InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Flowers ❯ Flowers II ( Chapter 2 )

Unexpected Disappointments & Unbelievable Surprises

By: Ryohko Imai

 

Once again, konnichiwa minna.

 

I hope that you like the first chapter. I know that it wasn't long or very insightful demo, that is only the beginning. I promise you that you will have longer chapters in the future.

 

I just wanted to say, Arigatou for taking the time to read the first chapter and now the second chapter. Hope you like it.

 

By the way, as in every fanfic that I am working on, there will always be a vocabulary section either at the beginning or at the end. I hope that you guys don't mind all the Japanese that I'll be using. Just to let you know, at times it will be a lot and at times it'll be a little.

 

One more thing, many of the formal says were taken from the book Essential Japanese by Samuel E. Martin and Barron's Japanese at a Glance. Have fun taking a look through these books.

 

 

U.D. & U.S. II

 

Track Field

United Nations University, Aoyama, Tokyo, Japan

July 19, 2005

 

I don't know if many of you have ever found yourself the unwilling participant to a love triangle, demo if you haven't, you never want to be in one. I can tell you from experience. It sucks!!! I never once thought that I would ever be in one, demo… here I am, having been witness to my backstabbing Ane, and traitorous boyfriend… (sigh). Really, you think my sister would have more respect for our bond, but I guess not. Seriously… How long have they been going out? Must have been a good while if they were so absorbed with each other. Not to mention, now that I think back, as I past Yura, she had this knowing look in her eyes. Smacking myself on the forehead, I can't help but call myself baka. `Of course she would have a knowing look in her eyes. She's Kikyo's best friend!!! Of course she would know what the hell they were up to!' I angrily thought to myself, and I reprimanded myself for letting myself be so blind to what had been going on. `How the hell did I let this happen? Since when have I willingly turned a blind eye to the things happening around me?' I sadly reflected as I mechanically walked towards the track.

 

I was taken forth from my depressing thoughts by the voice of my Track & Field coach, Tajima-sensei.

 

“Higurashi-san,” she called out to me.

 

“Hai, Tajima-sensei?” I responded as I quickly redirected myself towards my coach. She's a nice lady, when you did as you were told, demo… man is she ever a warui rezu when you piss her off. At first look, you wouldn't think that she was a lesbian, that is… until… you started being a chauvinistic masochist or a seriously subservient female. Then you will know that she is a very liberated, independent, outspoken, proud LESBIAN. You go girl. Don't get me wrong. I'm your average girl, but… I am a very open-minded individual, and thoroughly modern to boot. Plus, she's cool. I like speaking with her. She's help me out a few times, but I am by no means a `Teacher's Pet.”

 

Anyways… Like I was saying…

 

When I came face to face with Tajima-sensei, she informed me about my next race. “Remember that in a week, we have a meet against Keio University,” she said in her usual firm voice.

 

“Hai, Tajima-sensei.”

 

“Daijoubu desu. Now, we need for you to practice on your 100 meter dash, your 100 meter Hurdles and the 400 meter run,” she informed as she ran her eyes down her clipboard, making sure that she had stated all of the events which I would be running at the next meet. “Is that ok with you Higurashi-san?” came her usual question when she looked at one of her athletes upon informing them on their events.

 

Automatically agreeing with her, I gave her a quick bow before she excused me.

 

`How the hell am I ever going to concentrate for the next meet, when the only thing which keeps popping into my head is Kikyo and InuYasha kissing?' I pitiably thought to myself as I was shaking my head dejectedly, while I walked to the line. As I was thoroughly stretching, I tried to focus on my training.

 

You see, I'm one of the lead runners in our University's Track & Field team. Not to brag or anything, but… I'm pretty good. I have broken some of the school's previous records for the 100 meters. Hence, why I am mainly training on the 100-meter dash and hurdles. I'm the last runner for the 400-meter run. Just to let you know, I love sprinting. I've been involved with the Track & Field for the last six years, since my freshman year in high school. Turns out, I was a natural at running. I wish I could run away from today's events, but then again, if I run it will only haunt me until I face it. `Damn you Kikyo. Damn you InuYasha! Why the hell did youboth have to go behind my back?! The least you could have done is tell me that you both were interested in each other. But then again, I guess that wouldn't have been much fun for you, now would it.' I was starting to get extremely pissed off at the two of them. Feeling as if my head was going to burst, I gave myself a firm slap to the face and shook my head, trying to banish their disgusting mugs out of my mind.

 

I guess that Tajima-sensei was looking at me, cause a second later I heard he calling out to me.

 

“Higurashi-san? Are you alright?” she asked as she gave me a worried look.

 

Glancing up, I tried my best to assure her that I was fine, demo…

 

Arching a brow, it was obvious that she didn't believe me. `Kuso! I forgot. She's freaken perceptive.' Tajima's next words prove me right. “I don't think so, Higurashi-san. I know that there is something wrong with you. So you might as well spill it.”

 

Huffing out some air, I rolled my eyes, and began thinking about what I should tell her. I seriously felt like banging my head against the wall, at least against the nearest pole. Grumbling, I lowered my head, and began to walk to the nearest bleachers.

 

Taking a deep breathe, I commenced with the narrative of the recent events, which were currently plaguing my mind. “Well…” I started out half-heartedly. I seriously didn't want to deal with this. “Today started out like any other day. Yamashita-sensei was kind enough to give us pages upon pages worth of notes,” I sarcastically informed Tajima-sensei. “When class finished, I informed my `boyfriend,'” man… I felt as if I was choking on that word, “that I was going to get my sport bag and that I would return in a short while. Well, when I got back to Yamashita-sensei's classroom, I noticed that no one was there. Until…” I think I hate them… “I heard noises coming from Yamashita-sensei's storage closet. Well, you can clearly guess what I saw when I opened the closet door,” I stated listlessly. By the time I got to this part of the story, we had reached the bleachers, but instead of sitting down, I stayed standing. Tajima-sensei on the other hand sat down.

 

“So you interrupted them…”

 

“No. They didn't even notice that someone had stumbled upon them.”

 

“Oh. I see,” she simply said.

 

“Yeah…” I muttered out. Seriously, I hate them.

 

“So what happened after that?” she asked as she looked towards the field.

 

Lifting my head, I stared up into the sky. “I did nothing. I just turned around and walked away. I figured that if they were to so engrossed in making out, that I should just leave them be and not make a scene.”

 

I guess Tajima-sensei wasn't expecting this cause she just swiveled her head and gave me this disbelieving look. “You didn't do anything?” she questioned dubiously.

 

“Yep.” Is it just me or am I kind of losing it?

 

“You seriously didn't do any thing?”

 

Is it just me, or is she having a hard time grasping this. “Yeah. I didn't do a-n-y-t-h-i-n-g,” I stressed the last word.

 

Shaking her head, she turned to me and asked me, “Why didn't you?”

 

Shrugging my shoulders, I responded in a calm yet detached voice, “They've obviously have been together for some time, otherwise they wouldn't be so comfortable with each other that they would tune out the rest of the world so completely, that they wouldn't notice when someone has caught them making out. I decided there and then, that they were good for each other and that I shouldn't be in their way,” was my answer.

 

“Daijoubu Higurashi-san?” she asked concern laced her words.

 

“As well as I'm going to be for a while,” I stated as simply as possible. I just wanted to end this conversation as soon as possible. I didn't want to have to think about them both for a while. And I guess Tajima-sensei realized this for she stood up, patted me on the back, and said in an understanding voice, “I think that you did the right thing, Higurashi-san. There really wasn't any reason for you to make a scene and I believe that you handled that situation very prudently. But there is one more question that I want you to answer for me.”

 

“And that question is?”

 

“When are you going to confront them about this?”

 

`Honestly… I have no answer for this question.' So… I answered her bluntly, “I don't know. As soon as I've gathered all my thoughts, I guess.”

 

Giving my shoulder a gently squeeze, Tajima-sensei gave me a small smile. “You'll do fine, and you will make the right steps. Now, if you are done with speaking about this, how about you get on the line and warm up for the 100-meters hurdles?”

 

`Arigatou, Kami-sama,' I thought as I turned to my coach, gave her the smallest smile, bowed, and made my way to the line once again. `Now to focus on what is truly important' I was determined to put today's incident behind me until I had time to properly deal with it.

 

 

Bannen Shrine

Same day

 

I was right; this has definitely been a long day. First, there was Kikyo and InuYasha, then training, and now I have to walk up the endless stairs, change into my work clothes, go to father's boutique, and still make time for homework.

 

`I am so screwed' I dejectedly thought to myself as I trudged up my family's shrine steps. You would think that after living at this shrine all my life, and being in the track & field team, that I would be used to climbing these stairs. Well, that's just bull. Why? Because when everything is going wrong, climbing the shrine's steps is equal to climbing Mount Everest in the middle of a freaken blizzard with absolutely no oxygen. `Urgh… Today seriously blows!!!'

 

So here I am, dragging myself up the two-hundred-fifty steps, which takes you up to the main level of the shrine's grounds. I remember that at one time, Kikyo and I used to race up these very steps. In those times, Kikyo and I used to get along, and she used to win those races but then when we became teenagers, she started to say, “Racing up steps is childish and I will never be caught doing something so childish.” If you ask me, trying to act older than one's age is childish. Considering how she acts at times, she can still be considered as child, but you never want to tell her that to her face. If you do, she'll go oni on you. And believe me, that isn't something you want to be spectator too.

 

Anyways, as I reached the `summit' I took a minute to breathe in the fresh air. It's definitely an advantage living 489.9 ft. above everyone else. Not to mention, because of all the land that makes up Bannen Shrine, we pretty much live in our own forest, and as a result, the air is much cleaner here than is in the city parks, and much quieter to. You would never suspect that only approximately thirty meters away was a thriving and industrious metropolis. The only thing better than this, is living in the mountains of Japan away from the city.

 

After a couple of minutes, I continued on my way to my family's house. Just a little history: My family has been living at Bannen Shrine for over four hundred years. That should make it around sixteen or so generations. It's been passed down from parent to eldest child since our family first became the Shrine's keepers. Through everything that has happened to Japan, all the revolutions, wars, and politic upheavals, my family has managed to retain stewardship of this Shrine. Oh yeah, and another thing, pretty much every single new generation in my family has been born on these very same grounds. Kind of freaky, is it not? We are definitely tied to this land, in more ways than one.

 

Well anyways…

 

As I reached home, I slowly opened the door and voiced, “Tadaima kaerimashita!” as I began to take my shoes off. I really wasn't expecting anyone to respond, but I was surprised when I heard my grandfather's reply of, “O-kaeri-nasai, Kagome-chan.” Well, I really shouldn't have been surprised with Ojii-chan replying. He does run the shrine after all.

 

Anyways… As I made my way to my room, Ojii-chan stepped into the living room and asked, “How was your day, dear?” Needless to say, this ruined whatever possibilities of a few minutes of peace for me. All day I have been trying to forget about what has happened and here, my Ojii-chan inadvertently asks me a question, which brings all my pain and troubles to the forefront. Deciding that there was no way in hell that I was going to tell Ojii-chan about Kikyo and InuYasha, I did the one thing, which would guarantee that my Ojii-chan wouldn't hassle me.

 

I stretched the truth.

 

Putting on a smile, `Onegai Kami-sama, don't hold this against me. I love Ojii-chan to much to shatter his view on Kikyo. Plus, this is something between me and Kikyo.' “Well, it started off like any other day. I was almost late to school but I managed to get there just on time. Yamashita-sensei lectured us for some time. Now I have to prepare for next week's killer exam. From there, a couple of unexpected things happened. Nothing that I can't handle once I gather my thoughts. Aside from that, things are normal.” `Onegai… let that be enough for him, Kami-sama'

 

Apparently that was good enough for him, because he gave me a gentle smile and said in his loving voice, “I'm glad to hear that, dear. I know that you will be able to deal with whatever is happening. Speaking about handling things, how are things going at the boutique?” he curiously asked. Ojii-chan always did like the fact that my father started his flower and chocolate shop as a result of his love for my mother. What can I say? He's a hopeless romantic, thanks to all those sappy soap's he watches whenever he isn't working at the shrine.

 

Finally, a topic I have absolutely no problem talking about. Giving him a genuine smile, I turned to him once again and said in a cheerful voice, “Things are going great, Ojii-chan. Business is steady. The inventory is great, and I can't wait to get to the boutique.”

 

Bestowing me with another of his warm smiles, he warmly shook his head as he said, “I'm happy to hear that, Kagome-chan. You my dear girl, remind me so much of your Otou-san. He loved going to work at the boutique, and do you know why?” he asked me.

 

“Iie, Ojii-chan,” I answered as I looked him directly in his warm chocolate eyes. `Now that I think about it, I have never once bothered to think of why Chichiue loved working at the boutique so much. I know he built it because of his love for flowers but what was his reason for working at the boutique?'

 

Clasping is arms behind his back, Ojii-chan eyes took on this faraway look. “Your Otou-san built `Sweet Delight's Boutique' not just because of his love for flowers, demo also because of the fact that because of flowers, he and your Okaa-san first met.

 

`You see, Kagome-chan, your parents first met at Koishikawa Botanical Gardens. They had each gone to the Botanical Gardens to relax. They met each other in a patch of forget-me-nots. This particular flower happened to be both their favorite flower. They started a conversation and things went from their. At the end of the day, your Otou-san handed Izanami a single forget-me-not. When she returned to the shrine, I noticed that she had this look in her eyes. Do you know what look I am speaking about?”

 

“How would I know Ojii-chan? I wasn't even born, much less there,” I answered. Like I mention to you before, my Ojii-chan is quite the character. Well, you can blame it on him age. Anyways…

 

Rolling his eyes, he mumbled something along the lines of `youths these days. Never paying attention to the things going on around them.' `I have to agree and disagree with you on that one, Ojii-chan.' “It was the look which only a person who is truly in love can have. I knew at that moment that your Okaa-san had fallen in love.”

 

“OK, Ojii-chan, demo what does this have to do with my Chichiue's love of working at the boutique?” I questioned him. I know that it was kind of rude, but… I still had to shower, change and get to Chichiue's boutique.

 

“Patience, child,” he said as he grumbled about the impatience of today's youth. “One day, months later, your Okaa-san was heading to the 109 with a few of her friends, when one of her friends decided to stop at the newest little flower shop which had just opened. You see, they had heard a rumor that the owner of the shop was a handsome young man who had built the shop in memory of someone he loved. Well, being the young females that they were, they couldn't resist entering and finding out if the rumor was true. When they entered the flower shop, she was surprised at the variety of flowers, which the small shop contained. Not to mention, the wonderful smell of so many chocolate confections. She and her friends spent a good while looking over the flower shop. When they were about to leave, she noticed that at the back of the shop there was a rather large collection of forget-me-not arrangements. Of course, she was drown to the flowers and she made her way to the forget-me-nots. When she reached the back of the shop, she discovered that there was a young man working on an arrangement. She was surprised when the young man turned around. It was the same young man she had spoken with all those months ago at Koishikawa Botanical Gardens. Yukio Higurashi. The young man who would eventually become her fiancé and your Otou-san, Kagome-chan.”

 

Intrigued with what I was hearing, I couldn't help but feel antsy when Ojii-chan decided to take his time telling the rest of the story. Impatiently, I asked father to continue. I really do want to hear the way Chichiue and Hahaue met, demo… I still have to shower, change and get to the boutique, remember?

 

Giving her another shake of his head, he continued recounting her parents encounter. “They were both surprised to see each other after so many months of never running into each other. When your Okaa-san's friends noticed that she was speaking to a handsome young man, they went up to them and started to ask the poor guy some questions. Obviously, their first question was if the rumor was true. Your Okaa-san was so mortified at her friend's informality. She was surprised when the man took everything in stride. But the were even more surprised when they discovered that your mother and this young man had already met. Could you picture in your mind the faces they made when they received the answer to their question?” he said amusedly. When he saw me shake my head, he couldn't help but laugh at the memory. “Well, let me tell you. When Yukio-chan informed him that the rumor was true, they plagued him for details. When he complied, your Okaa-san remembered that he had turned to her, and looked straight into her eyes, when he told them that he built the boutique in memory of the one female who made him fall in love with a single glance. And who ensured that she would never be forgotten when she accepted his forget-me-not,” he reiterated with a loving looking in his aged eyes. You see, it wasn't just love at first sight for my parents, but also for my Chichiue and Ojii-chan.

 

Let me explain. When Hahaue first went out with Chichiue, Chichiue insisted on meeting with Ojii-chan. He was a very traditional man. He followed the rules to the `T' and needless to say, Ojii-chan really approved of this. Then there is the fact that they had plenty of things in common; mix those two together, with their common love for my Hahaue and there you get it. The peaceful and loving understanding between a young man and his future Gifu.

 

“And the rest is history, as they all say,” Ojii-chan finished off. “Well, I can tell that I have been keeping you from what you have to do. So, run along and take care of what you need to do,” he instructed as he turned and headed out into the backyard.

 

Not being able to resist shaking my head at his actions, I headed for my room. `Silly Ojii-chan. You know very well, that if you wanted to continue talking, I would have stayed. I would just have had to run even faster to the car, drive even faster to the boutique, and pay Akako-chan, Yuriko-chan, Shaiming-kun, Moon-chan, Sun-kun and Tamika-chan overtime for the extra time they had to stay in order to cover for me, even though I do run the boutique.'

 

Quickly getting my black Knitworks Screenprint Argyle Top, my slate green Embroidered Canvas Pants, my undergarments, a pair of white socks, and my Converse Chuck Taylor All Stars shoes, I was off to the bathroom. After quickly showering and getting into my clothes, I took a couple of minutes to comb my hair and put it up in a ponytail. Kami-sama knows that I don't need to be fighting with my hair as I am dealing with customers. Once I was finished, I dashed to get my backpack, put on my shoes and ran towards my car. Quickly jumping into my 2001 Mitsubishi Spyder Eclipse convertible (silver by the way), I raced onto the freeway and made by way to Bunkamura Dori in Shibuya.

 

 

Sweet Delight's Boutique

Bunkamura Dori, Shibuya, Tokyo, Japan

Same Day

 

“Konnichiwa, Oyabun!” everyone greeted cheerfully when they saw me enter the boutique. `Urgh… I seriously dislike it when they call me that. You would think that after so many times of telling me not to call me that, to call me Kagome, they would get it. Guess not…' I just rolled my eyes and entered the boutique. There really isn't a point of saying anything. They always call me `boss' when we are at the boutique, or even at school at times. You have no idea how it feels to be one of the few students who runs their own business. Your business my be small or big, and/or may belong to yourself or your families, demo… when you are have jealous schoolmates giving you ugly looks because you run a business, well… you really don't want to be reminded of that fact by your classmates/employees calling you boss.

 

“Konnichiwa minna. How have things been going?” I asked them as I made my way to my backroom office.

 

Akako, being one of the ever most talkative of all my friends, quickly followed me and updated me in her ever-happy melodious voice, “Massaki ni, there are new orders which have to be filled out by Sunday, July 24. The arrangements are for Nishi-sama's birthday. All the details are on your desk. Dai-ni ni, this month's…”

 

“Nani!!! Nishi-sama…? Did I hear you correctly?” was my stupefied question. `Nishi-sama…? The Nishi-sama…? Owner of Nishi Inc.? …Has placed an order with Sweet Delight's Boutique? How could this have happened? They know of us? Am I complaining? I better not be complaining. This is good. This better than good. This is GREAT!!! Unbelievably excited about this bit of news, I could contain the need to hug something. Luck Rin. Grabbing hold of a very surprised Rin, I started to jump up and down. This is truly a great moment. Like I stated before, Sweet Delight's Boutique is a very profitable business, demo… just like any other business, getting notoriety from powerful people is always a moment to celebrate.

 

Akako, laughing at my behavior no doubt, decided that it was time to calm me down. “Hai, Oyabun. `The' Nishi-sama has placed an order with Sweet Delight's Boutique. And just to let you know, it's a big. So… you better get started,” she matter-of-factly stated although I do believe that that was hard for her to pull of considering that Akako isn't the type of person who is serious. You have a better time looking for incoming asteroids than having Akako act serious.

 

Interrupting her once again, I for once found myself behaving like Akako. I just couldn't help but ask her the questions which were rushing through my head. “That's great, Akako-chan. Demo… How did Nishi-sama hear of us? I've never heard from my father or from the others of a single time in which Nishi-sama has ever employed our services. So, how is it that they know us?”

 

I guess she was overwhelmed with the fact that I was behaving like her because she tried to calm me down, all the while answering my questions. “Kagome-chan, calm down. It's easy. Nishi-sama called earlier informing us that she wanted our services because she had seen a couple of our arrangements that were displayed at Boudoir. You know which ones I'm talking about. The special arrangements that Alexander-sama requested. Well, turns out that she really liked them and had personally asked Alexander-sama where she got such lovely arrangements. When she found out, she called us immediately. As did Alexander-sama. She let us know that YOU are to go to her salon and meet with her ASAP. I don't know for sure, demo I think that you should call her right away.”

 

Blown away with what was said to me, I stood around like a mannequin. `OK Kagome. Breathe in… Breathe out… Breathe in… Breathe out…' “She wants me to meet with her?! Why didn't you call me on my cell and tell me, Akako-chan? I could have been with her at this very minute,” I said as I quickly searched my bag pack for my cell.

 

“It's OK Kagome-chan. She told me to inform you that she wouldn't be able to meet with you until six this evening. You still have time to call her though and see exactly when you are to meet with her. Anyways, as I was telling you earlier. You also have to place orders for all the inventory you will be needing in order to fill Nishi-sama request. She was very specific about the variety of flowers she wanted, demo that the arrangements would be all up to you. That was the second thing which I had to tell you. Now… Daisan ni, your Okaa-san called. She wanted me to tell you that she isn't going to be able to make it for dinner so you shouldn't wait for her.”

 

“Did she tell you why she wasn't going to make it, Akako-chan?” I wasn't surprised with this bit of news. Hahaue's life as a doctor has always meant that she was not always going to be able to make it for dinner.

 

“She said that one of the physicians was sick and that she was the only one on call, so she had to stay.”

 

“Arigatou Akako-chan. I don't know how I got along without you. Since you have been working here, you have been a big help. Especially on the phone. Once again arigatou,” I told her as humbly as I felt. True, she has been a big help.

 

Gracing me with one of her infectious sincere smiles, she replied, “Mondai nai desu, Kagome-chan. It's my pleasure. Now if you will excuse me, I have to punch out. My Ani should be picking me up soon. So… Mata ashita,” she said as she made her way to the employees' lounge. A few minutes later, she was out the door followed by the rest of the staff a few minutes later.

 

Since there was no one in the boutique, and remembering what Akako said, I picked up the phone and dialed Alexander-sama's number. Of course, her secretary answered. She informed me that the earliest Alexander-sama would be able to see me at was at six-forty-five this evening. I confirmed the time with her and moved on to the detail's of Nishi-sama's order. `Let's see. I'll need to order two dozen large baskets as well as another two dozen medium baskets. Navy blue, purple, amber, white, silver, and baby blue silk ribbons with Nishi-sama's monogram and family crest. I'll definitely need to personally speak with Nishi-sama in order to obtain their crest. I'll call her right after I run through this list. The same colors in cellophane wrap, and… I definitely need to speak with Ryouken-san. Ummm, what else am I going to need to get. Nishi-sama is specific about using about there needing to be at least a single shoot of bamboo. I'll also have to check was width she will like them.' Taking a deep breath, I looked at the time. 3:15 PM. “It shouldn't be long before Rin-chan and the rest of the staff is here,” I told myself as I once again picked up the phone. I was about to dial Ryouken-san when I heard the door opening. Standing, I headed towards the front of the boutique to welcome whoever had entered.

 

“Irasshaimase. How may I help you?” I cordially asked and bowed upon reaching the new comer. I noticed that she was a lovely woman. Tall, statuesque, and fair-skinned. I also noticed that she was dressed very elegantly.

 

“Iie. Chotto, mite iru dake desu,” she responded in what had to be the most beautiful deep yet tuneful voice I have ever heard on a female in my whole life, and that includes singers.

 

“As you wish. Call me if you need anything, Madame,” I said as I bowed and turned, heading towards my office was again.

 

“Arigatou,” she replied.

 

Once I was in my office, I picked up the phone and dialed Ryouken-san. After the second ring, Ryouken-san's familiar bass voice could be heard over the phone. “Moshi-moshi. Ryouken Fabrics. How can I help you?”

 

“Moshi-moshi, Ryouken-san. This is Higurashi Kagome,” I said happily over the receiver.

 

“Oh Higurashi-san. How may I help you?” FYI: When doing business, Ryouken-san addresses me by my family name, outside of business, it's Kagome-chan.

 

“I'm calling to place an order for some supplies which I will be needing ASAP. I have a big order and I have until Sunday to fill it. I was wondering if you could prepare the items which I will need?” Just a few things: my family has known the Ryouken family for quite a while. Before they started their fabric shop, Ryouken-san was a senior detective with Tokyo's Police Department for fifteen years. Ryouken-san decided that he needed something less dangerous considering that he had been in a couple of near misses. He still had to make a living for his family and so he decided to start his own business. Turns out that one day my Chichiue and Ryouken-san had been spending the day together you know the one, Boy's Night Out, when Chichiue received a major order. He was going crazy when the order asked for specific fabrics to be used in the arrangements. And there you have it. Ryouken-san asked Chichiue if he needed a partner, in supplying the fabrics, Chichiue said yes, and a couple of months latter, the Ryouken family became part of our business. Since then, we have always worked along side them. And since Chichiue past on, Ryouken-san has been like a father for me, but most of all, for Souta. Moving on.

 

“Sure. So what will you be needing, Higurashi-san?” he asked me in his most professional voice.

 

Picking up the list from my desk, I informed him on the materials which I would need.

 

“…We have all those materials in stock. I'll get Kohaku and Sango started on filling the order,” he said. After confirming the order, he invited me to his fabric shop to look at some of the new fabrics that he recently received from Europe. What can I say? With the success of the floral shop, the fabric shop also received major exposure, considering they are the only fabric suppliers over our boutique. With that said and done, we hung up.

 

“Sumimasen ga,” interrupted the customer. I was going over the boutiques records, calculating the numbers when I looked up and saw the elegant woman from earlier.

 

“Hai,” I asked as I stood and moved to the main part of the boutique. “How may I help you, Madame?” I noticed that the second staff still hadn't arrived. `Dang it, you guys. Hurry up'

 

“I was looking at the beautiful arrangements when my attention was distracted by the amazing assortment chocolate confection you have. I was wondering, are they freshly made?”

 

“Yes, Madame. Everyday, new batches of chocolate delights are produced by our bakers,” I readily informed her.

 

“How wonderful. I also noticed that you make gift arrangements. Tell me, do you make custom gift baskets?”

 

“Usually, the customers choose something which the boutique already offers. Yet we have at times, depending on the customer, made custom gift baskets.” `I wonder what she is thinking. She sure has asked plenty of questions. Pretty much every customer just asks for specific colors, or for the size of the baskets and arrangements. Never these types of questions' “Is there something in particular that you are looking for, Madame, which you haven't found here?” I asked. It was only polite to inquire, just in case she was thinking along those lines.

 

“Well… No. I just wanted to know if you would be able to incorporate a few things along with the gift basket. You know, for a personal touch,” she stated. Is it just me or was that a slight blush.

 

Smiling, I looked straight into her slate-amethyst eyes. “Yes. On the few occasions in which some our recurrent patrons have ordered, we have incorporated specific items into their gift baskets.”

 

Obviously pleased with what she heard, this lovely female broke into such a beautiful smile that I felt as I was seeing an angel. SERIOUSLY, she was that beautiful. “Oh how wonderful. I would like to commission a number of gift baskets please.”

 

“Sure. As you like, Madame.”

 

“Oh totsuzen desu ga, jiko shoukai sasete kudasai?”

 

“Yes.”

 

“Watakushi wa namae wa Nishi Izayoi desu.”

 

`Did I… just… hear right?' came my surprised thought. `Nishi…?'

 

Giving me a sympathetic quizzical look, she asked, “And you are?”

 

`BAKA, Kagome!!! This is no time to zone out. So… what if Nishi-sama was standing in your boutique? She is a customer. You can't act like one of those star-crazy, mindless idiots!' I reprimanded myself as I gave myself a mental shake. “Sumimasen. My name is Higurashi Kagome, Nishi-sama,” I imparted as I gave her a deep bow, both as an apology and as befits her station.

 

Chuckling, Nishi-sama placed her hand on my shoulder and said, in an understanding voice, “It's OK, Higurashi-san. It was my fault. I should have introduced myself upon entering.”

 

Blushing in embarrassment, I straightened myself and gave her an apprehensive smile. “Iie, Nishi-sama. I should have known who you were as soon as you entered. It was my fault.” Kami-sama can this day get any more crazy.

 

“Earlier today, I spoke with a dear friend of mine. I believe that you know her Alexander-san, do you not?”

 

“Hai. She is one of our frequent patrons.”

 

“Yes. I notice that when she invited me to her home for brunch. Her entire house is decorated with your beautiful arrangements. When she informed me on your boutique's quality work, I made a special order. I believe that one of your employees wrote what I wanted.” At the nod of my head she continued. “I do not doubt your talents. It's more than obvious that Alexander-san prefers your arrangements, to any one else's. I decided to come to Sweet Delight's when Alexander-san enlightened me about the fact that you also arrange gift baskets. Though, I must say that I am a bit disappointed at the fact that she forgot to mention that you also make chocolate treats, knowing very well that I enjoy chocolate very much.” I couldn't help but laugh. She is not only beautiful but also charming.

 

“I know what you mean, Nishi-sama. Chocolate is one of two weaknesses that I have.”

 

Smiling, she continued, “As I mentioned, I came over to view your gift baskets, yet now that I have seen such wonderful chocolate confections, I would like to try some for myself if that is possible.” `Is it just me, or was that a hopeful twinkle in her eyes?'

 

Walking behind the chocolate counter display, I slide the Plexiglas sliding door over, look up, and ask with a smile, “Which would you like to try first, Nishi-sama?”

 

 

One Hour Later

 

While I had personally attended to Nishi-sama, the rest of the boutique's second shift staff, which consisted of Kyoshi-kun, Kwan-kun, Min-chan and Karma-chan, currently missing one Rin-chan, arrived and took care of the newest arriving clients.

 

“Domo arigatou gozaimasu Higurashi-san. I will be calling upon you again if there are any changes. Once again, arigatou for everything, especially for the wonderful chocolates,” said Nishi-sama joyfully as she gathered the box of assorted chocolates that she had chosen as her preferred favorite.

 

Humbled by her positive comment, I bowed deeply at her praise. “Iie, thank you for coming. I will make sure that my staff and I prepare your arrangements and gifts as you wish. Once again, arigatou gozaimashita and please, feel free to come whenever you wish.” Personally seeing her off, I waved to her as she was helped into what was obviously her town car.

 

`I can't believe it. Nishi-sama personally came to Sweet Delight's Boutique. OMG!!! OMG! What the hell am I doing? I'm acting as if no one special has come here before! Sweet Delight's has had a plethora of high standing patrons. Yeah… Demo, none of them are NISHI-sama. Damn it Kagome! Get over it! Nishi-sama is NOW one of your customers and if you want to keep her as a customer you better get over this and fill the damn order!' I heatedly thought to myself. Seriously, you would think that after being the owner and operator of Sweet Delight's Boutique and having just a directory of powerful patrons, I wouldn't be so worked up by Nishi-sama's arrival. Considering our success with Alexander-sama and many great companies, hotels, and personal homes, this would be the same. Guess not…

 

 

Vocabulary:

Ane - older sister

Baka - Idiot

Sensei -- Literally: "Teacher" Usage: (last name) + sensei; Respect: High, used to address someone who is a teacher, has something to do with educating others as an occupation or an instructor in sports, martial arts, etc.

San - Literally: "Mr." / "Ms." / "Miss" Usage: (last name) + san / (first name) + san; Respect: High. Used for people you don't know too well, or for people that you know who are quite a bit older than you. Also used by teacher's when addressing students.

Hai - Yes

Warui - evil

Rezu - Dyke or Lesbian (which ever you prefer d^__^b)

Daijoubu desu - OK

Kuso - Shit, Damn, Fuck (whichever one you wish to pick d^__^b)

Arigatou - Thank you

Bannen - It means both Twilight and Sunset.

Oni - Demon

Tadaima kaerimashita - I have just now arrived; lit. Just now. Formal and full form; said upon entering the home after being gone all day or for longer than a brief stroll.

O-kaeri-nasai - Welcome home; lit. Please return. This is said by the person who stayed home to the one who had just come back

Ojii-chan - Grandfather with the honorific O

Onegai - Please

Chichiue - Father; respectful but less formal than Otou-sama or Otou-san

Okaa-san - Mother; respectful and with the honorific O

Hahaue - Mother; respectful but less formal than Okaa-san

Gifu - Father-in-law

Akako - Red

Yuriko - Japanese: “Lily Child” or “Village of Birth”

Shaiming - Chinese: “Sunshine”

Moon - Korean: “Letters”

Sun - Korean: “Goodness”; Chinese: “Bending” or “Decreasing”

Tamika - Japanese: “People”

Oyabun - Boss

Massaki ni - First of all…

Dai-ni ni - Secondly…

Sama - Master or Esquire; Respect: Very High; used when addressing someone of higher status, like an owner of a large corporation, royalty, basically anyone who isn't just anyone.

Daisan ni - Thirdly

Arigatou - Thank you; polite

Mondai nai desu - No problem / It's no problem

Ani - Older Brother. OK, there are a few ways to say `older brother' depending on the level of respect you want to give. First, Onii-sama (san or chan), highest form of respect; Nii-chan is endearing; Ani is used when referring your older brother to some one else; Aniki is used when addressing your older bother and is like calling him `Big Bro'

Mata ashita - See you tomorrow

Ryouken - Hunter

Rin - Sorry guys. I don't know the meaning of Rin's name

Irasshaimase - Welcome

Iie. Chotto, mite iru dake desu - No. I'm just looking, thank you

Totsuzen desu ga, jiko shoukai sasete kudasai- Pardon me, may I introduce myself.

Watakushi wa namae wa (insert name) desu - My name is …

Arigatou gozaimashita - Thank you; a clerk from a story would say `thank you' in this form

Kyoshi - Japanese: “Quiet”

Kwan - Korean: “Strong”

Min - Korean: “Cleverness”

Karma - Tibetan/Sherpa: “A Star”

Rin - Sorry people but I don't know the meaning for Rin's name