Chapter 5
The doctor tossed and turned in his bed. He tried every sleeping position he knew off but it didn't work. Midori was struggling to get some rest for the past few days. If this continued he'd have to be absent for work the following morning. He was agitated and he knew the reason why but he didn't accept the fact that his mother's rants would rile him up this much. What she was demanding was impossible for him. He ran his fingers through his hair as he tried to find a solution. Any solution. Said answer came knocking to his door. "Come in ," Midori said facing the ceiling. Hotaru entered in her teddy bear pajamas's seeming a bit nervous. She bowed her head in a plea for forgiveness as she said,"I'm sorry Midori-san. But please grant Tachibana this one request. Tachibana has been plagued with nightmares and is failing to sleep. Would Midori-san be willing to sleep with Tachibana?" Midori's eyes widened slightly at her request. His mind knew that it was an innocent request with no intended puns but his heart thudded loudly. If she shared his bed tonight she'd truly discover what he was thinking and probably leave his ass in the morning too. Such taxing situations. Midori observed the dark circles and the somewhat messy hair. He couldn't send her away like that. He'd just have to pull in the reins somehow. "I sleep on the left so you should take the right side."he said moving to give her more space. "Thank you Midori-san,"she said bowing her head. As he saw Hotaru climbing onto the bed something struck Midori. This was not his wisest idea ever. Midori rubbed his face and reached over to switch off the bedside lamp."Goodnight Midori-san." "Goodnight Hotaru". After a few minutes he heard her breathing become softer . 'She's asleep. How cute.' he thought. Midori's eyes drooped and he yawned. He surrendered to sleep. Hotaru had been fast asleep when she heard movements in the house. She cracked her eyes open. " It's day break already," she said. Midori was in the bedroom with her so who was it. Hotaru decided to stealthily sneak up on the intruder and give him a good beating. She smiled as she thought about the fun she was about to have. Only one problem. Who knew that the doctor was a snuggler. He held her waist with too much strength as he refused to let her go. Her back was pressed into his chest as he steadily breathed in and out. "Midori-san I need to go," she said. "No ," he breathed out. Midori was having the best sleep he'd ever had and his good sleeping charm wanted to leave him. He was having none of that. Midori brought her closer to him and began nuzzling her neck. Hotaru felt her face flare up with heat. What was Midori doing?
The door was slammed open as an overly zealous Fujimon made his debut after leaving to visit home for a couple of days. "Midori-...san?" he said. But seeing Midori nuzzling the blonde haired woman so dearly made Fujimon feel like he had walked in on something very private. "I'm sorry Midori-san. I didn't realize that I should have knocked." Fujimon shut the door immediately. The blonde covered her head with the duvet and Midori chuckled. He'd forgotten that Fujimoto was returning that day. Oh well. He wanted to return to snuggling Hotaru but she'd know that he was awake now. He sadly retracted his hold on her and went on to stretch. Then he got out to greet Fujimon and award her the chance to think that she escaped. Hotaru was embarrassed to even think that Fujimon had walked in on them in that easily compromising position. "Kyaa! What is Tachibana going to do. Fujimon doesn't realise that it's Tachibana yet. Tachibana will hide under the bed. " she concluded.
"Fujimon I'm glad to see that you are back," Midori said lightly smiling. Fujimon couldn't avoid recalling what he had seen in Midori's room. Had Midori truly found himself a girlfriend in the short space of time that he had been absent. Fujimon set the breakfast on the counter-top for Midori. "Midori-san thank you. I would have returned sooner but my mother and siblings locked me in the house," he said slightly flushing. They kept insisting that he was obsessed with work. Which wasn't entirely true. "Hm. So how are they doing?" Midori asked sipping his mug of coffee."They are all well. Except my father. He caught a cold after he was hauled overboard trying to reel in a giant catfish, " he laughed scratching his head."Midori-san forgive me if I'm trespassing into your private life but what is your relationship with that woman?" he asked nervously glancing at his hands. Midori held a finger to the corner of his lips and said,"Eh? Ohhh her . She's someone important to me. That reminds me. Fujimon you still have those spare keys right?" "Of course Midori-san I guard them with my life. And this is how I came in,"he said instinctively pocketing his hand and grabbing the keys for reassurance that they were still there. No one else knew that Fujimon had the house keys to the famous doctor's apartment otherwise he would have been attacked by crazy mobs by now. "Fujimon I'll be needing those keys back. Circumstances have changed and I don't see the need to burden you when I have someone else who's capable around. You can still drop by of course Fujimon,"he said. Fujimon felt dizzy and light headed. His ears must be defective because Midori had said he was taking the spare keys. They were Fujimon's life line that connected him to Midori. Why was Midori taking them away? Fujimon went down on his knees and bowed to Midori. "Midori-san forgive me. I won't be late again I promise. Punish me all you want Midori-san ."Midori raised a brow in inquisition. "Eh? Fujimon you haven't been bad per say. Rather I've found someone to reduce the burden that I have. That's why I need those keys Fujimon,"he said holding out his hand. Fujimon extracted the keys from his pocket and sorrowfully dropped them in Midori's palm. Midori patted Fujimon's head. "You'll see that things will be better this way, " he said. Fujimon nodded his head visibly defeated. Midori finished off and left to take a shower. Fujimon couldn't understand why Midori would suddenly take away his most valued possession. Cleaning and cooking for Midori allowed Fujimon more time with the doctor but with the house keys gone he was as good as everybody else. He hurriedly did the dishes and left Midori alone with his new companion. Even though Fujimon wanted to despise her he couldn't bring himself to. If Midori was truly happy with her he'd support him all the way. His only regret was that he didn't get a chance to know who she was. Oh well.
Hotaru had resumed sleeping under Midori's bed. She'd never been this emotionally drained before and it was taking a toll on her. Then the nightmare recurred once more. Matsuoka , Yukki and Haruki all stared at her with eyes full of disgust. Kanae was crying in the shadows. Midori had turned his back on her and he was walking away. Hotaru reached out her hand and held onto his trousers. Midori glowered at her as if her mere presence left a bad taste in his mouth. Hotaru continued holding on gazing at him with her tear stained face. Midori yanked his leg away. "Midori-san! Midori-san! Don't leave Tachibana. You're the only person she has left. "Midori gave a cold laugh and looked at her with dead eyes. "I don't associate with liars and you never really meant anything to me. Deceitful little girl. You don't even know when to stop do you. "He once again turned his back on her and left her . Hotaru couldn't stop crying. Why didn't she just tell them. She could have prevented all of this.
Midori had just finished dressing up when he heard her calling out his name. She was in pain and he had to find her. He barged into her room expecting to find her there but she wasn't. "Hotaru !" he called out. He checked everywhere but he couldn't find her. He reentered his on room and sat on the bed. Where was she? Silent sobs caught his attention. They were coming from his room. Underneath his bed. Midori knelt on the ground and immediately let out a sigh of relief. She was safe though she was visibly distressed. Could it be that Hotaru was having the nightmare she had told him about the night before. Midori shook her gently. "Hotaru-chan, wake up. You're having a bad dream. " Hotaru cracked open her eyes at the sound of his gentle voice. Pale blue eyes settled on her filled with concern. Hotaru crawled away from the bed and leaned on Midori. Midori laid a comforting hand on her . "Midori-san ," she breathed out. "Yes Hotaru?" he asked. "Don't ever leave Tachibana. Never leave me." Midori nodded his head in agreement. He understood why she felt like that and he too never wanted to be away from her. "Hotaru-chan I need you to rest and calm down. Take the day off and go visit that friend of yours. I'm leaving for work now . That reminds me. Here," Midori said handing her the spare set of apartment keys. "These are your own apartment keys. So you don't have to worry yourself about being home early today.I'll see you when I come back and if you want to you can always drop by the hospital. " Hotaru smiled at Midori reassured that the dream wasn't depicting what her reality was. Midori placed a soft kiss on her forehead as he stood up to leave. "I'll see you later," he said. Hotaru felt her heart pounding and her face flushing. Even after her little drama Midori remained kind to her. She smiled as she got up to take a shower.
Fujimon trudged down the hospitals hall looking as though his life force had been sapped out. The head nurse saw him and left to greet him. She handed him the new schedule before leaving to complete her other duties. Ichi had never witnessed witnessed Fujimoto looking so depressed before. She actually felt compelled to ask him what his problem was. Ichi shook her head furiously. 'Be strong Ichi. The Fujimons of this world deserve to be extinguished not encouraged. But then I feel kind of bad for leaving him like that.'she thought. Ichi stood in Fujimoto's way giving him no choice but to look at her. Fujimoto's black orbs spared her a glance . "Hi Ichi," he said as he tried to make his way around her. "Fujimoto you went home for a couple of days and when you return you look like a zombie. I'm starting think that you were better off never leaving to begin with," Ichi said puffing up her chest. Fujimon chuckled remembering home ,"Home was great. I got to help my family out when they needed me the most. And we caught a lot of fish. Then I went to see Midori-san this morning. " Fujimon's smile faded at his last sentence. Had Fujimon and Midori had an argument or something. The wheels of Ichi's head spun insanely fast. "What happened Fujimon?" Ichi asked. Fujimon turned away from her unable to disclose what had happened this morning to Ichi. After all the doctor trusted him with his life. Fujimon's cow lip swung around merrily as he felt renewed once more in his dedication to Midori. 'Treat me like I'm garbage Midori-san. Punish me as you see fit. I will never leave your side,' he thought. "Did you see a blonde woman at his apartment" Ichi asked. She was taking a shot in the dark but who knew she might end up hitting something good. Fujimon being Fujimon gazed upon her as if she was a mind reader. "How did you know. Can you read my mind too ?"he asked her all sparkly eyed. Ichi received her answer and that's all that mattered to her. This wasn't like Midori at all taking such a big step as moving in together with someone who wasn't her. She'd have to eliminate the woman before things got out of hand and her Midori decided to settle down with her.
Hotaru lay sprawled on Kanae's bed. Kanae was curling up her eyelashes in preparation for her date and she wanted Hotaru to tag along. Apparently Kanae's date was bringing along a friend so as usual Kanae was coaxing Hotaru into something she didn't want to do.
"Hotaru get up. Lying there won't solve any problems and all you're doing is growing mushrooms in my bedroom. And I told you to get ready. Your date won't be pleased to see you in your current state,"she said applying her mascara. Hotaru huffed and mentally raised her fist at Kanae for her persistence. Hotaru perfectly understood why Kanae was doing this but Hotaru couldn't help feeling depressed. "If Kanae wants Tachibana to come along she should dress Tachibana,"Hotaru said without thinking. Kanae trembled making Hotaru fear that she'd gone too far but then she started laughing. She held the curling iron menacingly as Hotaru tried to find the quickest escape route. "Remember Hotaru you asked for this. So don't lay police charges and issue a restraining order against me. I'm going to make you gorgeous." Hotaru gulped. Kanae was going to kill her her beauty products. Mrs Yajima heard screaming and things crashing. "Girls ," she chuckled. Kanae Yajima blew out her breath as she reveled in her master piece. And she was still waiting for her award from the stingy world community. "Eh .. Kanae I can't walk in these, "Hotaru complained lifting up her foot staring at the accident waiting to happen. "Hotaru we're just going for food then a movie. You won't have to walk around that much,"Kanae said trying to cheer her up. Hotaru stood up in the death traps and took a few steps. She was not going to be defeated by a pair of shoes.
Raiden sipped at his orange soda as he waited for their dates to arrive. For his sake he prayed that his date would not leave him for Masahiko as it had been the case most of the time. Raiden was a charming guy with good looks. But Masahiko was on another level. One look at his devilishly red eyes and his incredible sex appeal had females swooning over him. But Masahiko wasn't the type of guy that entertained the ladies. He preferred being solitary and distant. Raiden shook his head. What a waste of good talents. So as a test he'd always bring Masahiko around to ensure whether the girl he chose would be faithful to him or not. And so far none of them had passed. He clutched his chest. God did that sting. "Raiden when is your girl coming along. I'm running on a tight schedule," he said ruffling his silky raven hair. Raiden took another sip. "Any minute now," he said. Masahiko took out his phone and began texting.
"Hi Raiden," Kanae gushed. Kanae met Raiden at the convenient store were she worked on the weekends to pay for her bills. Raiden was a young franchiser in the technology world and Kanae was impressed. They hit it off right. Raiden stood up to greet Kanae. They shared a brief hug. "This is my friend Hotaru Tachibana,"she said introducing Hotaru. Hotaru was already eyeing the menu deciding on what she would like. Raiden greeted Hotaru just as warmly rather happy that Kanae had so many wonderful friends. Masahiko who was uninterested in their proceedings continued texting away. Hotaru spared him a glance away from the menu. Her date didn't look bad at least. Though he seemed like a knuckle head who was self centered. "Hey Masahiko this is Kanae and her friend Hotaru." "Nice to meet you,"he said not even looking up. Kanae's brow twitched at them clearly being ignored. Who did he think he was?
Hotaru appeared unfazed by his reaction. Raiden pulled out a chair for Kanae beside him and she sat down. Masahiko refused to acknowledge Hotaru's presence and she sat down on her own throwing herself into her seat. Masahiko was surprised by her non existent gracefulness. He took a look at his date. She appeared normal by all standards and she was reading the menu instead of sneaking glances at him. Wasn't he more important than the food on the menu card. Why did it annoy him that he was being disregarded for a meal. Normally girls would be chatting away and all he had to do was ignore them and nod once in a while. She seemed as though she was dating the menu. Masahiko pocketed his phone and pulled down the menu. Hotaru turned to gaze at the disturber. She was just about to decide on what she wanted to have. Hypnotizing red eyes stared at her as if she was some mystery he had to figure out. Hotaru finally saw his full profile and admitted that he was handsome but none the less food came first. "Yes?" she asked. Masahiko dragged the menu to himself started reading through it. Hotaru was appalled by his rudeness. He had his own menu card to read. "Masahiko-san you have a menu right beside you," she said . Masahiko spared her a glance before saying," I know that. I just wanted to order for you. You know my treat."
"Tachibana will forgive you for that if you order something good for me. Okay?" she said. "Of course. I order nothing but the best for my dates," he said.
Raiden sipped rather noisily through his straw. He coughed ferociously when he sucked in dry air. Raiden had never really seen Masahiko entertain his dates. So this was a start. Raiden was glad that Kanae seemed to like him more than his friend. Later the waitress arrived Raiden and Masahiko both ordered for their dates and themselves. "Masahiko-san tell Tachibana something," she said. Masahiko turned to look at the blonde haired woman. He noticed that she liked calling herself in the third person which was peculiar but this was a one date thing so he wouldn't be worried. "What is it?" he asked. "Tachibana noticed that you seem to dislike her. You don't have to worry Masahiko-san . I don't see you as potential boyfriend material or any commitment material for that matter. So don't worry okay," she said. Her words were meant to comfort him but instead all she did was stoke the fire. Raiden choked on his drink. No one had ever talked to Masahiko like that . Masahiko froze for a bit. Who did she think she was telling him that he was practically insufficient to handle any relationship. Especially with her.
Their orders arrived and Masahiko smirked . He handed the vegetable salad to Hotaru and the burger to himself. Lesson number one for ignoring him and then insulting his masculinity. Hotaru stared at the vegetables like they were unnatural things. She poked around a bit before remembering her manners and eating. Kanae knew how sensitive Hotaru was about her food and considered leaving the date if this was how her friend was going to be treated. "Hotaru let's go," Kanae said standing up. Raiden's face dropped and he gave Masahiko a dirty look. Masahiko merely shrugged and went on eating. "Kanae don't worry about me. Tachibana was becoming a bit of a cow so it's good that Masahiko-san ordered this for her. Besides Masahiko-san seems a bit frail. Let him build up his strength. Right, " Hotaru encouraged. Raiden seemed like a decent guy by Hotaru's standards and she didn't want to ruin it for Kanae because she couldn't put up with his jerky friend for a couple of hours. Masahiko's eye twitched. How the hell did he end up with her as a date.
After lunch they went for the movie. Hotaru staggered on her feet. Her head felt light. In the lobby Masahiko couldn't help but notice that Hotaru seemed pale . She hadn't seemed fully healthy when he met her earlier today. Adding an inadequate lunch to the list was not good. Hotaru bumped into his chest. "Sorry. I didn't see you there," she apologized. Masahiko couldn't help feeling guilty for what he had done even though it was petty revenge. Masahiko tapped her shoulder. "Are you alright?" he asked. "Eh ? Of course . " she said giving him one of her blinding smiles. He wasn't buying it though."Hey order whatever you need. I'll get it for you," he said. Hotaru's face instantly lit up with excitement. She gave him a brief squeeze and said,"To be honest Tachibana thought she was going to pass out any moment. But Masahiko-san saved her. Thank you." Masahiko nodded in acknowledgement. Masahiko sat next to her in the theater were he was more captivated by her than the movie. Where the heck was all that food going?She was so petite yet she ate as if the whole world was under attack. After the date Kanae and Hotaru said their good byes. Masahiko watched Hotaru go still a bit curious about her. Raiden noticed Masahiko's confused look and chuckled. "Hasegawa if you wanted another date you could have asked her before she left. Masahiko shook his head. "I'm not crazy. So don't go throwing suicidal suggestions like that around" he said as he took his leave. "Hey buddy. Wait up, " Raiden said.
Midori just getting ready to leave when his door swung open. "Midori-san. Tachibana would have visited you earlier but Kanae ended up dragging me to her date. Thank you for the advice Midori-san. Meeting a jerk did a lot to lighten Tachibana's mood and want to punch someone in the face," she babbled. Midori couldn't help noticing how beautiful she was in her floral summer dress and black strappy heels. "Hn, really. That's great Hotaru. Since Hotaru-chan made such a great effort dressing up let's go out for dinner," he suggested. Hotaru's eyes sparkled as though he had offered her the world. "Midori-san you're the best. Tachibana had to endure a salad from her sinister date. If all men are like him I won't get married " Midori laughed. "Let's not get hasty. Not all men behave the way he does." He led Hotaru out and they left together hand in hand. Fujimon who had been performing his last round check ups saw Midori leaving with the blonde haired woman again. And Fujimon had missed another chance to greet Midori's woman.
Masahiko was staking out the restaurant were his partner was talking to an illegal military weapon arms dealer trying to strike a deal with him . They needed to get to his warehouse and shut down the base of his criminal operations . Masahiko was glancing outside the window when he saw his date from earlier walking hand in hand with a man who seemed like an old fashioned gentleman. He snickered. So that was what she liked. "Whatever," he said under his breath.
The young blonde maiden kept on looking at her companion in adoration and happiness which surprisingly annoyed Masahiko. What did the other guy possess that he did not? They were both good looking, Masahiko was taller and more muscular. So why did she prefer him ?
Midori and Hotaru were both eating when Midori broke the silence."Hotaru have you ever felt as though your world would shatter if you lost someone?" he asked. Hotaru thought about her mom , dad and her friends. "Tachibana always feels that way about her dad. Dad is so kind and compassionate. But he's always been so sick. Tachibana fears that dad might not be able to walk Tachibana down the aisle as he had promised. Or he won't be able to see his grandchild before he passes on," she said as she set her chopsticks down. Midori understood her pain. He took her hand in his and gave it a light squeeze. The doctor found himself at crossroads. He wanted to offer the world but at the same time he wasn't certain that she'd be willing to accept his plan. He took a risky gamble. "If you are unable to find someone you wish to start a family with within the next three years I'll gladly ask for your hand in marriage. We both have similar circumstances and a duty to fulfill to those around us. Apart from that I don't think there's anyone else I'd rather spend my life with.I'd be more than happy to have you as my bride." Midori said gazing at her with his pale blue eyes.'Ehhhh! Midori-san said that he wanted to marry me! Tachibana never knew that Midori-san felt that way. But then again Tachibana doesn't mind being with Midori-san. ' Hotaru thought to herself. Her face turned into a deep shade of red. "But why Midori-san. Tachibana doesn't want to pressure you into doing anything you don't want to do," she reasoned. Midori sighed as he looked into her eyes. "Believe me when I say that you're not forcing me into making an impromptu decision. We both stand to benefit from the union so why not solve each other's problems," he said. 'That does make a lot of sense,' she though. "It's a deal. I'll marry Midori-san if I'm unable to find someone in the next three years. " she said. Midori was relieved when she didn't reject his proposal. Maybe his mother was correct about something for the first time in his life. Just hearing her say that made him happy. Midori leaned over and placed a chaste kiss on her lips. Hotaru flushed at his sudden actions. The doctor smiled at her and continued with his meal.
Masahiko who had abandoned his post in the car to track down his unusual date couldn't help overhearing their conversation. So he had three years to snatch her from that man. How entertaining. Even though he'd originally found her a bit brash and severely honest she had captured his interest and he wasn't about to lose her to the man she was talking to. He wasn't afraid to get his hands dirty to attain what he wanted as it was the case with all Hasegawa's. By hook or crook he'd get Hotaru Tachibana.
end of chapter 5*