His And Her Circumstances Fan Fiction ❯ Pictures of Matchstick Men ❯ Torn and Mended ( Chapter 11 )
[ X - Adult: No readers under 18. Contains Graphic Adult Themes/Extreme violence. ]
By: Ssinurn Solen 
Kazuma threw a small camera, photographs, and several rolls of developed film at Annie and Hideaki’s feet. “These two are the ones who took all the pictures.
Anime/Manga: His And Her Circumstances Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Hentai | Type: Other | Uploaded On: 09.28.2004 | Pages: 2 | Words: 3.1K | Visits: 331 | Status: Completed
Kazuma threw a small camera, photographs, and several rolls of developed film at Annie and Hideaki’s feet. “These two are the ones who took all the pictures.
Anime/Manga: His And Her Circumstances Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Hentai | Type: Other | Uploaded On: 09.28.2004 | Pages: 2 | Words: 3.1K | Visits: 331 | Status: Completed
Chapter 11: Torn and Mended
Hideaki and Annie both turned their phones off. Between calls from Piman and Mr. Asaba over the revealing pictures, they both felt huge pangs of guilt.
They did not regret their lovemaking, but the fact that they had been caught.
Hideaki looked carefully at the watercolor. He sighed as looked at the wolves at the bottom of the picture.
It was another picture of Annie. This time she stood on a group of rocks, clutching to white strips of material as wind swirled around seeking to take the rags and leave her naked. At her heels, were a pack of slobbering wolves, waiting for her to come down from the jagged rocks.
Hideaki and Annie had not spoken more than a dozen words in the past few days. It was lonely.
Hideaki's only comfort was the sound of Annie's new stereo. She did not play it nearly as loud as she had before, but the music was still loud.
Now and then, it sounded like she was the one singing. Annie had another kareoke machine, so it was possible. Most of the music was American, but she had added a large selection of Japanese music to her collection.
Hideaki knew he just had to give her time.
He studied his newest painting again. For a moment he did not see Annie in the picture, but his mother whom had died in a car accident the year before. Tears came and would not stop.
It was the first time since his mother's death that he could accept that she was gone. When his dad called to give him the news of his mother's death, it was like a bad dream. Even at her funeral, he refused to believe the ashes in the urn were those of his mother.
Hideaki took out another piece of watercolor board. Carefully using his pencils, he sketched out the picture forming in his mind. Once done, he gave it color from his paints.
He blinked at the creation. Hideaki was so amazed at how it turned out, he was not sure that he had painted it.
He went to the kitchen and banged on the wall. Annie had to see this one.
"What do you want?" Annie shouted.
"Get your skinny ass over here! I have created a masterpiece! You have to see it!"
Annie did not bother to change out of her satin pajamas as she rushed through Hideaki's door.
She wanted to see him and talk to him. She had been practicing a song on her new keyboard. She knew he heard her practicing. She was surprised how much better at her music she was getting.
"Did you paint or draw another picture of me?" She asked, trying not to seem so desperate.
"Well, yeah, but that is not the one I want you to see. Look at this. What do you think?"
Annie gasped. The painting was of two flying women. The dark haired woman was carrying a small boy. The blonde haired woman held a little girl. The two children were holding hands as the two angelic women carried them through the air.
"My mother, and yours, Annie. I hope I got her face right. I had to try and remember the picture you have on your dresser."
"It's perfect. It is so beautiful."
"I gave our mothers wings. They watch over us you know. Sometimes I wonder if it was the two of them that brought us together."
"Why do you say that?"
"My mom loved to chase birds in whatever park we visited. She loved to watch them fly around. I was doing that when I saw Piman's rent sign. And well, your mom liked to fly. that is why I put the airplanes and birds in the background."
Annie made not a sound as hot tears rolled down her face. There was so much about her mother that she did not know. Even the way Annie's mother died was a heated issue. Some of her grandmother's friends said that her father had poisoned her mother. Annie's grandmother said it was an accident, a mix up in medication. Annie believed it was suicide. No one was really sure. The facts only said that her mother had muscle relaxers, and alcohol in her system.
Hideaki took Annie in his arms and cried with her. They were tears that needed to be shed.
"You know, you ought to start packing for our week over at Piman's. He is sending someone to pick us up tonight, remember?"
"Yeah. Okay. Just let me hold you some more Annie. I have missed being close."
"Perhaps I should go get that massage oil from my place. We can take it up to your room. Less likely that pesky fan of yours will try to take pictures up there."
"Okay."
"Hey! Let go! You are going to break my ribs!"
"Sorry," She said as she unwound her arms from Hideaki's naked chest. "The knock on the door startled me."
"Hey Asapin! It's me, Kazuma! I need to talk to you for a minute!"
"Kazuma?" Annie asked as she buttoned up her pajama shirt.
"Oh, yeah. You haven't met Tsubasa's stepbrother have you?"
"Poor bastard. He must be in hell living with a sister like her."
"Well, he is the only one who can keep her under control for long."
Hideaki pulled on his shorts and put on a robe.
"Is that all you are wearing?"
"Well the secret is out. No use trying to deny it now?"
"Yeah! No more regrets."
"Hey, Asapin, how's it going? Oh, I guess it is going good." Kazuma said as he saw Annie head down the stairs."
"I know you, you are the singer for Yin Yang. Hi, I'm Annie Takishiro."she said as she shook Kazuma's hand. " Sorry to cut this short, but I have to finish packing for our trip." Annie grabbed Hideaki and gave him a kiss on the cheek.
"Um, can you stay here just a few more minutes?" Kazuma said as he pushed Tsubasa and another girl into Hideaki's house.
"This is Kaurou Moetei, and I think you know Tsubasa."
"Kazzzzummma! She did this by herself!"
"What in the hell are you talking about?" Annie asked.
Kazuma threw a small camera, photographs, and several rolls of developed film at Annie and Hideaki's feet. "These two are the ones who took all the pictures. The two were taking pictures of you for weeks. Tsubasa needed money to buy something dad told her she could not have. And Kaurou, well she wanted revenge because she had a crush on you, Asapin. Kaurou was outside during the cram session you had for finals."
"You disgusting little bitch!" Annie pushed Tsubasa outside and started fighting with her.
"Calm down, Annie!" Hideaki yelled as Kaurou threw herself into his arms.
"I am sorry, Asaba. I really wasn't thinking. I just love you so much, Asaba! I adore you! Why didn't you ever notice me! I am so much better for you than she is!"
"Get off of me!"
Kazuma stood in stunned silence. He thought the only girl he would need to keep under control was Tsubasa. He tried to think of any way he could help calm down the situation.
"Get off of me you foul mouthed whore!"
"Not until I rip all of that hair out you fucking bitch!"
Kazuma went outside to help pull Tsubasa and Annie apart.
"Kaurou, I don't love you and please get off of me!"
"Oh please, Asaba, just kiss me! If you kiss me, you will know how much better I am for you."
"Will you leave me alone if I kiss you?"
"Yes, pleeeeze . Kiss me. Kiss me Asaba!"
Hideaki rolled his eyes and kissed Kaurou on the cheek.
"I want a real kiss!" Kaurou squeezed tighter around Hideaki.
"Alright, alright. But remember this, you mean nothing to me, and this is nothing for me."
Hideaki threw all of his anger into the kiss he gave Kaurou. The more he kissed, the angrier he got. His anger fueled him to deepen the kiss. He wanted to punish the little snit. Unfortunately, his bravado was not working.
Kaurou was giving all she had to kiss him back with all of the fury he kissed her. She loosened her arms slightly. Her hands moved up and down along his back.
The hurt squeal of, "You fucking asshole!" brought Hideaki back to reality. He opened his eyes and pushed Kaurou away from him. She fell to the floor in a stunned heap.
"Get out of my sight. I never want to see you ever again!"
"But, Asaba!"
"I said, get out!"
Kaurou made a sniffing noise. She stood and ran out of the house into the park.
Tsubasa nursed a large bruise that was welling up on her arm. "I had better go after her." She said as she turned to chase her friend.
The loud music from Annie's stereo brought Kazuma out of his stunned silence.
"I'm Sorry, Asapin! I didn't think it would turn out like this. I really didn't mean for things to get out of hand like this."
"It's alright, Kazuma. Women are hard to figure out, even for someone like me. Could you do me a favor and go talk to Annie? I doubt she will listen to me right at the moment."
"At least she has good taste in music, even if it is American Punk. I listen to A Fire Inside sometimes myself. Although, Girl's Not Gray is not one of my favorites. Yeah, I'll go talk to her for you."
"Thanks."
Kazuma sighed as he repeatedly pounded on Annie's door.
"Hideaki you should, oh, it's you, Kazuma."
"Can I come in?"
"Yeah. Just let me turn off the stereo. I like loud music when I am upset. It seems to help me calm down."
"No problem. You look nice, by the way."
"Thanks." Annie smoothed out her long , blue, patchwork skirt and rolled up the sleeves on her gray turtleneck.
"Wow! You have got a great music set up here! Can I check out the keyboard and stuff?"
"Sure. I have to finish packing. Hideaki and me leave in a half an hour. Make yourself at home."
Kazuma played a little bit on the keyboard. He found some paper and started to write down some of the tune that he was working on. He played a little bit more and wrote what he had come up with.
"Hey, that sounds great," Annie said as she came down the stairs with a suitcase.
"Let me help you with that."
"I can handle it. You keep playing. It helps me to think."
"Me too. You know, Asapin is right, you are a great muse. I think I will dedicate this song to you two."
"Don't bother. I am not all that great."
"You are to Asapin. You are his world, you know."
"I know. It just pissed me off to see him hot and heavy with another girl. I could swear he was enjoying it."
"He was thoroughly pissed off. He was just taking it out on her. I am sure he would have preferred to beat her brains out."
"It didn't look that way to me."
"She refused to let him loose until she got a kiss. He was so pissed off. I have never seen anyone that pissed in my life."
"I suppose I should expect it. All of the girls are in love with him. I guess I should start carrying around a baseball bat to keep the throng at bay." Annie laughed.
"Yeah. He has fans all over the world by now. Hey, you have fans too you know. I am sure Hideaki will have to be beating the guys off of you as well. So what is with all of this music equipment? Do you write?"
"Not really. It is just one of the perks of having a distribution company. I get acess to all of the latest equipment."
"Then when the guys come over you are going to have to play for us. Deal?"
"Deal Kazuma. And, I want you and the band to autograph my Yin Yang cd."
"Sure, even better, I can bring all of the guys over and we can have a bash. It is the least I can do."
"You got it, Kazuma."
Annie could not help feeling uneasy as she looked at Piman's stern face. She had never seen him look so angry or upset.
As the limousine whirred through the streets making its way to the road to the Takishiro estate in Morioka, Piman glanced back and forth from Hideaki to Annie. he was not happy at the turn their relationship had taken. He wondered if it was stress that had made them take it as far as they had. He did not want Annie to be hurt anymore.
"Your father is already at the estate, Mr. Asaba. He should meet us when we arrive."
Hideaki just nodded as he squeezed Annie's hand. He wanted to get out of the car and run, and take Annie with him. No one had the right to make Annie feel any more insecure than she was feeling. It made Hideaki angry. He hoped his face was not turning red from his unease.
Annie gave a sigh and leaned onto Hideaki's shoulder, despite Piman's hard looks. It was a long drive. She slowly relaxed and fell asleep.
Piman's face softened as he looked at Annie. "She looks so content. I suppose it has been hard for her to sleep the last few weeks."
"Neither of us have had much time for ourselves. With studying, and other work to do. And this whole mess with the tabloids has got her really on edge. I hear her screaming and murmuring through the wall."
"I would have guessed you two were together at night." Piman snapped.
"No. Both of us have different schedules. I have another art book coming out and dozens of art shows to host. Annie has been studying business and finance through a correspondence course. We rarely have time to eat together, much less else than that."
"That is good. I like you, Hideaki, but I have the welfare of my young cousin to think about. I can't say much else. I think you understand."
"You think we should consider marriage, now that the public knows about our relationship."
"Honestly, Yes."
Hideaki woke slowly as he felt the car come to a stop. Annie's head was in his lap. She looked so sweet when she slept. Hideaki could not help but smile. He nudged gently to wake her up.
"Hmm? Are we there?"
"Yes, love. We are here."
"I am glad you are with me Hideaki. I love you."
"I love you too." He leaned down and kissed her.
"Ah, hum. You two had better save that for later." Piman stretched as he got out of the car.
Hideaki stood and looked at the estate with awe. It was like something out of a samurai movie. A traditional style Japanese estate.
"The Takishiros are an old family with ties to royalty. " Piman explained, "I will have servants show you to your rooms. There is clothing in there for you, Asaba. Tomorrow afternoon, the weekly festivities will start. You will be expected to wear traditional clothing. I will follow you and speak to you in a few moments as soon as I see that Annie is settled."
Two bubbly girls ran up to Annie and hugged her.
"Chihiro! Lisa! I had no idea you were here!"
"Piman was gracious enough to invite our mother and us. Don't worry we are on your side."
"My side for what?"
"Come on. Our room is next to yours. I will explain it there."
"Your father is asleep in the room next door. Now that we are alone, I wanted to explain what you are up against. If it were not for that tabloid, this would not be happening, you understand?"
"What is happening, Piman?"
"Several members of Annie's extended family have chosen to visit, as well as several members of the board of Singing Sun. Many members of my aunt Koeda's mother's family are here. I like you very much and I know that Koeda would have seen nothing wrong with your relationship, the Mitsubishi's might have a problem. They are here to question your worthiness to be Annie's boyfriend."
"Mitsubishi? As in the car company?"
"Yes, although we have no connection to their wealth. They feel it is a question of honor. It has gotten through the circles how Senyo was related to them. They do not want a repeat of his shame."
"I feel like I am in way over my head."
"I invited Annie's tutor and a couple of friends from San Francisco. I also invited some of the board members that knew Koeda and Annie well. I am hoping they will help curb the tension."
"You think they will be on my side?"
"I am almost sure of it. Mrs. Niwashi and her girls are already willing to support you. Niwashi has always thought of Annie as one of her own daughters. Her husband is a member of the board of the San Francisco branch. No one knows Annie much better than they do."
"Thanks for going to all of this trouble."
"It is no trouble for me. You make Annie happy, and she makes you happy. Who am I to complain? Sleep well."
Review
Hideaki and Annie both turned their phones off. Between calls from Piman and Mr. Asaba over the revealing pictures, they both felt huge pangs of guilt.
They did not regret their lovemaking, but the fact that they had been caught.
Hideaki looked carefully at the watercolor. He sighed as looked at the wolves at the bottom of the picture.
It was another picture of Annie. This time she stood on a group of rocks, clutching to white strips of material as wind swirled around seeking to take the rags and leave her naked. At her heels, were a pack of slobbering wolves, waiting for her to come down from the jagged rocks.
Hideaki and Annie had not spoken more than a dozen words in the past few days. It was lonely.
Hideaki's only comfort was the sound of Annie's new stereo. She did not play it nearly as loud as she had before, but the music was still loud.
Now and then, it sounded like she was the one singing. Annie had another kareoke machine, so it was possible. Most of the music was American, but she had added a large selection of Japanese music to her collection.
Hideaki knew he just had to give her time.
He studied his newest painting again. For a moment he did not see Annie in the picture, but his mother whom had died in a car accident the year before. Tears came and would not stop.
It was the first time since his mother's death that he could accept that she was gone. When his dad called to give him the news of his mother's death, it was like a bad dream. Even at her funeral, he refused to believe the ashes in the urn were those of his mother.
Hideaki took out another piece of watercolor board. Carefully using his pencils, he sketched out the picture forming in his mind. Once done, he gave it color from his paints.
He blinked at the creation. Hideaki was so amazed at how it turned out, he was not sure that he had painted it.
He went to the kitchen and banged on the wall. Annie had to see this one.
"What do you want?" Annie shouted.
"Get your skinny ass over here! I have created a masterpiece! You have to see it!"
Annie did not bother to change out of her satin pajamas as she rushed through Hideaki's door.
She wanted to see him and talk to him. She had been practicing a song on her new keyboard. She knew he heard her practicing. She was surprised how much better at her music she was getting.
"Did you paint or draw another picture of me?" She asked, trying not to seem so desperate.
"Well, yeah, but that is not the one I want you to see. Look at this. What do you think?"
Annie gasped. The painting was of two flying women. The dark haired woman was carrying a small boy. The blonde haired woman held a little girl. The two children were holding hands as the two angelic women carried them through the air.
"My mother, and yours, Annie. I hope I got her face right. I had to try and remember the picture you have on your dresser."
"It's perfect. It is so beautiful."
"I gave our mothers wings. They watch over us you know. Sometimes I wonder if it was the two of them that brought us together."
"Why do you say that?"
"My mom loved to chase birds in whatever park we visited. She loved to watch them fly around. I was doing that when I saw Piman's rent sign. And well, your mom liked to fly. that is why I put the airplanes and birds in the background."
Annie made not a sound as hot tears rolled down her face. There was so much about her mother that she did not know. Even the way Annie's mother died was a heated issue. Some of her grandmother's friends said that her father had poisoned her mother. Annie's grandmother said it was an accident, a mix up in medication. Annie believed it was suicide. No one was really sure. The facts only said that her mother had muscle relaxers, and alcohol in her system.
Hideaki took Annie in his arms and cried with her. They were tears that needed to be shed.
"You know, you ought to start packing for our week over at Piman's. He is sending someone to pick us up tonight, remember?"
"Yeah. Okay. Just let me hold you some more Annie. I have missed being close."
"Perhaps I should go get that massage oil from my place. We can take it up to your room. Less likely that pesky fan of yours will try to take pictures up there."
"Okay."
"Hey! Let go! You are going to break my ribs!"
"Sorry," She said as she unwound her arms from Hideaki's naked chest. "The knock on the door startled me."
"Hey Asapin! It's me, Kazuma! I need to talk to you for a minute!"
"Kazuma?" Annie asked as she buttoned up her pajama shirt.
"Oh, yeah. You haven't met Tsubasa's stepbrother have you?"
"Poor bastard. He must be in hell living with a sister like her."
"Well, he is the only one who can keep her under control for long."
Hideaki pulled on his shorts and put on a robe.
"Is that all you are wearing?"
"Well the secret is out. No use trying to deny it now?"
"Yeah! No more regrets."
"Hey, Asapin, how's it going? Oh, I guess it is going good." Kazuma said as he saw Annie head down the stairs."
"I know you, you are the singer for Yin Yang. Hi, I'm Annie Takishiro."she said as she shook Kazuma's hand. " Sorry to cut this short, but I have to finish packing for our trip." Annie grabbed Hideaki and gave him a kiss on the cheek.
"Um, can you stay here just a few more minutes?" Kazuma said as he pushed Tsubasa and another girl into Hideaki's house.
"This is Kaurou Moetei, and I think you know Tsubasa."
"Kazzzzummma! She did this by herself!"
"What in the hell are you talking about?" Annie asked.
Kazuma threw a small camera, photographs, and several rolls of developed film at Annie and Hideaki's feet. "These two are the ones who took all the pictures. The two were taking pictures of you for weeks. Tsubasa needed money to buy something dad told her she could not have. And Kaurou, well she wanted revenge because she had a crush on you, Asapin. Kaurou was outside during the cram session you had for finals."
"You disgusting little bitch!" Annie pushed Tsubasa outside and started fighting with her.
"Calm down, Annie!" Hideaki yelled as Kaurou threw herself into his arms.
"I am sorry, Asaba. I really wasn't thinking. I just love you so much, Asaba! I adore you! Why didn't you ever notice me! I am so much better for you than she is!"
"Get off of me!"
Kazuma stood in stunned silence. He thought the only girl he would need to keep under control was Tsubasa. He tried to think of any way he could help calm down the situation.
"Get off of me you foul mouthed whore!"
"Not until I rip all of that hair out you fucking bitch!"
Kazuma went outside to help pull Tsubasa and Annie apart.
"Kaurou, I don't love you and please get off of me!"
"Oh please, Asaba, just kiss me! If you kiss me, you will know how much better I am for you."
"Will you leave me alone if I kiss you?"
"Yes, pleeeeze . Kiss me. Kiss me Asaba!"
Hideaki rolled his eyes and kissed Kaurou on the cheek.
"I want a real kiss!" Kaurou squeezed tighter around Hideaki.
"Alright, alright. But remember this, you mean nothing to me, and this is nothing for me."
Hideaki threw all of his anger into the kiss he gave Kaurou. The more he kissed, the angrier he got. His anger fueled him to deepen the kiss. He wanted to punish the little snit. Unfortunately, his bravado was not working.
Kaurou was giving all she had to kiss him back with all of the fury he kissed her. She loosened her arms slightly. Her hands moved up and down along his back.
The hurt squeal of, "You fucking asshole!" brought Hideaki back to reality. He opened his eyes and pushed Kaurou away from him. She fell to the floor in a stunned heap.
"Get out of my sight. I never want to see you ever again!"
"But, Asaba!"
"I said, get out!"
Kaurou made a sniffing noise. She stood and ran out of the house into the park.
Tsubasa nursed a large bruise that was welling up on her arm. "I had better go after her." She said as she turned to chase her friend.
The loud music from Annie's stereo brought Kazuma out of his stunned silence.
"I'm Sorry, Asapin! I didn't think it would turn out like this. I really didn't mean for things to get out of hand like this."
"It's alright, Kazuma. Women are hard to figure out, even for someone like me. Could you do me a favor and go talk to Annie? I doubt she will listen to me right at the moment."
"At least she has good taste in music, even if it is American Punk. I listen to A Fire Inside sometimes myself. Although, Girl's Not Gray is not one of my favorites. Yeah, I'll go talk to her for you."
"Thanks."
Kazuma sighed as he repeatedly pounded on Annie's door.
"Hideaki you should, oh, it's you, Kazuma."
"Can I come in?"
"Yeah. Just let me turn off the stereo. I like loud music when I am upset. It seems to help me calm down."
"No problem. You look nice, by the way."
"Thanks." Annie smoothed out her long , blue, patchwork skirt and rolled up the sleeves on her gray turtleneck.
"Wow! You have got a great music set up here! Can I check out the keyboard and stuff?"
"Sure. I have to finish packing. Hideaki and me leave in a half an hour. Make yourself at home."
Kazuma played a little bit on the keyboard. He found some paper and started to write down some of the tune that he was working on. He played a little bit more and wrote what he had come up with.
"Hey, that sounds great," Annie said as she came down the stairs with a suitcase.
"Let me help you with that."
"I can handle it. You keep playing. It helps me to think."
"Me too. You know, Asapin is right, you are a great muse. I think I will dedicate this song to you two."
"Don't bother. I am not all that great."
"You are to Asapin. You are his world, you know."
"I know. It just pissed me off to see him hot and heavy with another girl. I could swear he was enjoying it."
"He was thoroughly pissed off. He was just taking it out on her. I am sure he would have preferred to beat her brains out."
"It didn't look that way to me."
"She refused to let him loose until she got a kiss. He was so pissed off. I have never seen anyone that pissed in my life."
"I suppose I should expect it. All of the girls are in love with him. I guess I should start carrying around a baseball bat to keep the throng at bay." Annie laughed.
"Yeah. He has fans all over the world by now. Hey, you have fans too you know. I am sure Hideaki will have to be beating the guys off of you as well. So what is with all of this music equipment? Do you write?"
"Not really. It is just one of the perks of having a distribution company. I get acess to all of the latest equipment."
"Then when the guys come over you are going to have to play for us. Deal?"
"Deal Kazuma. And, I want you and the band to autograph my Yin Yang cd."
"Sure, even better, I can bring all of the guys over and we can have a bash. It is the least I can do."
"You got it, Kazuma."
Annie could not help feeling uneasy as she looked at Piman's stern face. She had never seen him look so angry or upset.
As the limousine whirred through the streets making its way to the road to the Takishiro estate in Morioka, Piman glanced back and forth from Hideaki to Annie. he was not happy at the turn their relationship had taken. He wondered if it was stress that had made them take it as far as they had. He did not want Annie to be hurt anymore.
"Your father is already at the estate, Mr. Asaba. He should meet us when we arrive."
Hideaki just nodded as he squeezed Annie's hand. He wanted to get out of the car and run, and take Annie with him. No one had the right to make Annie feel any more insecure than she was feeling. It made Hideaki angry. He hoped his face was not turning red from his unease.
Annie gave a sigh and leaned onto Hideaki's shoulder, despite Piman's hard looks. It was a long drive. She slowly relaxed and fell asleep.
Piman's face softened as he looked at Annie. "She looks so content. I suppose it has been hard for her to sleep the last few weeks."
"Neither of us have had much time for ourselves. With studying, and other work to do. And this whole mess with the tabloids has got her really on edge. I hear her screaming and murmuring through the wall."
"I would have guessed you two were together at night." Piman snapped.
"No. Both of us have different schedules. I have another art book coming out and dozens of art shows to host. Annie has been studying business and finance through a correspondence course. We rarely have time to eat together, much less else than that."
"That is good. I like you, Hideaki, but I have the welfare of my young cousin to think about. I can't say much else. I think you understand."
"You think we should consider marriage, now that the public knows about our relationship."
"Honestly, Yes."
Hideaki woke slowly as he felt the car come to a stop. Annie's head was in his lap. She looked so sweet when she slept. Hideaki could not help but smile. He nudged gently to wake her up.
"Hmm? Are we there?"
"Yes, love. We are here."
"I am glad you are with me Hideaki. I love you."
"I love you too." He leaned down and kissed her.
"Ah, hum. You two had better save that for later." Piman stretched as he got out of the car.
Hideaki stood and looked at the estate with awe. It was like something out of a samurai movie. A traditional style Japanese estate.
"The Takishiros are an old family with ties to royalty. " Piman explained, "I will have servants show you to your rooms. There is clothing in there for you, Asaba. Tomorrow afternoon, the weekly festivities will start. You will be expected to wear traditional clothing. I will follow you and speak to you in a few moments as soon as I see that Annie is settled."
Two bubbly girls ran up to Annie and hugged her.
"Chihiro! Lisa! I had no idea you were here!"
"Piman was gracious enough to invite our mother and us. Don't worry we are on your side."
"My side for what?"
"Come on. Our room is next to yours. I will explain it there."
"Your father is asleep in the room next door. Now that we are alone, I wanted to explain what you are up against. If it were not for that tabloid, this would not be happening, you understand?"
"What is happening, Piman?"
"Several members of Annie's extended family have chosen to visit, as well as several members of the board of Singing Sun. Many members of my aunt Koeda's mother's family are here. I like you very much and I know that Koeda would have seen nothing wrong with your relationship, the Mitsubishi's might have a problem. They are here to question your worthiness to be Annie's boyfriend."
"Mitsubishi? As in the car company?"
"Yes, although we have no connection to their wealth. They feel it is a question of honor. It has gotten through the circles how Senyo was related to them. They do not want a repeat of his shame."
"I feel like I am in way over my head."
"I invited Annie's tutor and a couple of friends from San Francisco. I also invited some of the board members that knew Koeda and Annie well. I am hoping they will help curb the tension."
"You think they will be on my side?"
"I am almost sure of it. Mrs. Niwashi and her girls are already willing to support you. Niwashi has always thought of Annie as one of her own daughters. Her husband is a member of the board of the San Francisco branch. No one knows Annie much better than they do."
"Thanks for going to all of this trouble."
"It is no trouble for me. You make Annie happy, and she makes you happy. Who am I to complain? Sleep well."
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