Chapter 2: A Night at the MET
It was already getting dark out when the car pulled up to the stairs at the bottom of the Metropolitan Museum of Art. It was all lit up and had a steady flow of formally dressed men and women going in through the entrance.
"Is this where we're stopping? The MET?" Misaki asked, awestruck at how beautiful the building looked against the night sky.
"I know how much you like museums" Takumi said, grinning as he exited the car and helped his wife out.
It was true, Misaki did love museums. She just thought there was just something so peaceful about observing creations that had taken so much time and effort, some of them from hundreds of years ago. They were also a place she could go to relax; the serenity of the simple environment could always calm her down if she was heated, especially after a meeting.
"It looks like there's some formal event going on in there" Misaki observed as she got out of the car. "And we're hardly dressed fancy enough if this is what we're really doing."
"I told you, Misaki, that today you didn't need to worry. I have it all under control" Takumi said, leading her around to the side of the museum. He knocked on a side door and Misaki was thoroughly perplexed; even more so when a man in black opened the door and asked them to follow him. The man led them to a small hallway with a few doors on both sides. He asked Misaki to go in one room, and directed Takumi to enter the one across from hers.
"Takumi, what's going on?" Misaki asked as she was pushed into her room.
"Don't worry sweetheart" Takumi assured, disappearing into his own room.
Misaki looked around the room she had been pushed into. It was a small room, but very fancy. There was a large leather sofa on one side of the room, and in front of it was a glass coffee table holding a bouquet of white roses. On the other side of the room there was an elegant vanity table with a large mirror in front of it in. Next to it was a small clothing rack with a single article of clothing, with a note attached to its hanger.
Enjoy outfit number 2, picked just for you, Misaki read from the small note. This was Takumi's doing, yet again. As she took the hanger off the rack, she discovered that it was a silky black maxi dress. After taking off the green blouse and black shorts, she slipped on the dress. It had thin, delicate straps that crossed in the back. It was a simple dress otherwise, no lace or jewels or fancy cuts, just a full length of gorgeous black silk that flowed to floor length.
"Wow...it's beautiful," Misaki marveled, at a loss for a better word to describe how amazing the dress was. It fit perfectly and made her body look slender, but accentuated her curves at the same time. At the bottom of the rack she noticed a pair of black heels that went along nicely with the new dress, which she slipped on her feet as she placed her flats down.
Just as she was stepping into the heels, she heard a knock at the door. "Are you done, honey?" came a high pitched, perky voice in English. Confused, Misaki walked over and opened the door to let two foreign women enter. The first entered with a full face of makeup, bouncy golden curls, and a large pink makeup bag. The second had a short bob of purple hair and carried a curling iron. The latter seemed a lot less energetic, though still full of smiles; Misaki guessed it had been the blonde who had asked if she was done.
"Are you ready to be glammed up?" The blonde asked excitedly. "If you could just have a seat in this chair by the mirror darling- perfect! Alright we're just going to do hair and makeup, you know how that works! And don't worry, we're only giving you a light, natural look since we've heard that's what you like most!"
"As for your hair, we're just going to do some light curls and pin it into a low bun that is going to look super classy!" The lady with the purple bob said proudly.
Takumi had even gotten hair and makeup people for her- and told them exactly what she liked. What am I going to do to make it up to him? she thought as the ladies began their work. First the breakfast, then the amusement park, then this- why couldn't I have been even half as thoughtful as he is?
She must have been visibly frowning, because the lady doing her makeup suddenly asked "problem, honey? What's on your mind?"
"Oh...it's nothing" Misaki trailed off.
"Come on now, don't give me that! Tell me what you're feeling right now and we can try to help you out. Is it work? Friend drama? Something going on with your husband- no it couldn't be that, did you see him Angie, he was gorgeous! And when he told us what hair and makeup to do? 'It will be just what she likes' he said, and he had such a cute smile- gosh he's such a catch! Oh dear, I'm rambling on aren't I?" she noticed, looking back at Misaki who was still frowning. "But seriously, darling, let us know what's troubling you."
"Well, it's actually just that" Misaki said, feeling her cheeks begin to heat up. "He's so sweet, and thoughtful, and he cares about me so much that he planned this huge day for me. But I didn't... I didn't do a single thing for him. I didn't even remember it was our anniversary, I was too busy worrying about my work! He does things like this a lot too- although this is by far the most extravagant. But he'll come up with cute little surprises a lot, like a spontaneous trip to the Bahamas for a day, or a romantic candlelit dinner that he cooked himself. He's so incredible and I'm... I'm just me" she confessed, keeping her eyes focused on the floor, too embarrassed to look up.
"Aww honey" the blonde said sympathetically. "Don't put yourself down like that! If he loves you that much, he's not going to care if you don't do such crazy things for him. He's going to care that you love him just as much, and that you're always there for him."
"Well I know he'd be fine with me not even getting him a present or something, but I really want to do something for him... To show him how much I care about him" Misaki explained. "I get him presents for his birthday and holidays, but never anything big or meaningful like this!"
"May I suggest a hot love making session once you get home? Maybe two, actually...or five" the woman with the short bob, Angie, interjected.
"Angie, my goodness!" The blonde exclaimed, laughing. "They were probably going to do that anyways" she stated matter-of-factly.
"Uh...well...yeah" Misaki stammered awkwardly, feeling her face get redder. Taking about personal stuff like that always made her uncomfortable.
"Hmm" the blonde began "what's something he asks you to do a lot? Or maybe a bad habit you have that you could try to stop for him?"
Misaki thought a bit before responding. "Well, he always tells me not to stress too much about work? I don't know what I could do with that though. Um...he always wants to see how I've improved with my cooking, but I don't know that I should cook for him. Last time we tried to make something together I almost chopped his hand off."
"Interesting. Thoughts, Kayla?" Asked Angie.
The blonde, Kayla, responded with, "well if he always tells you not to stress about work, that probably means you're busy a lot, huh?" Misaki nodded. "Well, then, take the day off tomorrow! Spend the whole day with him, he's probably lonely a lot and just wants to be with you. In fact, cook something with him! Ask him to help you, and you two could do something cute and simple, like bake cupcakes maybe?" Kayla finished, wearing a smile that showed she was proud of her idea.
"I mean, I took today off from work. I don't know about missing two days in a row-" Misaki tried to argue.
"But you told us he planned this whole extravagant day for you? Come on, it's one day! Your boss won't kill you if you tell him it's for your anniversary!" Kayla persisted.
"I guess I could... if it's just one more day" Misaki considered.
"Yes!" Kayla squealed. "It would show how much you really care, to take a day off from your important work just to be with him! How romantic! Just wear something super sexy, maybe buy some chocolates, and add in some extra hot love making- ooh and maybe some candles- and you've got a perfect gift for him!"
"Alright, our work here is done" Angie declared, smiling. As she got up out of her seat, Misaki couldn't tell if she was talking about the hair and makeup or the advice.
"Thank you both so much for your help with everything" she decided upon saying. "I'm very grateful for your assistance!"
"Aww, not a problem sweetie!" Kayla exclaimed gleefully. "You look gorgeous, and I hope you enjoy your night and your day tomorrow" she said with a wink.
"Now go on out and have fun!" Angie said, pushing her towards the door.
"There you are, my love" Takumi grinned as Misaki came out into the hallway. "You look lovely tonight."
"Thank you honey" Misaki said, grabbing his hand and interlacing her fingers with his. "And you look handsome as always." The two turned to enter the main event.
"What is this event for?" Misaki asked as they walked around, sampling delicate hor d'oeuvres.
"Not entirely sure" Takumi replied honestly. "But a couple of days ago I saw there was an event going on here and I thought it would be a great way to end our night."
"A couple of days ago? Oh." Misaki realized that must have been when he was planning their day.
"I believe it's a charity event to support local art programs, but I could be wrong" he continued, taking another hor d'oeuvre. "Try this one" he said, holding it to her mouth as she took a bite.
"How did you even get us in here?" Misaki questioned, looking around at all the fancy gowns and orchestra playing in the distance. "You didn't have to do all this, really!"
"Don't worry about it. Anything for my Misaki" Takumi grinned.
The two walked around the main hall, where most of the people and all the food was. After a while, they wandered off to a hall on Egyptian art that was a lot quieter than the main hall had been. In fact, as the two continued further into the exhibit, Misaki realized they were the only ones there.
"Takumi," Misaki began tentatively, unsure how loud to be since the hall was completely silent except for their footsteps. "Can I tell you something?"
"Of course, my love. Anything you'd like."
"Um...I love you" Misaki said quickly, averting her eyes from his gaze.
"I love you too" Takumi replied sweetly, leaning over to kiss her forehead. "Was that what you wanted to tell me?"
"Well, I guess I really just wanted to say..." Misaki began. Then, looking directly into his eyes, she continued. "Thank you, Takumi. Thank you for this wonderful day. This is the sweetest thing you've ever done; I don't know how I could ever repay you." She felt her cheeks heat up.
"It's alright, Misaki." Takumi smiled. "You don't need to do anything for me. Just having you here with me tonight is the only present I need."
Misaki smirked. "I really like this non-perverted side of you, Takumi. You can be so sweet, you know? I was expecting you to ask me to be your maid for a day or something."
"Thanks for the suggestion" Takumi grinned. "I'll save that one for next time."
"That's not what I meant, pervert!" Misaki smacked him lightly on the arm, wondering why she had brought that idea to him. "Uh, anyways, I have to go to the bathroom really quickly."
"Want me to come with you?"
"No!" Misaki exclaimed, covering her face with one hand to try and hide her blush. She hurried quickly into the closest restroom.
Once she was inside, she took her phone out of her purse and dialed her coworker's number. Although he wasn't technically her boss, he was in charge of the Japanese representation at the convention. Nervously, she brought the phone up to her ear.
"Hello, Misaki."
"Hello, Haruto. I'm sorry to be calling you this late. I just wanted to thank you for allowing me to take the day off. I really appreciate your generosity!"
"Not a problem! All of our meetings went smoothly today. I hope you enjoyed your special day?"
"Yes, very much! In fact, I was wondering if perhaps..." Misaki took a deep breath. "Would it be possible for me to take off work tomorrow as well? I can work extra hours when I get back if necessary! I know I'm asking a lot, but I assure you I can make it up in any way you need."
"Of course, Misaki! Enjoy your anniversary! As I said, today went smoothly, so I'm sure we'll manage just fine without you here for another day. Besides, I know you rarely miss work, so you've certainly earned a day- well, two- off."
"Thank you so much, Haruto! I promise to return to work after tomorrow!" Misaki exclaimed.
"No problem. I encourage you to cherish your time with your husband. He seems like a very kind man." The two men had met a few times before, at convention after-parties Misaki had brought Takumi to.
"Thank you." Misaki smiled. "Have a good night, Haruto."
"You too, Misaki."
Misaki put her phone back into her purse and walked out of the bathroom, still smiling. She was going to make it up to Takumi tomorrow for sure!
The two spent the rest of the night, side by side, exploring the open exhibits. They hardly noticed the time passing by.
"I suppose we should leave soon" Takumi said after a while, looking up at a large clock, "it's past 10, and you should get some rest so you're not tired for work tomorrow."
"Actually" Misaki said shyly, "you don't need to worry about that. I'm taking the day off tomorrow."
"Really? I thought you'd want to get back to work soon. Besides, what will Haruto say?" Takumi questioned, unable to hide the surprise in his voice.
"It's alright. I called him half an hour ago when I left to go to the bathroom, and he said it was fine. Aren't you happy? I just really wanted to spend more time with you" Misaki said, smiling.
"No, I'm very happy" Takumi grinned. "I want as much time as possible with my Misa-chan."
Misaki laughed at that. Even after all this time, her husband still called her Misa-chan every once in a while. It usually annoyed her, since it reminded her of when he would tease her at the maid cafe she used to work at in high school, but she was in an especially good mood now so she didn't let it bother her.
"But maybe we should head home soon" Misaki said. "I would really like some... alone time with you" she said, the corners of her mouth curling up slightly.
"Would you like a hot love making session, Misaki?" Takumi suggested, leading her outside. "Or maybe five?"
"W-what? You heard that?" Misaki yelled, blushing. "How much did you hear?" She thought back to the conversation she had had with Angie and Kayla.
"That was the only part I heard, I promise! I was going to check on you, but then I heard talk of love making, and I decided to wait outside and let you three finish."
"Takumi!" Misaki shouted, still embarrassed.
"So, is that a yes? Five love making sessions tonight?" He pried, grinning.
"Geez, Takumi, I'm not going to promise something crazy like that!" She exclaimed. "Maybe two or three" she added quietly.
"What was that, Misaki? I'm sorry, could you speak up a little?" Takumi asked.
"I-I didn't say anything!" Misaki lied, rushing over to the car as it pulled up to the curb.
"That's okay, you can just show me what you mean when we get back" Takumi whispered in her ear as they both got in the car.
"Whatever, idiot" Misaki mumbled, burying her head against his chest to hide her smile.