Four Hundred And Thirty-Nine
I found myself smiling at the organised chaos of the morning. Despite our midnight feast, which had been a rather amusing affair, Eri having still been up and also having been rather jealous of being missed out of the fun, only Shiro and Hinata managing to console her by pointing out we would have ample time for as much fun as she wanted now she was healed, breakfast was being prepared, and my mom and sis were here, fussing over everyone.
“You didn’t have to come, mom. We have our own house now.” My sis said, helping with breakfast, which was unusual for her.
“Oh really, Ai dear? Couldn’t the same be said about you?” My mom said gently with a smile. Breakfast was a combination of Japanese and Western, and smelt good. Shiro was sitting there eagerly, wearing her usual white jeans and t-shirt, legs crossed, and as mom put bowls of rice, miso soup, toast and bacon in front of her, she smiled cheerfully.
“Thanks mother. I appreciate it.”
My mother actually squealed in delight at that. Wow, I thought that was something that never happened in reality. My sis must have thought the same thing, as she rolled her eyes, embarrassed. “Seriously, mom…” she began, but mom wasn’t listening, of course. Yeah, Aiko is definitely mom’s daughter, no question…
“It sounds so good, a beauty such as you calling me mother. I like you!” Mom said cheerfully, before frowning. “So… your own parents?” she said, surprisingly perceptive as usual.
Shiro shrugged, reaching for her chopsticks. “I’d rather have you. And not just because you’re Aki’s mother. Mine are… well, put it this way. You’ve seen me on TV, right?”
My mom nodded. “Oh yes, seeing you with Hyacinth, Shaeula and Aki on TV was something special. I just knew you were one of Aki’s girls then. Such a beauty, I’ve never seen someone so gorgeous. When I met you here for the first time I was stunned.”
“Hurting my feelings here, mom…” my sis pouted, while Shaeula, who had also come down, having returned from the Springs, our business safely concluded, let out an amused chuckle, winking at me and patting her chest. Yeah, yeah. You’re beautiful too, Shaeula.
“My parents haven’t been in touch since. Not that I expected them to. They’ve pretty much washed their hands of me.” Shiro said, a touch gloomy, before she shrugged again. “Not that it matters. I have Aki now, so screw them.” Her smile then turned more genuine. “As for beauties, I’m hardly alone in that, am I?”
“Yes, you’re right, Tsukiko-chan, wasn’t it? Wait, that doesn’t matter. I mean, it does…” my mom said, a bit flustered. “…but why would your parents ignore you? I mean, you’re famous, even if there aren’t many details about you out there. You’re one of the heroes of Britain!”
“Calm down mom.” I said. “Shiro… the situation is complicated.”
“Thanks Aki. But it’s not complicated at all. It’s simple. My parents are just selfish and shit. I was born with a very weak body.” She touched her silver hair. “Apparently I was a throwback to when powers like Aki and others have now existed, so without the ether density required to sustain me, I was painfully fragile. It’s a miracle I lived long enough to see this day. The amount of money it was costing for my useless treatments and tests… my parents resented that. In the end they let me go off to University, one last experience before I died and they were finally rid of me.” Seeing the pitying look on my mom’s face, she smiled, and this time it was genuine. “But relax, mother. Thanks to Aki and someone else, I’m healthy again, so you don’t have to worry about me dying off before the wedding. Now all I worry about is that my parents come looking for me for money. Selfish. So yes… I’m happy enough to have Aki’s parents as my own.”
Mom looked at her, eyes shining with faint tears, before she nodded, giving her an extra serving of bacon. “I see. If you need anything, don’t hesitate to ask your mom, all right?”
Yeah, mom’s a sucker for sad stories and cute girls. Shiro was always going to hit it off with her, despite being worried. I then rolled my eyes as mom’s thoughts caught up with her. “That reminds me, just where is Tsukiko-chan? Isn’t she awake yet? You didn’t do anything to upset her, did you?” She pelted me with rapid-fire questions, worried.
“If I know my bro, he probably perved on her.” My sis said dryly. “I don’t think she’d have minded though.”
Hyacinth was also cooking, and soon the table was set for the large number of girls we had in the house, as well as my mom and sister. It was then that Hinata sauntered in, freshly dressed in casual clothes, which wasn’t a usual sight for me. Meeting my eyes, she smiled beautifully, before strolling over to the table.
“Good morning Aiko-chan, mother-in-law. Motoko, Natsumi, Daiyu and Tsukiko are in the dojo, they’ll be here soon. Can you hold off on their food for a few minutes?”
“Of course I can, Hinata-chan.” My mom said, before narrowing her eyes. “You seem awfully different this morning, dear. More… mature. Did Aki…?”
Hinata nodded proudly. “He did, we did. A number of times.” She giggled. “I’m now the same as everyone else. Oh, except for Kana I guess.” She winked at Kana as she sat in one corner, a troubled expression on her face as she picked at her breakfast.
“Tsukiko didn’t…” Kana protested, before flushing, realising that wasn’t the point. “Oh whatever, I’m taking it slow, someone has to!” She looked at me, her expression softening. “I’m heading back to the shrine later to pick up Asha, she stayed to be with her Tree. I’ll bring her back for the watch party, as well as a few others. It’s your big day after all.”
“Yes, I have invited Ichika as well-well, it has been too long. Karen too.” Shaeula grinned. “There may also be a special guest or two-two, but we shall see.”
“Yeah, Hayato and the gang will be coming. And…” Shiro turned to the interloper in the room, who was stuffing her face.
“Idol activities use a lot of energy. I’m not one of those who starve themselves, boss!” the blonde foreigner Suzu-san smiled as she ate, missing the point. “I’ll more than work the calories off and keep my perfectly trim figure!”
I suppose she’s living in one of the spare houses now, but that doesn’t explain…
“That’s not my question. Why are you here Suzu?” Shiro was thinking the same thing as me.
“Why not?” my mom laughed. “She’s cute as a button. I like her!”
“No way, Suzu isn’t Aki’s type.” Shiro insisted, and as Suzu-san protested she was a chaste idol and couldn’t date, Eri came over, passing me a mug of tea, looking me up and down admiringly.
“You look very good in that suit, Akio.” she said. “But is it the right look? Your hair is a bit messy, shall I style it?”
I shook my head, taking a sip of the hot tea. “No, Arisu-san said they’ll do my styling and even makeup… who knew guys had makeup for TV too, huh? She said just to wear a suit suitable for meeting some bigshots or nobles. So I am. How was last night?”
Eri sighed. “Mother and father drank way too much to celebrate. Father-in-law and our grandparents too. The only reason Mother-in-law Emily is here now is she held off. But they’ll be watching. Of course they wouldn’t miss it.
“It’s going to be lively.” Kana said, coming over as well. “But when it’s done, your schedule is empty for a while, right?”
“I’m glad someone’s is.” Shiro complained. “I have to go back with Kana here to pick up Asha as I need to buff the Tree again. A buffbot’s life is never easy. I suppose at least the ether generated is worth it. Tan’s still shocked at how rapidly you are pushing for Rank four.”
“I think in all the excitement of the morning we’ve got a little distracted.” My mom laughed, looking at Hinata again. “So, you and Aki, you did it together?”
“Yes, we made love.” Hinata said proudly.
“Damn bro, way to be a cradle snatcher. I mean, yeah it’s legal, but it still feels a bit… oh well, younger sisters are good too I guess!” My sis babbled nonsense as usual.
“I am rather offended.” Daiyu said, coming in, followed by Motoko, Natsumi and Tsukiko. Motoko and Natsumi were in their hakama, with hair damp from a shower after their morning training, while Daiyu was in her Chinese robes, and Tsukiko in casual clothing. As our eyes met, Tsukiko touched her mouth, blushing, which made Kana blush too.
“After all, we are not dissimilar in age, are we?” Daiyu sat down, and my sis shrugged.
“Yeah, but you feel older, Daiyu.”
“Are you saying I resemble a child?” Hinata sniffed, and my sis protested her innocence.
“I didn’t mean it like that. But you have to admit, you have that youthful energy and attitude. Anyway… congratulations. Not that my bro ever would, but there’s no way he can ditch you now, or your rich family will try and crush him, right?”
“You got it.” Hinata giggled. “But I trust him completely. I can tell how into me he is.”
The dining room was bustling now, the size of the mansion necessary for serving a family of our scale. As everyone sat down, Motoko and Natsumi also offering their help to mom but being told to relax, mom took bowls over to Tsukiko with a warm smile. “Here’s our other super beauty. Do you want tea or orange juice, Tsukiko-chan?”
Tsukiko thanked her and took tea, but seemed a little uncomfortable being called Tsukiko-chan. “I am a little old to be called with such honorifics.”
“Oh don’t say that, Tsukiko-chan, a young girl like you…” my mom began, but at our strained looks, mom leaned in and asked how old she was. Tsukiko looked at me then, biting her lip, and for a moment I thought she looked just like any other girl, which meant that she was changing, which was a good thing. Mind made up, she leaned in and whispered in my mom’s ears, very careful to prevent my excellent hearing picking up on it. My mom’s eyes widened, before she looked Tsukiko up and down in surprise. “Really? I’m shocked. You look amazing. Your children are going to have good genes.” Mom looked at me, eyes sparkling. “I guess it’s good to have an older woman take care of you too, Aki!” She gave me a thumbs up, and my sis groaned, embarrassed, and I knew just how she felt.
“I fear I am usually the one being taken care of. I do not exactly understand what it is to be a woman in a relationship.” Tsukiko touched her mouth idly again, face slightly reddening. “But I shall endeavour to learn. I certainly desire to be a normal woman, as much as I can be.”
“Then I’ll help you, Tsukiko!” Mom dropped the honorifics entirely, which was a bit rude, but then she was a bit of a force of nature, and had a very British perspective on things. “If you want to ask me anything, I’ll be more than happy to help. Oh, and about your parents…” she remembered suddenly that supposedly the Diviner had been dead. Mom didn’t quite get it. My sis did though, she understands Kin Bonding more, and kept abreast of Conclave and the aftermath, due to her Favour and where it came from.
“I will likely meet them soon. I have no anger or disdain towards them, but… it will be a difficult matter, to change our relationship that has endured for many years.”
“Not too many.” Mom corrected. “You’re as old as you look and feel, Tsukiko, and you look great. My son’s truly a lucky dog. I guess I raised him right?” She puffed out her chest proudly, and while my sis and I sighed, Suzu-san laughed, saying she was looking forward to living here. You don’t live here, you have your own house!
“I will seek your counsel when the time comes. Though I would ask you to accompany me.” Tsukiko asked me, and I agreed with a smile.
“Of course. I’ve got to do the decent thing and ask your parents for you.” I looked at Shiro then. “Yours too. We’ll finish it properly, just like we discussed before.”
“That’s my Aki, a real ladies man!” mom gushed, and I decided to change the subject, as my phone had just pinged.
“It’s Arisu-san. I have to get going soon, we have to go over our questions so we’re prepared before the interview.”
“Yeah, upsetting Arisu is low on the list of things I’d advise anyone does.” Shiro snorted. “So best hurry off. At least the studio isn’t far, right?”
“Yes, grandfather has a car ready.” Hinata agreed. “For us… there’s things to do before Akio’s on TV, right?”
As I was leaving, Kana and Eri came over, Eri reminding me that now things were calming down I owed her that holiday, and Kana demanded a date, after the events of last night.
“Sure thing, I haven’t forgotten Eri. As for you, Kana… yeah, you’re right. I’ll think of something. In fact…” I leaned in and suggested a plan, and her smile was bright, banishing the gloom she had been feeling.
“Yeah, that’s great. That would be perfect in fact. So good luck out there, but I’m sure you’ll do fine. It’s not the first time you’ve been on TV.” She laughed.
“True, and this should be easy in comparison. Arisu-san has everything in hand…” With that I said my farewells to everyone, having to kiss a lot of girls, even Kana now kissing me deeply on the lips, unwilling to be the only one having a chaste kiss. As my mother watched, bright-eyed, and my sis snickered, enjoying the embarrassment I felt at my family observing our intimacy, I considered the meeting with Arisu-san. Yeah, if I show her up she’ll be angry, and I owe her too much to upset her anyway. So… I pumped my fist. Let’s go out there and rock this…
*********
After reaching the TV station, I was greeted by several obsequious staffers, who quickly rushed me into a dressing room for preparation. They approved of my suit, and one made mention of my nice watch, but the cufflinks, shirt and tie were all swapped out. They styled my hair and applied light makeup, saying that under the camera lights it was necessary or I’d look pale. When I met their approval I looked in the mirror, and I did look better. Snapping a selfie I sent it to the girls and my sis, and mom too, despite my better judgement, and soon I was in a plush waiting room, where I met Arisu-san. Wow. That sure is something. I channelled my sister in my thoughts as I saw Arisu-san, dressed and made up impeccably.
“Hey, you can tell you’re a movie star, you look perfect!” I approved, giving her a thumbs up. Indeed, she was standing tall with impeccable posture, unwilling to sit yet as it might crease her dress, which was a deep wine-red, bordering on purple, with a low-cut front, showing off her bodyline. She wore matching heels, making her already decent height for a woman more striking, and pretty gold and ruby jewellery sparked on her fingers and around her throat, and she wore a red and white flower ornament in her long dark hair.
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Arisu-san frowned. “There is no need to flatter me. I am a professional, or I was. I of course know how to look good. That is fundamental. Besides…” she pursed her lips which were painted a vivid dark red, also shading to plum. “…you get no benefit for flattering me. Save it for White and the others who would welcome it.” She paused, frowning. “I hope Suzanne-san is not causing problems?”
“Other than dropping in for breakfast unannounced? No, she’s fine.” I promised. “As for flattery, you should know by now I’m an honest man. Besides, I don’t need anything from you, just expressing my admiration.”
She gave me a flat look, but decided to change the subject. “I have had messages of support from White, Suzanne-san and even Bunta-san. But what matters is always how we perform.” Her expression softened a little, though it was still stoic. “I understand you agreed to this as a favour from me, but it should benefit you as well, so long as we handle it properly.” Her dark eyes were intense as she explained. “You’ve read the question list I sent you?”
“Of course, I’ve thought about my answers too.” I promised. “Though obviously I agree we have to coordinate on what to say.”
“True.” she conceded. I went to sit down, but she tutted at me, so I remained standing. “The questions that will benefit us are on the upcoming charity concert, Britain, and perhaps the law changes. Unfortunately despite my best efforts, it was inevitable some questions would have to be asked. Such as our relationship. We need to answer that carefully.”
“I don’t think that’s such a big deal. We’re friends, right?” I said, and she seemed momentarily surprised I would say it so casually. “Well, aren’t we?” I arched one eyebrow questioningly. “We’ve helped each other a lot, I mean, you aided me in Kyoto and have looked after Shiro’s… well, Tan’s Territory all this time. I put people who could help clear your name in touch with you, and you supported me a great deal with my spatial experiments. We’ve fought together, so we’re at least comrades, but I prefer friends. Don’t you think so?”
After a moment she let out a long sigh. “White is a strange woman, falling for one such as you. Stop looking at me with such disappointed eyes. Yes, we are friends. I am not an ungrateful woman, I have a great hatred for such. But my point is that we met through White. Though there has been some media speculation on her, your other friends in nobility and politics have prevented too much intrusive digging. From her medical records it would be easy to trace her, and her family…”
“Yeah, Shiro’s worried they’ll try and get back in her life now. But if they just want money, selling a story would be an easy way… I think maybe the nobility have pressured them to keep silent. I’ll move up dealing with them. Shiro wants closure too.”
“I see.” Arisu-san’s stern countenance softened. “Good. White has suffered a great deal. I sympathise with having family and friends who are worthless.”
“You never talk about your family…” I mentioned, and she sighed.
“That is a story for another time. Though they are not as pathetic as White’s.” she said, and I was actually gratified she hadn’t denied my inquiry. “So, back to the questions. There are obviously the usual softball ones, though questions on our love-lives…” she sniffed. “I will shut mine down, but you can wax lyrical about your many conquests. It is not like you have kept it silent. Besides, romance and dating scandals are sickeningly popular, as I well know.”
“Yeah, it’d be insensitive to ask you. I’ll take over for that one.” I promised. “What else do we need to watch for?”
“I have guarantees that the more difficult topics will be avoided, and there supposedly is another guest, an idol. Her band will be appearing at your concert. So there might be some questions about the music we enjoy as well. In any case, try and avoid anything problematic…” she rolled her eyes. “White has awful taste, so I assume you do too.”
That hurts a little, but our hobbies are a bit esoteric, to say the least. “Yeah, I’ll be careful. So…” We continued to strategize until a rather attractive female staffer came in to turn on the TV in the corner for us, which showed us a view of the studio, where a male and female host were sitting, while a young woman dressed in sparkly idol clothes, short lacy skirt covered in ribbons, sleeveless shirt and pretty waistcoat was sitting, waiting.
“She’s from AKB48.” The staff member said. “She’ll be interviewed first for twenty minutes, then you two come in.”
Arisu-san nodded to her. “Very well. We shall be ready. You may leave us and return when it is time.” Her voice was cold and imperious, and the woman scurried off, face pale. Turning to me, Arisu-san advised me to watch closely, as it would give me an idea of the way the interview would flow. All right. Sure, I’ve been interviewed by a news reporter in Kyoto, and I’ve appeared in front of the world at the press conference in London, but… this is very different. Fortunately I’m with a pro, so as long as I don’t screw up too bad, I should be fine. Grateful that Arisu-san was here, ignoring the fact I was only here because she had asked me, I watched at the interviews started with a bright greeting to the audience, and their first guest, Kanzaki-chan…