald green silk brocade, patterned with pewter colored vines and trimmed in black lace. Her golden hair was piled high with a single thick curl laying across her shoulder, a black feather ornamenting one side and ruffling in the breeze of her movement. A black lace fan hung from her wrist alongside a delicate silver braclet, which complimented the silver filigree necklace adorning her throat.
"Mother," Ren said, gripping her outstretched hand and kissing her on the cheek. "You look lovely."
"Thank you, dear." She smiled. "As do you."
Ren made a wry face and looked down at his borrowed outfit. Luckily, he and his father had similar taste in clothing, as Kuu's were the only ones that would fit the tall captain. He was wearing black breeches with a dark gold brocade waistcoat and a simple gray coat with black trimmings. He had managed to retain his own boots, so at least his feet would be comfortable.
"Yes, well, at least it's clean," he smirked, causing his mother to laugh. He glanced up the staircase, trying to appear nonchalant. "Where's Kyoko?" He asked, attempting to hide his eagerness.
Obviously he failed, considering Juliena's expression was as if she were the cat that ate the cream. Ren sighed, resigning himself to his utter emotional transparency regarding his cook.
"She should be down momentarily," his mother said, kissing his cheek. "I'm off to find your father before he eats all the food." She traipsed off to the ballroom, all elegance and poise.
Ren leaned against the banister, still wanting that drink, but unwilling to miss Kyoko's entrance. He had never seen her in proper feminine clothes before, at least not since she was a child, and he was desirous to see if his idea of disguising her would pass muster. Yes, that was a good excuse.
As he waited, Ren realized that his plans for the immediate future extended no further than getting his ship repaired. They had managed to escape Reino for the time being, but the question of what to do about the bounty situation still lingered.
There was also the problem of the Heart of Gold. Before the tragic loss of his personal library, he and Kyoko had managed to translate a good two-thirds of the scroll. Perhaps, now that they had access to his father's extensive collection and could be guaranteed limited distractions, they could finally complete their work.
Then perhaps he could make sense of this ridiculous quest.
"You look like you could use this, captain." A glass of wine was presented in front of his nose by none other than Yashiro.
Gratefully, Ren accepted the cup and took a generous belt. The wine was a heady red and its fruity flavor caressed his tongue. "Ah," he gasped. "I needed that."
His first mate nodded. "I could tell. What's got you out here brooding? The party's that way." He pointed towards the ballroom doors from whence a lively jig could be heard.
Ren tried to look affronted. "I'm not brooding," he complained, taking another drink and thus avoiding eye contact.
Yashiro simply cocked an eyebrow and waited.
The captain glowered at his friend before capitulating. He threw up a hand in exasperation. "Fine." He downed the reminder of his wine, slamming the cup onto the banister. "I was thinking of what we were going to do next, after the ship's been fixed."
The first mate nodded as if this confirmed his suspicions. "So what have you decided?"
He shrugged. "Nothing yet. I figured we would keep a low profile here for a few days, give me a chance to think and try to finish up that damned scroll. There are several factors to consider before making a decision."
"Ms. Mogami?"
"Yes, she's one, of course."
Yashiro gave him a strange smile before pointing behind the captain. "No, I mean- Ms. Mogami."
Realizing what his friend was trying to say, Ren spun around.
And stared.
Kyoko was smiling nervously from the top of the stairs. "Good Evening," she said as she made her way down.
"Good Evening, Ms. Mogami. You look very beautiful tonight." Yashiro gave a deep bow.
The poor girl flushed. "Oh, no. It's simply the dress and Madam Juliena's help. I feel entirely out of place." She wrung her hands in agitation.
"Nonsense. The captain agrees with me." A cat-like smirk played across Yashiro's face. "Don't you, captain?" He prodded Ren in the side with his elbow.
For Ren had been struck speechless. He had seen beautiful women before. Hell, his own mother was a renowned beauty. But none had ever affected him in this way before.
The over dress was a rich burgundy, covered in green vines and leaves and large golden sunflowers, while the under skirt panel was a burnished gold silk, mirrored by the ruffle along the squared neckline. The three-quarter sleeves belled at her elbow and were accented with burgundy lace. A golden drop of amber hung from a simple chain just below her collarbone.
Her short raven locks, which normally hung straight and barely brushed her shoulders, had been curled and clasped back on one side by a delicate gold filigree clip, which resulted in softening and maturing her features. Her golden eyes were outlined lightly in kohl, causing them to glow, and her lips were painted a kissable pink.
In short, she was breathtaking and his breath had indeed been stolen. Only the gentle whisper of his name from her nervous lips was able to bring him back.
Ren shook himself out of his stupor and reached for her hand. He raised it to his lips and placed a tender kiss on the back of her fingers. His eyes never left her face, so he saw the widening of her bewitching eyes and the delightful blush that dusted her cheeks.
He grinned to himself at the thought of how that one simple action had created such a fascinating reaction in his love.
"You are truly enchanting this evening, Kyoko." His compliment was accompanied by a seductive smile of his own. The girl- no, young woman in front of him shivered at the sound of his husky voice before averting her eyes and mumbling a "thank you".
Deciding to give her a respite, the captain took a step back so she could regain her composure. She took a shaky breath and struck up a conversation with Yashiro after he asked about her health following the afternoon's 'collapse'.
Ren reveled in the fact that Kyoko wouldn't have reacted so strongly to his teasing, if she felt nothing for him. It would just be a matter of getting her to acknowledge it. And having her see that he felt the same way. As his father had said that very afternoon, there was no time like the present.
"Kyoko?" He interjected into their chatter. "Would you care to dance?"
He was rewarded with another of her blushes and a quick jerk of her head. Tucking her arm into his elbow, Ren lead her into the ballroom, determined to make a lasting impression on his lovely and slightly oblivious friend.