Chapter 6
Haruki paced his bedroom floor. Why was he so worked up? 'Hotaru' he had been almost a month since the incident at Kanae's house. Every time he suggested that he should pay her a visit Hotaru would behave erratically or when she invited him over she seemed out of breath. What was Hotaru hiding? He was certain that Masamune knew something but he wasn't letting him in on the secret. And it pissed off Haruki a lot. He stomped his foot in frustration. He was going to get some answers even if it meant tying her down.
Midori sat on the sofa languidly changing the channels. In the mornings he'd usually watch the morning news but he recently got addicted to the the crime channel which Hotaru seemed to get so fired up about. He had to admit that it wasn't bad. Midori was awarded the chance to view the world from both sides. But what really captivated him was when the officers were conducting a man-hunt. He took note of the pro's and con's of both parties actions. And he found it quite refreshing. Hotaru was wiping down the sink when she heard a knock. She unconsciously tucked a strand of hair behind her ear and wiped down her hands. Hotaru had observed that Midori didn't usually have that much company visiting his residence. She removed the latch from the door and swung the door open. Before her stood a regal woman with a severely cold gaze. She had blue-black hair and violet eyes. The woman appeared to be no older than forty. In her body shaping royal blue long sleeved fitted dress it was visible that she worked out. Violet eyes sized up Hotaru making her feel bare and vulnerable. Her radiating beauty contradicted her cold demeanor. Finally finding her voice Hotaru cleared her throat and cleared her voice. "Good morning. How can I help you?" she asked. The ice queen sneered slightly which was hardly visible but Hotaru noticed.
"Are you done sinking your claws into Midori. I'd like to talk to him. Do yourself a favor and collect your things and scamper off before I embarrass you,"she commanded. Hotaru was taken aback. This woman was accusing her of being inappropriate with Midori." Eh? Midori-san and I... " she was about to tell her that nothing was going on but Midori interjected and held Hotaru by the shoulders. Midori's eyes washed over his mother rather coldly. She gave him an equal stare. "Mother you came to my apartment on your own free accord. Don't go about ordering Hotaru around as if you own the place. If you have no good reason to be here I suggest you leave," he said pulling Hotaru closer to himself. Hotaru's ears started ringing. Mother?! That was Midori's mother! Who would have guessed that the reigning queen of ice was his mother. Wait a minute actually that made a lot of sense. "Midori you know why I'm here and I expect that what we discussed must be delivered today. I gave you a month to decide,"she said.
"Of course. I've made my choice and she's the one," he said rubbing Hotaru's shoulders. 'Midori-san and his mother made some kind of agreement. How am I involved in this?' Hotaru thought. Rika Nagamasa took a good look at her son's choice. She chuckled thinking that he was pulling at her leg. In front of her was a young woman who was probably still in university. One who hadn't been hardened by the reality of life's hardship's . And finally she had no sense of dressing like the young woman she wanted to see at her son's side. Lime green eyes flickered over her face in confusion. Rika gave the young woman another glance as she took in the denim shorts and red cat eared hoodie. Midori hadn't even put effort in this. "Are you going to make your dear mother stand in the doorway as you converse with her. You truly are heartless Midori," she said. Hotaru gulped, how was she going to get out of this. Midori spared her a small distant smile. "How could I possibly forget my manners . Please come on in dear mother,"he said dragging Hotaru inside as well. Hotaru fought the strong urge to turn on her heels and run. These two inside the same room made the air so thick with tension Hotaru was struggling to breathe. 'Calm down Hotaru calm down,' she repeated in her head. Midori's mother picked up a small black suit case from the floor. Midori raised an eyebrow in question. She hadn't mentioned that she was staying over when she had called. Hotaru noticed the small bag and paled. Ice queen was staying over but there weren't any other spare bedrooms. The only spare bedroom was the one she was using."Excuse me ," Hotaru said to Rika as she dragged Midori by his sleeve into her room.
"Midori-san , Tachibana was not made aware that your mother would be living with us . Where is she sleeping?" Hotaru asked.
Midori gave her a blank look then as if a light bulb had blinked alight in his head he smiled. " I thought it was obvious. You and I share a room. My mother will sleep in yours for the mean time. She is already under the impression that we share a room. If you may possibly stealthily move your things into mine you would have done me a great favor," Midori said. Hotaru shrunk back in surprise. "Eh ? Midori-san we can't leave your mother thinking that Tachibana is lewd. How am I supposed to hold up my head in front of her?" she asked staring into Midori's pale blue eyes. Midori sighed and ran his fingers into his hair. "I was afraid this day would come. But alas every promise has its day in the sun. Hotaru-chan remember that time when you said that you owed me your life. I've come to collect what was handed to me. Unless of course you were lying to me. You know how I treat deceitful little girls right?" Midori said tilting her face upwards. Hotaru did not miss the sadistic glint in his eyes. Hotaru's face heated up as memories flooded into her mind from their previous encounters. With his face a few inches from hers she couldn't help thinking about that. "Yes Midori-san. Tachibana does not lie but I don't understand why she thinks that you and I are together," she said speaking out her mind. Midori laughed for a while. "It's only natural that a man shares a room with his soon to be fiance. Wouldn't it be unusual if a man and his fiance lived in separate rooms?" he asked. "Of course it would. But you and I aren't engaged, " Hotaru concluded. Midori captured her hand in his and rested it on his chest. " For my sake please make it believable Hotaru-chan. I don't want to be swarmed by women at some insufferable match making ceremony. As it is the only woman I think about is you and no-one else. Hotaru-chan that woman has evil intentions with me. Don't let me be slaughtered," he said. Hotaru blew out her breath and said,"Fine Midori-san. Tachibana will help. Only because she doesn't want to be the reason why Midori-san get's dragged off to some ceremony where he'll probably die and haunt Tachibana. And you left me with no choice" Just the thought of Midori's enraged ghost hovering around her made her shiver. "Let's do this !" Hotaru stated with the fire of excitement in her eyes. Midori couldn't help the warmth that flooded into his heart. She made him feel these unusual things but they were fascinating to him ."Hn, lead the way Hotaru-chan. Oh and by the way," Midori caught her waist and pressed her against his chest. Hotaru wriggled as she tried to escape from his grip. "Midori-san! Stop being weird!" she yelled. Weird she said? Midori chuckled seductively. He pressed her further into him and heard her gasp. "It's not so weird anymore is it? " he asked. Hotaru's heart pumped fiercely. Midori stooped low enough to whisper into her ear. "I will often show you gestures of my affection whilst my mother is around. Something like this or more. Don't overreact or fight me . She has a sharp eye so she'll notice when something is off. Right Hotaru-chan?" . Hotaru's ears were ringing whilst her heart drummed in her chest. She lay her hands on Midori's. "Yes Midori-san. I understand. But you should always be on your guard. Tachibana can't control all her reactions. " Hotaru peeled away Midori's hands as she stepped outside.
Rika was surveying her son's residence. She couldn't help feeling the disappointment that was sinking into her bones. Midori had more than enough money to buy a lavish house and yet he chose an apartment. She failed to understand him. Her husband seemed to be at better terms with Midori yet he too lacked the answers she needed. She gave out a low sigh. That's when she heard footsteps coming from the corridor. Expecting to see her son she looked up only to find the young woman from earlier coming towards her. Rika mentally sighed. What was her son doing when she wasn't around to guide him. " Mrs Nagamasa I'm sorry about earlier. I didn't introduce myself. You see Midori-san hardly has any guests over and I was shocked to see his mother at the door. Forgive me. I'm Hotaru Tachibana, " Hotaru said.
Rika was impressed to find the young woman before her speaking normally and not stuttering like a fool. She was confident and Rika liked that. Rika patted the seat beside hers indicating Hotaru to sit down. Hotaru took a seat. The older woman turned to face Hotaru. "Hotaru-chan feel free to call me Rika. I've come to the understanding that my son selected you but do you really know him well enough? Even that side of him," she said. Hotaru gave her a small smile. " Rika-san I've known Midori-san for more than three years now. I've seen all the sides of Midori-san including that side. But I don't mind at all. Midori-san cares for me a lot and I also share the same feelings for him, " Hotaru chimed. Rika watched Hotaru as she spoke. It seemed as though Hotaru had a lot of potential in being her son's future wife. Rika couldn't help admitting that she was enthralled by hearing her speak of her friends and colleagues. " How could I possibly drown you with my endless rambling. Rika-san would you like something to drink?" Hotaru asked. " Yes please. A cup of green tea would do me just fine, " she said. Hotaru stood up to prepare Midori's mother her drink.
Midori entered the room and took a quick glance at his mother. She seemed comfortable enough so she approved of Hotaru after all. He smiled briefly. At least he didn't have to force her to do his bidding at least. That would have been tiring.
"Mother I can see that you are satisfied. How about we cut to the chase. I delivered so in turn you have to stop pestering me, "he said. "She's not entirely what I expected but at least you show interest in her. But you haven't fully delivered our deal. I'm still waiting for my grandchild," Rika said striking her son with her violet eyes. Midori and Rika both looked at the kitchen were the sound of a cup breaking had come from. Hotaru was panicking . Midori said that his mother only wanted him to have a fiance so what was the deal about a baby. A sheen of sweat formed on her brow as she glanced at the sitting room. Both mother and son were casting their concerned looks at her. She waved her hand to obtain their attention. " Sorry about that. I was clumsy. Silly me. " Hotaru knelt on the ground and began picking up the shattered remnants of the cup. She had been startled by what Midori's mother had said. No wonder she broke the cup. Lost yet again in her thoughts Hotaru continued picking up the pieces. Then she felt a sharp stab of pain. Her eyes landed on her index finger where a trickle of blood was making it's path down her finger. Mesmerized by it's flow Hotaru didn't move from her stance. Before the droplet could hit the ground her finger was encased by something warm and moist. Midori held Hotaru's hand as he gently sucked at the small gash. Her face flushed as she realized what he was doing. Midori released her hand and helped her up. " Hotaru-chan wash your hand under the tap. There are some band aids in the medicine cabinet that you can use for that. Don't worry about the rest of this I'll do it." Pale blue eyes washed over her checking for any other injuries. Finding non he dismissed her.
Rika had watched everything unfold before her eyes. Realizing that Midori was truly taken by the young woman she blew out a low breath. Hotaru had some redeeming qualities such as a her kind heart, her lively energy and her rather cherubic features. Maybe Rika needed a breath of fresh air in her life. Something unusual and unthinkable. Rika couldn't imagine what her adorable grandchildren would be like. Just the thought of them made her beam. She would spoil them rotten.
Midori set a cup of hot tea before his mother. "Mother drink up. It'll get cold, " he said. "Thank you Midori," she said as she took a sip.
"We agreed that I had four years to deliver the final agreement. Besides Hotaru is not ready for that yet. She still needs to experience life more without the obligations of being a mother," Midori said. Although his thoughts contradicted what he was conveying to his mother. Midori never thought that he'd ever want children of his own but with the appearance of Hotaru came with the sudden need to start his own family. Maybe he'd taken a hit to the head.
"Well Midori you can't keep me waiting forever. I require a grandchild from you. Other women my age are already running around with their grandchildren while enjoying their retirement benefits. Whilst I'm stuck with son who refuses to acknowledge his mother's desires" she complained.
"The opposite is true for me. If you keep on bothering me I'll terminate our deal," Midori threatened. Rika almost choked on her tea. " You wouldn't dare. How could you do that to your own mother ," she asked.
Midori merely gave her a bored stare. Even though Midori took on his father's appearance he behaved more or the same as her. So she wasn't intimidated by his actions.
"Midori-san don't do that to your mother," Hotaru scolded. " Hn? What was it? Are you really up to fulfilling my mother's wishes. If that's the case you know that I'm very generous and I can't deny a pretty girl what she wants,"he said. Hotaru waved her hands in-front of herself. "Midori-san you know that I didn't mean that. You're twisting my words.I was saying that you shouldn't treat your mother like that. She only wants what any other woman wants. Midori-san should only reserve that look for foes not for relatives, " Hotaru said. This was hard work avoiding calling herself in the third person. But she couldn't afford to slip up knowing that Midori's mother hadn't truly liked her from the get go. Midori wore his silly smile as he looked at Hotaru. " Hotaru-chan is too kindhearted. Well I guess I have no choice now since Hotaru-chan has spoken. " Midori said as he stood up. "Hotaru I'm on a tight schedule and if I don't leave now I'll be late for my early morning appointment. Take good care of my mother okay. I'll see you later," he said grabbing his coat and giving her a peck on the cheek. Hotaru paled a bit. She robotically turned to look at Midori's mother who was passing her dirty looks. 'Kyaaa! What does Tachibana do with her. The look in her eyes says that she doesn't like Tachibana. Midori-san sentenced me to my death' she thought. Hotaru wore a nervous smile . "Rika-san T-I was about to go out too. So I'll have your room ready then we can go to the park together," Hotaru said.
Rika turned her nose up and gave an arrogant Hmph. "I have an appointment at a spa today and I intend to keep it. Why would I want to go dilly-dallying in the park ? My beautiful complexion would be ruined. And you Hotaru-chan. If you are indeed going to be my son's wife we have to make a few changes. I can't have people thinking that I've lost my standards. You are accompanying me today. " she said as she sipped her tea. Hotaru's spirit drooped. There was no running away from this.
Ichi trailed Midori as he entered the hospital. Ever since the mystery woman appeared in his life the doctor seemed revived and happy. Today he appeared to be excited about something. "Midori-sensei!' she called out . The doctor stopped and faced her. "Ichi. Good morning. How are you?" he asked. In her rush she had disregarded formal greeting. How embarrassing. Color flooded her cheeks."Good morning Midori-sensei. I am well. You see Fujimon has called in sick this morning so I've been asked to temporarily fill in his place," she said. "Eh? All is well Ichi. I never knew that Fujimon was ill," he said walking away. To be honest he wasn't that sick. When Ichi had found him sneezing a bit she had threatened to have him incapacitated if he didn't take a few days off. Fujimon being Fujimon took the bait and stayed home. Awarding Ichi the perfect opportunity to make her moves on Midori. Haruka heard Midori's and Ichi's conversation. He didn't have a problem with Fujimon so he often talked to him. Last time he checked Fujimon wasn't sick enough to be bed ridden so what was really going on. Haruka stared at the two retreating figures. Well there was no point in sticking his nose in places that didn't concern him. He shrugged his shoulders and continued to the director's office.
Later that day the last of Midori's patients entered his office. A young woman who looked rather worn out. Her eyes had dark circles around them and her hair was disheveled. In her arms was her eight months old daughter who wouldn't stop crying. Clearly this woman was having a hard time with her child. Midori stood up and offered her a seat. " Good afternoon Mrs Kurama. I've been expecting you for a while now, " Midori said gently smiling upon her. Mrs Kurama began sniffing and it turned into wrecking sobs. "Help me doctor Midori. I just...I just can't take this anymore. She won't stop crying and I don't get a moments rest. Kei won't eat or sleep. It's too much .Thoughts I'm ashamed of .. Thoughts I shouldn't have as a mother have been seeding themselves into my mind," she said. " What kind of thoughts?" he asked. " Dr Midori. I can't even say it out loud. ," she said.
Ichi took the young infant and checked it's temperature. Nothing out of the ordinary as it seemed. The doctor snapped on his latex gloves . Midori got the infant from Ichi and examined her. "Nothing to worry about . The baby is just teething. Some children fuss more than others. Here I'll write down this list of medicine's you need to get for her. And Mrs Kurama I recommend you see me twice a week. You are suffering from postnatal depression . There's nothing wrong with you. It's just the stress and hormones are affecting you tremendously. How long are you often with the baby?" Midori asked.
" I take care of her the whole day. My husband is always at work so we're often left alone together, " she said.
Midori nodded his head. "If possible I'll advise you to hire a helper or have a close relative to help you out." he said as he wrote down her prescription. "Thank you Dr Midori, " she said as she arose. Midori led her out then shut his door. " What a long day it' been. I'm exhausted. Thanks to you Ichi I got through it . " he said as he stretched. Ichi blushed , "Midori sensei there's no need to thank me. There's nothing I wouldn't do for you. Speaking of which why don't we grab supper together I'll treat you," Ichi gushed. Midori's eye's widened a bit. An opportunity to escape his mother? Was Ichi God-sent? He rubbed his eyes. He couldn't call Hotaru and tell her to count him out. She'd be crushed but then again his mother was at home and he wanted to keep their contact as minimum as possible. The thought of sneaking away tempted him a lot. He ruffled his hair giving Ichi a perfect view of his jaw line. She almost collapsed. Why was Midori so perfect? " I'm afraid I can't join you Ichi," he said removing his lab coat and hanging it on the rack. She shook with anger and hurt as she clenched her fists. 'No more of this. I have to be strong,' she thought. Ichi , the one who had always respected Midori's personal boundaries, crossed the line. Midori was surprised when he found her clinging to his waist. Ichi was panting is she held onto Midori with her head pressed against his back. He let out a low sigh. "Ichi wh... " "Midori-sensei. Why is it that you never looked at me. Couldn't you see the love I harbor for you in my eyes. For years I have loved you but you always saw right through me . Brushing off my feelings as though they were insignificant. I love you Midori-sensei!" she screamed.
Midori removed Ichi's arms from his person and faced her. Ichi was being driven by emotion and that much Midori understood. She froze startled by Midori's reaction to her. Did he not feel the same?He gently patted her head. " Hn?Ichi I can't return these feelings you have for me. When you meet the right person you'll forget that you ever loved me. I'm not a good person after all ," Midori said removing his glasses and placing them inside the drawer. Ichi felt disappointment wash over her. Her heart clenched with hurt. " Then why? Why does she get a chance to love you Midori-sensei? Is it because you love her too ?"she asked. Midori halted. By her was she referring to Hotaru? Ichi got her answer from the way Midori had reacted. The only reason why Ichi had been rejected was because of Minori. ' I have to eliminate the threat' Ichi said to herself.
Midori took out his apartment key and unlocked the door. What he found was a sight to behold. Hotaru was wearing an apron and a hair net. He snickered. His mother had made plenty of changes alright. Some which he did appreciate. It was amazing seeing his mother teaching Hotaru how to arrange the dishes elegantly. Hotaru was almost leaning into one of the dishes trying to get a closer look. One push and she'd be swimming in it. Hotaru heard Midori entering the room and thanked heaven for her good fortune. Rika Nagamasa did not joke around and seeing Midori around meant some of that pressure would be alleviated. She instantly dropped what she was doing and ran for Midori. Midori captured her in his arms as she leaned into him. As he rested his chin on her head the smell of berries and cream wafted into his nose. "Midori-san is so heartless. Tachibana had to slave all day at the hands of his mother. The horrors Tachibana faced. TGC is child's play, " she whispered. Midori chuckled . So it was that bad huh. "Hotaru-chan I'm here alright. She won't bother you anymore, " he said rubbing her back.
"It's rude to whisper in public. Unless you're talking about me?" Rika said brandishing the wooden spoon like a weapon. "No Rika-san. T-I was just telling Midori-san how much I missed him. That's all," and she darted off to Rika's side. Supper went on well and surprisingly Rika had taken a greater liking to Hotaru than Midori had presumed. Alas a great war had been delayed. Midori's mother and Hotaru did the dishes together while Midori took a shower.
"It's late Rika-san. Thank you for today. Goodnight then." Hotaru said as she walked to her room. Rika had discovered the honest truth about Hotaru and Midori's relationship earlier that day at the spa. The quick witted and sharp eyed Rika saw all. No wonder Hotaru was so embarrassed about everything. How was Rika supposed to get her wish if they weren't even sleeping together. She decided to take matters into her own hands. "Hotaru-chan you're coming with me," she said. Hotaru found herself being dragged by her hoodie to Midori's mother's room. 'Midori-san has left me at the hands of evil yet again. So cruel,' she wept.
Midori was towel drying his hair when he heard the door clicking open. The door closed and the lock was latched on. "Hotaru you're finally in. I thought my mother had gotten her way and actually permanently took care of you," he said. " Let me help you with that Midori-san." Hotaru said as she climbed on the bed and reached for the towel. She gently towel dried his hair Midori threw his head back. Her touch was always so intoxicating. The smell of berries and cream found its way into his nose again. "Hotaru-chan that fragrance you are using is quite hypnotic, " he said breathing her scent in. Hotaru's face flushed at his compliment. "T-thank you Midori-san. It was a gift from Kanae," she said. He mentally noted to thank Kanae when he met ber. But then something was different in the atmosphere. Midori grabbed her wrist and turned to face her. Hotaru shied away from his gaze. Midori had found it unusual when she wasn't as loud as she usually was. He had figured out that there was something peculiar going on. Oddly enough tonight she was dressed in a scarlet silk robe. He knew that Hotaru preferred regular nightwear and not this type of clothing. Hotaru decided to face Midori after all there was no point in hiding. She had only done as his mother asked her to do. Midori's breath hitched as he took in the sight of her. Her eyes were lined with black eye-liner making them look bigger ,brighter and sultry. Her hair was falling in waves over her shoulders. Hotaru parted her red painted lips to explain to Midori about her current state. He was clearly in shock. "Midori-san I can..." Hotaru failed to talk as Midori captured her lips in a seething hot kiss. Midori had discarded the insane thought of waiting three years. His restraint had been shattered that day. Hotaru was shocked at first. There was no-one around so why was Midori-san continuing with the charade. She wanted to stop him but then it felt ...so right. Her body behaved as though it had a mind of it's own. She leaned into him as his tongue explored the caverns of her mouth. Hotaru moaned into his mouth. Midori couldn't find the will power to stop himself as he lay her on his bed. Hotaru's hair flowed around her like as she took in rapid breaths. Midori feathered kisses around her jaw line and down her neck and Hotaru leaned into his touch. Midori couldn't stop the burning need he felt to touch her. He undid the knot and just as he was about to part the robe a gentle hand held him.
Hotaru finally realized where they were going and she grew nervous. She wasn't ready , not yet. As she looked into Midori's pale blue eyes she could see that he understood what she meant. Hotaru sat up and tied the knot around her robe. Midori sat next to her and gave an exasperated sigh. "Midori-san I apologize for leading you on like that. But it was your mother's idea. I thought you'd know that Tachibana hadn't done this on purpose," she explained. Midori tapped the side of his head. He gave the old witch less credit than she deserved. If Hotaru hadn't stopped him when she did he would have gone through with it without any second thoughts. " Of course Hotaru-chan . I don't know what came over me. So you take right and I'll take left. Then you can tell me all about your adventures with my mother, " he said trying to dispel the awkward atmosphere. "Eh? Of course Midori-san. This was the most fierce opponent Tachibana has ever encountered," she said.
Rika leaned on the head board as she read her novel. Nothing was better than relaxing to a good book after a long day of hard work. Hotaru's phone rang on the side table. Rika put down her book and checked the screen. She smiled at how efficient her plan had been. Whilst Hotaru had been in her room she swiped her phone and Hotaru hadn't noticed. Rika checked the caller I.D. A young brown haired man named Haruki was calling Hotaru this late at night. She raised her brow. Rika answered the phone. "Hello?" she said.
"Hotaru I've been trying to contact you for ages. Kanae said that you were taking out the trash and you couldn't come to the phone. How much garbage do you have for crying out loud! Never mind that tomorrow you said that you would be there for me for my first day at Hoshishiro Hospital. It's kinda lousy since I couldn't find internship anywhere else. Now I have to put up with them. That sucks," he complained.
Rika blew out her breath. "Listen here. Hotaru-chan can't come to the phone. Considering how much you talk it's no wonder she avoids your calls like the plague. You're talking to Rika Nagamasa," she said. Haruki snorted. "What the hell would she be doing with anything related to that bastard Midori," he said smugly. Rika's grip on the phone tightened significantly.
"That bastard happens to be my son," she said. Haruki audibly gulped. "Sorry about that. Slip of the tongue. If you could so kindly hand the phone to her right now, "he said.
Rika smirked into the phone. "Well that's impossible right now. I can't dream of disturbing them at this time, " she said. Haruki's sweat went cold. What did she mean by them. " You can't possibly mean Hotaru and Midori ," he mumbled. "You've proven yourself quite the genius young man. Do yourself a favor and have a good nights rest. You have a big day tomorrow," she said as she hung up.
*********************end of chapter 6***************************
Thank you for the reviews. They give me the strength to continue writing. I'm sorry that I can't update as often as I usually did but I'll try to frequently update.